Yesterday was pleasant. I ended up going to the British Library, shopping a bit (only buying a half-price scarf), and then going to the British Museum. I really thought I had never been to the British Museum. But guess what? I had. Since my feet were already tired, I didn’t bother revisiting the museum. I spent a few minutes with the Assyrian relics, and then left. The weather really was too nice to spend the day indoors.
The British Library was great. There is a column of antique books on bookshelves in the center surrounded by glass. I should know the significance of these books - I read it on a plaque yesterday, but I cannot remember. The main attractions at the library are located in a large room off to the left after you ascend the first set of stairs. Here you will find “Yesterday” handwritten on the back of a greeting card, a handwritten copy of Jane Eyre, Lewis Carroll’s journal, and many other treasures. I must admit that it’s one thing to see, play, or hear any Mozart piece, but a very different experience to see the handwritten composition for a concerto. And by the way, those illuminated manuscripts are fabulous. They should really be considered art as opposed to history/historical documents. I was completely taken aback by how intricate and careful the details were in the designs and pictures. By the way, there is another library also next to Kings Cross tube station. I walked into this library thinking it was THE British Library. Turns out it was just an ordinary British library. I walked around for a few minutes pretending to peruse the books.
I ended the day by taking the tube to Westminster and taking some of those iconic London photograph shots with my new(ish) camera. Of course I have pictures of London Eye and Big Ben and Parliament and all of that, but I didn’t have any of those shots taken with a nice camera. Besides, I was meeting a friend in a pub near Westminster. Unfortunately, I was late to meet my friend. I gave myself plenty of time, BUT I did not factor in walking 15 minutes in the wrong direction. I (stupidly) chose to take the tube (rather than trying to find myself on the map and figure it out from there - I knew I was at least 15 minutes away). Twenty-five minutes later, I ended up at the Slug and Lettuce on Artillery Road (15 minutes late). I relaxed, ordered a drink, and talked to my friend for quite a while. If you ever find yourself at a Slug and Lettuce, the butternut squash lasagna is interestingly yummy.
This morning, I awoke about 1.30 unable to get back to sleep. I blame the girl who could not stop coughing. I got dressed in the dark, tried to repack my bag, and came downstairs to the pub. The pub looks as if it would be a cool place to hang out. I thought about it last night - it was packed - but I was exhausted after almost 36 hours of anti-sleep. I’ll leave in a few minutes to head for the Easybus stop.
Today’s plan:
1. Take the bus to London Luton Airport.
2. Fly to Pisa.
3. Take some photos of the leaning tower. I haven’t decided yet whether or not I will actually climb the tower, but as of now, I’m thinking no. I am absolutely exhausted and I’m not sure my body can handle the stairs/apprehension.
4. Take the train to Florence.
5. Check in at the hostel.
6. Try to post this (complete with pictures if possible).
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