Sightseeing in London

In spite of sleeping in a new place and as a result not very well, I woke up at 6:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Of course that would have be 7:30 in Norway, and I can't for the life of me sleep later, no matter how little sleep I have gotten. Anyway, when Ingvild woke up we went out for breakfast - mocha and chocolate croissant at this eastern cafe just around the corner where Marjana works. It was such a pleasant place, cheaper than chains like Starbucks or Costa. The profile is environment friendly (napkins of recycled paper, organic food). Also the food has an eastern twist: they serve bagels with halloumi and hummus. You know how some places put a cookie or piece of chocolate on the saucer with your coffee cup. This place put a piece of the most delicous turkish delight on the saucer.

The gate of the Knights of Saint John

The priory garden

The priory church: still used when the Queen gives awards, such as knighthoods.

The grave of a Knight of Saint John in the Crypt under the Priory Church

After breakfast we went out sightseeing. Also just around the corner from Liberty Court is this gateway. Turns out it used to be part of a priory of the Knights of Saint John, and there is a little museum there describing their origin and history. The knights of Saint John were divided into the Knights Hospitaller, who ran hospitals in Jerusalem and other places in the Holy Land, during the crucades, and the Knights Templar, whose mission was to protect the pilgrims. I was especially facinated in the description of how the Hospitaller Knights worked: for example cleanliness, fresh air and prayer were the foundation for nursing the sick: basically the same principles that were reinvented by Florence Nightengale 800 years later.

Ingvild's University seen from the square and up close. This is where she is studying Journalism this year and hoping to study Sociology next year. The place where her future is being hammered out.

Our next stop was to see the Uni where Ingvild goes to class. Considering it was spring break, it was full of students revising for exams. There was WiFi there as well so I got caught up on my ipad. We were starting to get hungry now, and had talked of going the the Indian Tapas restaurant Imli, but Ingvild knew of a Chinese restaurant that she recommended. We went there and had the Chicken and Prawn Satay. It was delicious, filling and cost under £8 per plate. Not bad at all.

Outside the Museum of Natural History. It has the most amazing architecture. Like a cathedral or palace. I suppose one could call it a place for the worship of the natural sciences

Here's Ingvild in the main hall, where the biggest dinosaur is exhibited. Amazingly the museum is free.

Dancer catching up with Charles Darwin.

After lunch we went to the Museum of Natural History. There we mainly spent time in the dinosaur section. We tried to see more, but were by then totally overwhelmed with impressions. We had to take refuge in a Starbucks on the way back to Liberty Court to have a drink and rest our feet and ears. For me London is like New York - or really every other big city I have visited: Lots of friendly people, cultural and historical places of interest, theatre, ethnic restaurants, opportunities for shopping... Everything within a hop, skip and a jump. And yet I find it hard to get used to the noise level, the crowds, and the close quarters. Once again I am reminded that though a city is fascinating to visit, I am a country person at heart.