London` - Day 4

May 1, 2015

Sometimes there is more to the city than just the city! A short tube ride and a delightful walk across the classic art deco Hammersmith bridge brought us to The London Wetlands  known for it's population of local and imported birds. The weather was cool but no rain, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely walk around a well developed wetland conservation area. Most of the waterfowl we discovered were new to us, since these little creatures don't get around much like we do!

The UK Robin is smaller and has less reddish colors than our American version. It is such a kick to explore God's amazing creations. The developed area included a number of protective shelters to get out of any weather and out of sight of the skittish birds. We spent most of the morning and early afternoon exploring and making new friends with local birders. 

A few tube stops and a short walk and we moved from the natural world to the literary. The British library houses quite a collection of historical writing and even maps. We explored such sacred texts as the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed in Europe, and a number of old original manuscripts. The display also included original writings from the Koran and 

Buddhist teachings. Many of the first books were illustrated with intricate and colorful artwork.

Beyond the sacred writings we found, Leonardo DaVinci, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and even the original hand written lyrics from the Beatles.  There was a section of music scores and the first documents establishing government as we know it today.

After a coffee break we continued our history lessons at the British Museum. This amazing time machine transported us back to the early eras of the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Greeks. It is challenging to grasp how these massive stone sculptures were created without the machinery we know today. Unimaginable resources were expended for the personal pleasure and control for those in power.

A discovery in the Egyptian desert in 1799 greatly expanded our historical knowledge. The rosetta stone contained a single inscription repeated in three languages. This provided an invaluable tool to understand the ancient hieroglyphics. This amazing rock stood before us in the center of the exhibit.  Another amazing exhibit were the original marble sculptures that were on the Parthenon in Athens.

By know we have been on our feet all day, so it was time to head home with dinner at an Indian restaurant near our apartment. We seem to be well acclimated to the time zones now and firmly established in "travel mode".

Following a good nights sleep we bid farewell to our B and B hosts and hopped a train to Edinburgh. We really enjoyed our stay with Angie and Oliver. They have just remodeled there flat so everything was brand new. They only "let" out one room so it feels very much like we were staying with friends. We recommend them to any fellow travelers headed to London. Keep in mind, however, that your bed is at the end of four flights of stairs.

Tim and Kathy