London, Day Four

During our first day in London with Jenny, we were reminded of what a perfect fit she was to travel with six children through Europe on a crazy road trip. Not only were her childcare skills tested, but so were her professional skills. Our first stop of the day was the Tate Modern Museum. I loved how Jenny took my children around, asking them why they thought the artist created what he created and what message he was trying to convey. In a modern art museum with children, this was the perfect approach.  

Upon leaving the museum, Ezra decided to climb on the huge statue of the human body in the courtyard. It was slightly raining, Ezra was wearing his rubber batman boots, and the base of the statue was a slick, hard plastic. This turned out to be an unfortunate combination. Ezra slipped. Blood immediately began gushing out of his chin. I knelt with one hand around his shoulder, comforting him, and with my other hand, catching a stream of blood. Ezra wailed. I knew that we were quite a scene, because passers by stopped to watch, with some asking how they could help. Jenny was already off to collect napkins. I asked at the information desk if there was a first aid kit, and they sent the museum's medical crew. Jenny, who was on leave from her nursing position in Chicago and who is studying to become a nurse practitioner, had already determined that Ezra needed to be seen by a doctor. The medical technician soon arrived and asked if we needed an ambulance. I asked where the hospital was and decided that I thought that I could walk there, even with a bleeding Ezra, but I asked how much the ambulance would be, just in case. "Oh, this is not America!" was his reply. Everyone can go to the hospital. It is free!" We still decided to walk, but realized that our unfortunate situation was actually a cultural experience as well. Ezra was seen at Guy's Hospital, a quick ten minute walk away. He was glued and taped back together by a nurse. He was a great patient and the medical team raved about how well behaved and brave he was. Ezra thought that the idea of himself being glued and taped back together was hilarious. I asked what I owed on my way out, and the nurse again replied, "It's free. Thank the British tax payers." Of course I thought that this was great for our current circumstances and it also opened up a great discussion regarding socialized medicine and our countries current dilemma with health care. In addition with the social and cultural experience that Ezra's fall provided, we also happened to be in the tallest hospital complex in the world, not exactly a tourist destination, but contributed to the silver lining of the morning's situation.



On our way back from the hospital, we stopped at the Globe Theater. As an English teacher, it was fun to see where Shakespeare's plays were preformed during the Elizabethan period.

We walked through a fun, hip market that was located in the underpass near the Tower Bridge where we picked up hunks of bread and some fruit for a treat.

We made our way to St. Paul's Cathedral and decided to tour it just from the outside. I reminded the kids that this is where the woman feeds the birds in Mary Poppins, so we sat on the front steps and watched the pigeons scamper about.

Our next stop was the British Library, which is full of original historic manuscripts. We especially enjoyed the Beatles hand written songs, Leonardo Da Vinci's original sketches that included ideas for models that were recreated in his gardens that we had already seen, copies of the Gutenburg Bibles and two copeis form the year 1215 of the Magna Carta, as well as other impressive documents. My Uncle Scott strongly recommended that we stop here, saying that we only needed thirty minutes, but that it would be well worth the visit. He was right. It was perfect for our children and for me.

On our way out of the area, we stopped at the King's Cross train station and looked for platform 9 3/4 from Harry Potter. This was a quick, fun stop for my children, who had only imagined this spot from the Harry Potter books.

Our last stop of the day was Covent Garden's Market. This market has been here since the beginning of the 1600's. It is also the setting for My Fair Lady. Eliza Doolittle was a flower seller in Covent Gardens. We stopped at a few different stalls, looking at the wares to be sold and then settled in to watch the street performers. Ever since the 1600's street performers have been entertaining shoppers in this same spot. Our favorite was a contortionist, who could to amazing tricks with his body.

After finding another Ben's Cookies stand, we wandered the streets of this fun area and finally found dinner at Pret Manger. We were all sad to say good-bye to such a fun city, but promised ourselves that we would be back.