Years-wise, adorable British women

It is interesting to see in what people place value. While on my way to Camden yesterday, our group spotted St. Pancras Church with a sign saying ‘Open. Please join us.’ When we entered the aging church, we were greeted by a pleasant older woman who encouraged us to look around. Later while we were admiring the wooden benches, gold-leafed Christ statues, and the mysteriously covered altar, she returned with black mittens saying ‘Would you like to see the real bit of history in the church?’ Startled by the woman’s kindness and warm interaction, we could not refuse. She lifted the altar’s covering to reveal a stone tablet with five crosses etched onto its surface. The women explained that the altar plate was with the church when it began in 1200 and has survived the Reformation and Cromwell’s Commonwealth because the church parishioners buried it for a few hundred years. To this woman and her church, the altar plate represented the perseverance of a lifestyle even against opposition and new ideas (i.e. the Roman Catholic Church), and she wanted to share this victory/piece of history with us. Later chatting, we learned of two more ‘claims to fame’ for this church: one of the Beatle’s album covers was photographed in the church’s garden, and the English-phone-booth shape, seen throughout London, was inspired by the mausoleum that the church housed. Overall, a spectacular find for an unplanned stop!

This experience was distinctly different than today’s viewing of creations by Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Caravaggio at The National Gallery. Very much planned, the visit was very nice but lacked the human connection that our church visit brought. The paintings were protected with glass coverings, ropes, invisible laser sensors, and a security guard - just for good measure. Although The National Gallery is willing to share their treasures with the public, it is sharing with a significant hint of hesitation. (Please note – I do realize this Gallery houses pieces of art that routinely auction for 3,000,000 GBP, individually) To see ideas and academics materialize before your eyes is magical. The art was stunning and warranted more time than I had, but my greatest desire was for the adorable British woman to appear.  I wanted her to tell us why these paintings are significant for her, her lifestyle, and the English culture.

So, here is to wishing for more years-wise, adorable British women.

-Kate

After exploring Camden, we went for a stroll in Regent’s Park. This is the Royal Park that is less than two miles from where we are living. It was so large, fantastic, and contained a wonderful wooden playground J

Trafalgar Square was incredibly busy on Sunday afternoon due to a Russian concert. Still, it was a fantastic afternoon that included the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Plus, Twigs and I were able to find a few of eggs in London’s ‘Big Egg Hunt’!