Class 1 (14 July 2014)

Outside the British Museum

As I jogged across Hyde Park at the top of my day, I noticed the people and scenery around me. I felt right in with them, as nobody gave me awkward looks as they do when I travel with the larger UTPA groups. I noticed the metropolitan police patrolling the park. Ensuring my safety, I continued to run the entire perimeter. As a former avid runner, I know the environment and air quality was amazing today, as I had no problems with my breathing. That’s hard to get back in the valley with all the smoke and pollution we usually get from Mexico. 

Today we made our way to the infamous British Museum. There were variety examples of monarchy, and empire… in fact, the entire museum itself reminded me of an empire. The British Government collected belongings from many countries around the world and created the very first library by creating a central location for many items of historical significance. The very first section I observed was the Egyptian area. There were mummies, and encryptions of Egyptian writing on stone, which I have never experienced in person. The museum even held the actual Rosetta stone, which helps translate the language from early Egyptian writing to Greek. It was shocking to know that as a world powerhouse, the British Government had the power and navy to take anything they wanted. It can be concluded, that many countries now want their items, especially with historical significance back from the British Museum. I discovered that not only does Egypt want their Rosetta stone, but that Greece also wants their Elgin Marbles back in their country, and Nigeria wants their Benin Bronzes back. I could imagine the frustration, knowing that your countries historical significance is being held in another country. British law prohibits any items that enter the museum to exit the museum according to the British Museum Act of 1963. This is a result of the British monarchy at it’s best.

The Rosetta Stone

Dropping the subject of my museum experience, my group members and I decided to leave the area and return to Lancaster Gate where we know of inexpensive food locations. The group stopped by Tuk Tuk, which is the guys, and I’s favorite spot, it’s a Thai noodle restaurant with very inexpensive prices. Since Angel and I don’t want to spoil Tuk Tuk and get tired of it soon, we went on a small journey down Queens to check out another location. I’m not very sure of the name, but basically I tried something I’ve never had before. Lamb. I have never had lamb in the past, and well today was the day that changed, and to be quiet honest… it was good! It could simply be that I was starving, but either way I really enjoyed my lunch.

I began feeling a little ill, and I think I’m currently coming down with a cold, so Angel and I stopped by a local drug store to pick up some cold/flu medication. I’m hoping that’ll kill whatever is going on with me. I want to say I have a cold from the cooler weather in the U.K. but it could be a number of things, from germs all over, or from other fellow classmates, I’ll be keeping you updated on that!