Day Alone in London

Today I went into the city by myself to have an adventure. Without classes on Friday I figured this would be an amazing way to see everything I want to see. This morning I left at about 1130 to go to the Natural History Museum and Kensington Gardens. I took a bus to Wesminster and discovered how windy/cold it was and since I didn't know my way around I opted for the tube to the South Kensington stop. I found my way to the museum which was amazing on the outside. It didn't look like a museum at all. On the inside there is an extremely long dinosaur (Brontosaurous). I decided today would be the Blue Zone day. This included dinosaurs, human biology, mammals, and fish/water animals. The exhibits were all huge and had a lot of interactive aspects. In the dinosaur exhibit there was a bridge to walk above the exhibit and look down or at the hanging skeletons. On the other side of the bridge was a mechanical T-Rex. Then you were able to go into the part of the exhibit you'd seen from above on the bridge. It was all very organized and enabled you to see everything without getting too sidetracked with what was ahead. The mammal exhibit was very cool with lots of life size specimens or replications. The blue whale practically took up the whole room. Among the animals I even saw a manatee (represent youthcare!). The human biology exhibit was the biggest and most detailed I had ever seen, especially when it came to the birthing room. I have been noticing for a long time that the Brits do not necessarily censor a lot. But this was more than I would ever want any child under the age of 18 to see. The drawings of the birthing process, life size models of how your body changes in puberty, and the enormous fetus in the 'walk in womb' heartbeat included.

After the museum I walked to Kensington Gardens, which was close by. The park is so large. I got lost trying to find my way to the Peter Pan Statue, even though I was following the signs. It was a bit chilly but I feel that made for some artsy pictures. There weren't a lot of people and the sky was gray. The still green trees added a nice contrast if I do say so. After searching, asking, and determination I finally arrived at the statue. My dad better appreciate the picture I got for him. A nice couple offered to take my photo and I decided why the heck not, I worked hard enough to get here.

After Kensington Gardens I went to Oxford Street, which was quite the walk. It was enjoyable even if it was chilly. Once there I was bombarded with lots of people. I found the Primark, which is huge, hectic, and has wayyy better clothes than the one in Lewisham. I'll have to go back when it won't be so busy. The fitting room line and check out looked like amusement park lines. I walked into Selfridges & Co. which is a little expensive for my taste. I also saw a million Zaras and H&M's. I went into an H&M to only find that the dollar sign had been replaced with the pound sign. Prices were exactly the same as in the US but with a pound value. Not cool. I'm sure I'll go back and buy things though because it is still one of my cheaper options compared to TopShop. I searched for a bus back to New Cross when I arrived at Oxford Circus where the 436 to Deptford Bridge was going to be arriving. Thank God. I came home and practically collapsed after eating dinner. Needless to say it was a very enjoyable day all on my own and I can't wait until next week to do it again. :)