The Imperial War Museum

This comprehensive museum on war summarizes the times and issues from World War I onward. Tasteful (if that can be applied to this subject) and very informative. Most of it was very hard to take in as the enormity of destruction and death continually prompted WHY?

Trenching tool

Artillery factory

Some had an Anderson bomb shelter in their backyards.

 

BMW R75 motorcycle

Clark CA1 bulldozer

M4A4 Sherman tank

 

Dinner at The Portrait

The NPG has a restaurant on the top floor with an extensive view. I decided to treat myself.

Course #1 - Parmesan Custard, Romaine Lettuce, Anchovy Crostini - when I inquired about this, the waiter told me it was a "lettuce" sandwich. It was tastier than the description. However, the crostini had way more olives than anchovies, which is one of the very few foods I dislike. Still tasty though.

Course #2 - Lamb Belly, Courgette, Capers - I love lamb, and this was served on a bed of zuchini with capers on top.

Course #3 - Ginger and Pear Steamed Pudding, Custard. This was the best of all and not just because it was dessert. The flavors were very unusual, and the custard was especially delicious.

 

Six Wives at the National Portrait Gallery

I have tickets to SIX next week, so I was delighted to see that the NPG had a special exhibit on the six wives of Henry VIII. 

 

Even though I've read a lot of great historical fiction, I still find it tricky to keep the wives straight. Here's a little ditty to help remember the fates of the six wives:

The six wives in order below:

Biking in Kensington Park

The sun was finally breaking through, so I tucked my helmet (that had traveled 3200+ miles) in my backpack and set off for the bus stop which would take me to Knightsbridge. The park was a quick walk from there. 

Payment for transit is contactless via a form of payment stored in your wallet. After a few false starts, it worked seamlessly.  

I had the Santander app, which seemed straightforward and easy. I had previously logged in and set it up to be ready to go. Three tries later when I still hadn’t received the required code, I headed for the kiosk where I had somewhat of immediate success. I opted for a day pass since I knew I wanted to bike for at least 30 minutes x 2.

I inputted the code, the bike unlocked, and I was on my way. After a practice spin in car park, I took off for the path. 

It was terrific to be on a bike again. The path was well marked with directional arrows. But that didn't matter as bikers were going in all directions, along with those strolling, or wheeling baby carriages. Most of London was on the path enjoying the cloudy but clear weather. 

The mounted police/security was frequently seen.

One of several restaurants along the way.

Paddle boats (blue in the distance) were available for rent.

I heard the sound of drums and thought there might be an outdoor concert nearby. Instead it was a protest march for Palestine. The crowd was huge and went on endlessly.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum was right next to the Science Museum. Some highlights: 

Bugs in our food!

The uninvited guests of a kitty...