January 17, 2014

"It was a dark and stormy night, rain fell in torrents...


...except occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets
(for this is London that our scene lies)."
-Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton (British novelist with such a great British name!)


The only difference?  It was a dark and stormy MORNING.   Scratch "ice skating in front of an awesome London landmark" from the bucket list. Well, for moi at least.  It appears that some employ the U.S. Postal service creed when it comes to their bucket list items...neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night ...blah, blah, blah.  Apparently ice skaters in London are more determined than my mailman!


Natural History Museum
London, England



"I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends"


After queuing in monsoon conditions for  45 minutes, and de-popping popped umbrellas ad nauseum...into London's Natural History Museum we soggily squished and dripped our way.




And then...the sun decided to shine, and it was even more stunning.


"I'm leaving because the weather is too good.
I hate London when it's not raining."
-Groucho Marx








"I seldom go into a natural history museum without feeling as if I were attending a funeral."
-John Burroughs


I concur.




"Heads or Tails"


Outside the Natural History Museum, in the sunshine, there were even more interesting exhibits.

Movement...



Additional non-living animals displayed in their natural habitats...




And a rare sighting of the elusive "Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada" carousel riding Mama.  I had only heard tales of her existence.  


"Armani, and Louis Vuitton, and Prada...oh my!"


But I have to admit, she does have ONE accessory that I would love to have.  Thank you to the sun for deciding to make a rare and elusive appearance of it's own.






Here's where I'm linking up today ..."The Party's On"

Please join me on Sundays for Song-ography.
This week's song title is Bruno Mars' "The Lazy Song".

29 comments:

  1. You are killing it with these images! Oh my word! These are no travel snaps, these are works of artistry!

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  2. oh my. these are all just stunning, that first one is definitely a framed piece. You captured the colors and the architecture of the buildings beautifully. Did you use your trusty Tamron lens on these shots?

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    1. Yep, the Tamron was the only lens I brought with me.

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  3. these photos are fantastic. I'm with you - if it's really cold and ugly out I'll just watch the skaters while enjoying a nice hot drink INDOORS!

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  4. Kathy your shots are incredible, and also love the ones where you slowed the shutter speed. Great work. Looks like you were very busy with your camera while you were there. Impressed with the tamron lens. I will have to be more trusting of mine. Love these!

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  5. I have not been the Natural History Museum in years.... I think I will have to rectify that this year.

    Mollyxxx

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    1. Molly... Get thee to the museum! They have a fabulous "wildlife photographer of the year" exhibit going on!

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  6. Amazing captures, perfect quotes, engaging stories of your visit. Museums are truly like funeral homes except when an army of kids are toured through and then it is like the family after party. Oh, and do they make the skating penguin in adult size? (it has been too many years since I strapped on a pair of skates.)

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  7. Those Londoners could invent a new sport....sail skating using their umbrellas to propel them across the ice! just imagine the speeds they could achieve!! You picked a perfect museum day, and your photos are gorgeous.

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  8. Wow! You did a wonderful job capturing your day!

    I laugh at the pick of the little girl learning to skate with her friend. All I've seen around here for little ones is something that resembles an older person's walker. That penguin would be way more fun.

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  9. Stunning images! I love the details you share to give us a taste of a place.

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  10. wow..such stunning photos! love, love love them!

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  11. Okay, the next time I'm in London can you give me some photo tips, these are FAB!

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  12. What Kim said about the photography - I've gone back through your trip photos several times and ... gazed longingly. Last photo is a hoot!

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  13. Oh to be able to afford a swanky handbag. Sigh. Great photos of the ice rink and all the outdoor activity!

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  14. After looking at your pictures I would love to hop on a plane and head over to London…wonderful and great images. Especially the Natural History Museum where I spent many (rainy) afternoons as a student…did you went across to the Victoria and Albert?

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    1. Yes! And I do believe I liked the V&A Museum better.

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  15. Your photography is stunning. And, since I am slightly obsessed with England... in a good, I want to live there (again) way, I love visiting your site. Visiting from Friday Finds.

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  16. A great serie and the B&W photos are very good!
    Posting from my new B&W Blog: http://hanshb.wordpress.com/

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  17. Wonderful series. All are so very good. I particularly like the shots of the carousel.

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  18. Terrific photo journal, Kathy! Very nicely done! Love, love the carousel. Give us more...Aloha

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  19. Wonderfull shots , great built , for Natural history museum, fabulous.Have a nice sunday.

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  20. Oh such fun images....London looks amazing! Would it be the Prada bag?

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  21. These are stunning - every single one tells a snippet of a story. Difficult to chose a favourite .. but I love the last one as it's so full of character. The low light levels over here can be a struggle but I think sometimes the challenge makes us think more creatively ! Thanks for linking to my Weekend Walks!

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  22. More gorgeous photos! Love them ALL...but the little skater could steal any heart, right!?

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  23. Parisians and Londoners just don't feel like they have to scurry to get out of the rain! Gorgeous photos Kathy

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  24. Excellent B&W photos. Color photos are also interesting

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