This morning
we set out for the National History Museum, planning on maybe getting some ice
skating in before exploring inside. Light rain put paid to that idea so we went
straight inside instead. That building is COOL. We probably took more photos of
the building details than the exhibits themselves! Though the exhibits were
good as well...
First we
entered through the Earth sculpture into the ‘orange zone’ where we learnt more
about volcanoes, earthquakes (Christchurch always forefront in our minds),
changing plate movements and more geological facts and figures and looked at
fossils and other such fun.
Next to the
‘blue zone’ to learn about animals and birds where it was pretty sad to see the
massive cabinet of hummingbirds, amazing the variety even among just that one
species and the detail of their plumage and tiny nests, just sad to think how
many birds died for one man’s collection. The entranceway into the ecology area
was amazing! Lights and mirrors combined to make a huge blue sphere that seemed
endless in each direction – focussing on water and ecosystems mainly within
this exhibit. The detail on the walls, floor and ceiling of the original
building throughout this area was fascinating and many photos and ‘excited
pointings’ later we moved on.
Dinosaurs
were our next goal (as was the case for hordes!). We weren’t sure whether we
were keen to brave the cues so explored the great hall for a while before
committing to the line.
It moved
pretty constantly so approximately 15-20minutes later we entered the much hyped
dinosaur exhibition. It was interesting though overcrowded so we skimmed our
way through before exiting. More time for mammals next (including squirrels)
then through to the ‘no holds barred’ human biology section that even made
Brayden blush.
After this
we found our way to a photography and sketching area where a purple crown
jellyfish caught Brayden’s eye...on further reading Roni realised it was taken
in Niue = much excitement all round!
To the exit
through the great hall after this as it was almost 1pm and time to see the
light of day. Roni had researched some op shop possibilities so we caught the
tube to Baker Street where kai and drink was consumed before hitting the op
shops. Bray found a couple of possibilities and some funky items were spotted
as we wandered the whole area before leaving it for the day empty handed and
heading for home after a fun few hours.
On our walk
home we found a restaurant called La
Ratatouille, a Swedish war hospital for British wounded during WWI, the St
Marylebone Church Institute and Club, St James’ church on Spanish Place with a
cool Nativity scene then home time.
We had a
relaxing evening with screen time, dinner, back rub for Bray and a relatively
early night (apart from Bray watching NBA online in the early hours of the
morning).
