Old and New

One of the things that fascinates me most about London is that it is so layered. Bits of the Medieval city walls lurk like Jack the Ripper in Whitechapel alleys, and shiny new skyscrapers loom over them. At the Tower of London, new grows from or is built on or is built out of the remains of the old. 17th century buildings nestle up against 20th century replacements for what German air raids destroyed. London never forgets, even if people sometimes do; it keeps its old self in its bones.

Today was our free day in the city, and I spent some of it exploring old and new with former BVU UMC employee Matt Voigts, who is now working on a graduate degree at University College London. We started at the British Museum, exploring ancient artifacts and photographing the Elgin Marbles (magnificent!). Then we caught some lunch and went a few streets away to the charming Cartoon Museum, where I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful collection of British satirical art (including two delicious Hogarth pieces).

My Philosophy students will be pleased (or possibly a bit grossed out) to know that I have now been to visit the stuffed remains of the great Utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham. They will be disappointed (or possibly relieved) that I was unable to photograph Mr. Bentham because he was locked up in his box for the day. I do have a picture of the box, though! He's still at UCL, and still dead. Heh. I also visited the busts of Socrates and Epicurus at the British Museum, just to pay my respects to the old boys. They're looking a bit better than Bentham's head, I gather...

London has really been delightful, and I wish I could stay and wander around some more, but we've got to get ready for our next adventure -- tomorrow, we fly to Romania!