Day 3

So much to see, so little time!
With only a small train ride away, Hampton Court was our first stop of the day. With not nearly enough time we hurried through the enormous estate. What I found most interesting about this estate was the effects of the ever-changing design periods. As you enter into Hampton Court there is a huge Tudor design. Red brick, think heavy designs, and cobblestone. Once you enter into Clock Court you can see where William and Mary first began to demolish the “Henry VIII version” of the court and began to reveal a very Grecian, more “up-to-date” look. The interiors were grand in scale and detail. The artwork, tapestries, and murals on the walls and ceiling were extravagant- magnificent to experience! There was not nearly enough time to soak in the detailed designs of the interiors nor was there any time to take in the sixty plus acres of gardens.
As we got back into the city we took a quick stop at Sir John Soane’s House/Museum. I think he would definitely win first place in a “collectors” competition. Besides all the unique and historical collections or the innovative architectures of his apartment I particularly enjoyed his renderings, a.k.a. masterpieces!! They were so amazing!

Lastly we stopped at the British Museum. I thought I’ve always wanted to go see Egypt- but I quickly found out that all of Egypt is in this museum. All the British need now is the pyramids! I was so excited to see the center of the museum- the part designed by Sir Norman Foster. He’s quite the regular around the city, the Gherkin, the City Hall, and this…. It was so cool! I especially liked the restaurant design at the top!