Museums, Markets, Musical…Cheers, London

The day was cloudy and temperate. We made our way to the Imperial War Museum almost directly across from our lodging at the Capt. Bligh House. The War Museum is flanked by two large fighter guns and a shell which was the size of me! The museum is free but for a donation you get a book of info and explanation, along with a tote bag( who doesn’t love a tote bag).

We started in the World War I level.

As museums go, this is a really well done one. It is visually very appealing.There is a real mix of mediums, actual photos, uniforms, large vehicles, planes, jeeps, tanks, etc. The creative use of digital media to draw you in with video accounts, or a table top with a board the appeared to shuffle photos and documents as you read was really compelling. The transition of the war from a duel-like exchange to a modern war with the the devastation it brings was palpable. The many posters and signs used to propagate support back home, made for a deeper understanding as the parallels to shifting powers and politics raised a level of anxiety.

Before leaving we also visited the floor dedicated to the holocaust. Although we have been to both the Anne Frank House, and the holocaust museum in Washington, this spent a little more time on the subtle descent into hatred and bigotry. It is a museum worth visiting multiple times.

We left with weightly emotions, but the day was pleasant so we headed over to the Boroughs Market. If Camden is funky and edgy, Boroughs is trendy and upscale. The market is edged with food stalls, again international. We wander passed the pie and mash, the salted beef, the Indian street food, and make our way to the Ethiopian. Three large kettles are steaming with the beef, chicken and vegetarian delights. A  box lined with a large scoop of rice, topped with your choice of main ( the beef was spicy and savory, the chicken, more creamy and flavorful), then choice of two vegetarian sides. We had the cabbage and onion, the spicy lentil, and the creamy spiced chickpeas. The stalls in the market are a mix of stately wooden rooms and wheel in daily set ups with umbrellas. It has a lively throng of tourists, locals on holiday or on lunch from work. The fresh fish mongers advertised there oysters, scallops, octopus are dived not trolled. The vegetable seller has arrangements of mushrooms that would rival a florist in their beauty. There are wine sellers, beer sellers, baked goods, spices, meats both butcher and prepared meats and the cheeses of the world. It is a feast for the senses. We are again buoyed in spirit.

We walk the city again heading through Covent Garden, passed the Lamb and Flag, ( okay, really, why pass when you can stop and enjoy the pub Charles Dickens frequented. Perhaps he hatched Oliver Twist or edited parts of a Tale of Two Cities while in this pub… seeking some literary inspiration we stopped off for a pint). On our way again, we head to the National Gallery museum. 

The National Gallery museum houses over 2,300 paintings. We planned to stay for a couple of hours ( we have been known to open and close a museum) so we choose our pathway carefully. There are fabulous works of arts, however the awesome discovery on this visit is Smartify. The smartify app downloaded on your phone allows you to scan a painting in the gallery and you can access all kinds of info about the painting, artist, etc. it was a very cool. It is easier to use than taking a photo. `After seeing some of our favorites we begin to wrap up our London stay, one more cream tea in the cafe, and one more night of London theatre.

We say farewell to London with the King and I. In a last minute ticket purchase we end up with a box seat… we hung over the edge feeling very connected to the actors( and a little like royalty!)  I recommend trying it at least once. The production was originally mounted at Lincoln Center in New York. Kelli O’Hara has a phenomenal voice and a natural easy way of playing Mrs. Anna. Ken Watanabe, also brought a rich depth to the King of Siam. The children were adorable and very talented. Costumes, choreography, and staging were worth the ticket even without the powerhouse leads. After a day of war and imperialism, the story of Anna and the king was very relevant and entertaining.

We left the theatre humming, and headed for our last double decker bus ride home. Tomorrow we day “Cheers to London”, then off to Ireland.