Monday, May 12, 2008

London day two

I had an adventure finding the Victoria Tube station this morning. Took a bit of a wrong turn, no surprise, but finally found it. I will be in incredible shape by the time I leave. They moved me to a larger room in my hotel today. The last room was a little more than a closet but I slept well.

Well I now have my reader’s card at the British library. It is very confusing and everyone seems to know what to do but me. The staff are very helpful and friendly so hopefully I will be a pro at this before I leave. But it takes a lot of time. Apparently my letters of introduction worked so I am awaiting the arrival of letters of Elizabeth I. Hard to believe they will let me look at them.

There is a strange collection of people in here looking at manuscripts. I guess I fit right in. I might have to wait up to an hour for the manuscripts to be delivered.

Next time I don’t think I will bring the laptop. I was told that a laptop was preferable but I might rather have a pad and paper as it is less to carry on the tube. Also I think I will be better prepared for my visit tomorrow. There is a huge learning curve on accessing national treasures.

I did get to touch and look at several letters of ELizabeth as a young girl, I also saw letters of James I, and Edward VI and even one from Francis Bacon to James I. It was so weird to see and touch that paper and know that over 400 years ago a young Princess used it to write letters.

I knocked off a bit early as I was beat. I may go out and look at the british library If I can find my way around. It is hot over here and crowded. I love it, but I miss Kristen.

1 comment:

Kerri said...

Wow. I'm amazingly jealous. To hold all the history in your hands. That must be awesome!