A Family Reunion (of sorts) and the British Library (again)
japra | Aug 12, 2008 | Comments 10
Trudy in a nearby field. Taken yesterday in England on my Blackberry Pearl.
Saturday, Roxi and I went into London to meet a cousin of mine at Waterloo Station. Actually, it was more of a drive-by reunion since we only spent about 15 or 20 minutes together. But wow-we’d never met before, so it was very exciting! Technically, Neil is my second cousin, at least I think that’s right. His paternal grandmother and my paternal grandmother were sisters. His father and my father were first cousins and good friends growing up.
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After our mini-family reunion and despite the Victoria line being closed for repairs, Roxi and I managed to find our way to the British Library, my third time, Roxi’s first. We’re such geeks! Roxi was groovin’ to the Magna Carta and other historic manuscripts from the time of Æthelred the Unready and King John. And I’m not sure how I missed this during my first and second visit, but this time, I saw Jane Austen’s handwritten draft of “Persuasion“, my very favorite Austen book. It was just there, sitting on top of her writing desk, which I saw before but didn’t realize was hers–DUH! Here’s a list of some other goodies on display at the Library.
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It’s raining today, big fat drops that remind me of Autumn. I see “heavy showers” are predicted for the next seven days with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the lower 50s. Sunrise these days is at 5:41 AM and sunset at 8:30 PM. Fall is definitely around the corner. I actually love the rain. It’s the short days that I could do without.
Filed Under: Blog • Destinations • London • Museums • United Kingdom • What to Do
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
I’ve never been to the British Library. Now I wish I had! What wonderful treasure there are there!
I’m like you. I love rain. Most people find that odd, but I love when it gets overcast for awhile and rain pours down. Luckily, we get lots of summer rain here, though not as much as you.
I’m really looking forward to visiting the Library. Plus I get to attend a librarians’ meeting there in November. That’s the pinnacle of something!
That Trudy just has the greatest doggy smile in the world and such a crazy wild tongue!
Regarding the Sisterhood of the Traveling Marmite, perhaps you’ll be able to squeeze in a lunch (Galveston? Houston?) when you make it home for the holidays. Be thinking of something fabulous that you just have to have from Beaumont. :)
It is so nice meeting family and friends overseas. I always find that the experiences go so quickly but are so memorable.
The British Library looks interesting! I must give it a chance. I love that they have a display on Monkey’s Journey To The West.
Alyson–Since you’re a book lover and a history devotee, I am certain that you would love the library. I would be there all the time if we lived in the city.
Kathy–Can’t wait to hear about that… especially if they take you on a tour!
Laurie–That sounds like fun! Sisterhood of the Traveling Marmite–hahaha :-)
Emm–I know you’ll love it, since you’re a book person ;-) I really wanted to check out “The Ramayana” exhibit, but ran out of time so I couldn’t do more than stick my head in… but I’m going to try to catch it before it closes on Sept 14.
Wow. I did not know what Ramayana was and had to look it up. That looks awesome. I know all my Hindu friends in South Africa would be interested in that.
It really does feel like autumn around here. Sigh.
Persuasion is my favorite Austen book, too.
Did you and your cousin agree that your “drive-by” was worthy of another, longer visit? Is he just traveling here?
I’ve wanted to take my kids to the British Museum all year, but my eldest is resistant. Maybe I’ll take my Mom instead.
I worked right around the corner from Waterloo at King's College London. There's a great bakery around the corner. Komindor & something.
Miss the Uk so much it hurts. Coming for a flying visit in october to deliver a painting to the National Army Museum.
Emm–The paintings are so vibrant! I would love to know how they mixed those colours.
Bee–My cousin and his wife were in town to visit the wife’s sister. They live far away, so I am not sure I’ll be seing them any time soon. But I would love a chance to get to know them better. They are both charming and funny. I think we’d get along well.
Pigtown–Yet another museum I didn’t know about! Looks very interesting. I’m sure my husband would like to visit it. Is the painting yours?
you are technically first cousins once removed. your children are second cousins – at least I think THAT is right! :)
trudy has the best smile, almost as good as my niece -dog, I’ll send you a picture you will crack up!!!