Relief

Our sponsor today is the word "relief".

We had planned to take a train to Oxford this morning, but my cold took a turn for the worse in the night. I lost a lot of sleep from coughing. This morning, while I had a nap, Joel explored the Queen's Rose Garden.

When he returned, I was relieved to be feeling a lot better. We walked to the British Museum, a half hour walk from where we are now staying in the Fitzrovia District in Central London.

So many civilizations are represented at The British Museum. Assyria, Babylonia, Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, the Islamic world. All of them having made amazing art like this piece.

The crowds were fairly light until you got near the Rosetta Stone or into the room with the Egyptian sarcophagi. By the time we were there, we both had the same thought, "Get me out of here!" It's wonderful travelling with another introvert.

There's the Rosetta Stone. And it's crowd.

So, back to our sponsor. Remember? Relief?

Relief carvings. So many civilizations documented their wars in relief carvings.

Messages carved in stone and almost as clear today as thousands of years ago when they were first carved.

Rooms 38 and 39 documented the development of clocks. This is the Milkmaid and Cow automaton clock, built in around 1600. "The farmer's staff points to the time. The cow's eyes move back and forth. When a switch is set, the milkmaid "milks' the cow. Liquid held in a reservoir inside comes out of the udder as she moves her arms up and down."

Unbelievable!

And more relief work on the base.

Shout out to my friend Jaymie. These coins reminded me of you and your work.

After we had our fill of the Egyptian room crowds, we made our way through "The Great Court" to the street. I could stay in that room for hours. The light was wonderful.

Lunch was had...

... and a tea seller's store was explored. Note the light fixture.

We crossed the Thames to the south bank. I'd done the walk virtually a few times in anticipation of our time here. Joel has walked here once before and wanted to show me that part of the city. The skies were moody this afternoon.

This is the bridge we walked over.

It was a long walk north along the river but we finally made it to our destination, the Tate Modern.

And, her again today's sponsor came to mind: I felt relief that Ted was not with me to witness this piece of art. Just think how long I would have to hear, "You call that art?"

We spent some time in a few of the Tate's selling areas. Joel was looking for something to bring home for the girls.

And, back on the south shore and making our way back home. St. Paul's Cathedral on the left. And yet another really interesting bridge.

What sold me on the suggestion of walking to the south bank were a couple of things. 1. it's downhill all the way there. 2. We would be taking "the tube" home. I was full of relief to be sitting on a subway seat and thinking of the lovely day we'd had.

And.... Ted.... I think that just being inside the Tate Modern has changed my style.

Joel walked around 21,000 steps. We are guessing that I walked 16,000 or thereabouts. I am relieved to be feeling much better. Thank you for your prayers.

Tomorrow is our last full day here. We will be moving to a hotel.