We visited the British Museum today and boy oh boy, did it feel like deja vu.
It felt exactly like day #2 of the trip last year. Mom seemed to want a million pictures taken of her and no matter how I took it, it’s never good enough. “There’s a pole shooting out of my head.” “I look so ugly.” “Don’t you know how to take good pictures?”
It just made me about to boil!
Anyway, I still saw a lot at the museum despite a majority of it didn’t interest me. I might be one of those weirdos who only likes US history. World history like looking at Egyptian mummies and trying to be amused by a tablet that’s thousands of years old and contain an ancient language absolutely bores me. I wasn’t interested when I was in 6th grade and certainly not interested in it now.
Everything somehow looked similar to me. Perhaps it’s because they are all the color but like I’ve mentioned on this blog before, I’m as tone-deaf about art as some people about music.
That is not to say I found nothing interesting about my visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the clocks and watches exhibit. I enjoyed looking at the evolution of these time-telling devices and as someone who likes to take things apart to find out how it works, I was fascinated by the mechanics behind these ancient times pieces.
I was also intrigued by things like this Japanese bowl, which took the artist 6 months to make. I think I found this intriguing because as someone who’s never satisfied with the ordinary, this is not anything that’s ordinary.
After the museum, we made our way to Chinatown and I must admit, London Chinatown is nothing like I’ve imagined and it’s one that’s different than all the other Chinatowns I’ve visited so far. The part I visited was a pedestrian promenade – foot traffic only.
Maybe I’ve watched too many TV shows and movies because London is nothing I thought it’d be or maybe I just haven’t visited the parts of London that hasn’t been in TV or movies yet.
This is Another Story 
I have very strong feelings about that “tablet” (assuming you’re referring to the Rosetta Stone). The Egyptian museum in Cairo only has a replica because the British won’t give the real one back. Boy, if I was there, I would’ve said something about that!
Kidding! I’m much too shy! 😂
I also have strong opinions about mummies on display, which I touched on on my Egypt A to Z series. While a part of me would have loved to see them, another part of me feels so weird about it given that they were once living breathing human beings, not a showpiece.
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They called it a “Stela,” I had to look it up, not sure what the difference is between that and a tablet other than the size. I was surprised how much the British have in their collection but what do you expect from a country who “owned the world” at one point in history?
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Love the Japanese bowl as well. I had an Egyptologist guide in Egypt and she made the history come alive. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed hearing about it. I naturally love all old and ancient things. Past lives memories I always say.
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I’m more of a storytelling person. I like the story more than the object.
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Perhaps you’re tired and would feel more enthusiastic later, and perhaps when your mom stops bugging you
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I think at this point, she’s more tired than I am. I’ve been able to sleep with earplugs, fortunately.
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That’s really good. Hope the rest of the trip goes well
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how neat! I have always wanted to visit England, especially Oxford. I really admire John Henry Newman.
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Try to enjoy your trip. When your mom starts in, just walk away from her. Eventually she will get the idea that you’re not enjoying her berating you.
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That’s what I did and it was nice for a moment until she came back.
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Keep separating from her when she acts out. She’ll eventually get the idea that her comments are not welcome. It may take a while, but make sure she knows she’s loved.
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You’re still jet lagged. Sleep experts say that It takes about ten days, or one day for every time zone you crossed to recovery fully. However, somewhere in the middle you’ll start feeling more yourself. Photographers rules No preconceived notions, If you’ve seen too many British movies, shoot details and people. Buildings are boring. Number two, photography is a solo passion. Number three, leave grumbling travel partners at a meal or in the hotel until they get the point.
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I totally agree that photography is a solo passion. As a landscape photographer, I find if I spend the time to look and compose through the lens, I can get something good.
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You’re not a street or travel photographer, really. Although the p[icture under the gray sky was killer. Could live in anybody’s portfolio. As far as London not being for you, the reasons you mentioned are the same in every big city. Try walking in Hong Kong during rush hour or in the rain. Here’s my suggestion. Get off the beaten path. Get away from tourists and office workers and go to some of the sub areas that are pretty, even older than what you have seen and just take your time. I’m pretty sure your mom would like it too. If you need a little help with ideas I gave my SIL your blog site address. She’s called Anoushka. Have fun.
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No, I’m more into nature. Though I like doing cityscape, I’m into places with next to no people. For some reason, people makes me anxious. I constantly feel like I’m getting in their way.
Ah, 😱, don’t even make me. I’ve walked Hong Kong streets during rush hour and almost got pulled off the subway in Guangzhou.
My mom is different. She doesn’t like much of anything. She thinks natural places are all the same. She often says, “why do we need to go see Mt. Fuji when there’s so many snow-capped mountain outside my front door?”
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