Natural History Museum and Goodbye UK

This week marks the end of my Travel Tales for a while. Susanne and I left York after our one night stay in the hotel and caught the direct train back to Banbury, where we had booked three nights in Whately Hall, the local Mercure Hotel. They responded to my request for a quiet room with a suite overlooking lawn and gardens at the rear of the building so we heard very little traffic, even though this hotel is situated on the main road in Banbury. Having these final few days near London meant that we were able to spend time with my son and daughter-in-law, plus a day with the youngest members of my family.

The Natural History Museum has to be one of the most fascinating places in the world, particularly for curious children. We arranged to meet in the huge foyer, knowing that the children would go immediately to that enormous skeleton model.  All we had to do was keep an eye out for them.

He moves up and down and roars at the excited children.

Like all children, these two were fascinated by the moving, roaring dinosaurs.

I’ve been to London’s Natural History Museum at least four times, mainly with various grandchildren, and have discovered something different each time, but that is what sticks in children’s memories.

As well as the dinosaurs, we took the very long, high escalator up to a section devoted to the geological history of the earth. Here there was heavy emphasis on volcanoes, always fascinating for children. I was  impressed with Camille, who was only about seven, but who could read most of the scientific terms. As a former student of geology myself, I couldn’t resist expanding on the information provided for children (and interested adults), so we had an enjoyable and informative afternoon.

Like most young boys, Howie was not so easy to keep interested once we were past the dinosaurs, so an early dinner was in order. An Italian eatery provided the right sort of meal for each of us – pasta for the children, followed by chocolate ice cream. I’d say this was the best part of the day for Howie.

Then it was back to Banbury for our last night in England, packing and repacking to fit everything in our cases (including the extra one we needed to buy at the last minute) and toss out many of the brochures we’d collected. Nick (if ever you need a driver in the UK, ask me for Nick’s contact; comfortable cars that can handle all of our luggage, reasonable prices for a private chauffeur, and honest, pleasant and reliable service) drove us to Heathrow the next morning, for our afternoon flight to Dubai and the usual change of aircraft to Perth.

This was probably my last long trip overseas. I still have several places on my bucket list, but the body is not what it used to be. I have yet to visit New Zealand, I’d love to see the Norwegian fiords and visit St Petersburg. There are rivers in Europe to be travelled or retravelled and one place in Spain that I visited for one day, back in 2000. La Mezquita-Catedral in Cordoba, was, for me, the most fascinating and beautiful of the famous Moorish buildings in Southern Spain. Egypt was on my list for many years, but each time I planned to go there, conflicts broke out and it was too dangerous.

If I do manage to fly away again, I will let you know. Meanwhile, I hope you too, have enjoyed following Susanne and me on our wonderful holiday.