British Museum

Christine spent the day with Joanna and Alice to look for clothes for the latter. They decided to go to the large Westfield shopping centre in West London. They had lunch at Wagamama - Alice's favourite place to eat out.

Although some items were bought it was perhaps not the best of experiences (a pickpocket and a lost car did not help!) and most of the shops are the same as in any out of town shopping mall.

Meanwhile, Mike and Jessica went by train (from Slough) into London to visit the British Museum. It has been promoted on children's television and she was clear about what she wanted to see. 'Orrible 'Istories provided some of the background.

As soon as they arrived they headed for one of the food stalls and just managed to find a place to sit and eat. The new roof makes a very impressive space. The whole museum was very busy indeed so it took some effort to find a way around.

The Mostyn Tompion table clock, made for William and Mary, impressed Jess, with its spectacular ornate decoration and ebony veneer.

However, the main interest was with the Egyptian mummies and the ornate decorated coffins.

Etruscan pottery attracted Jess's eye and she pointed out which was her favourite.

Of course, they took a look at the Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles and the Rosetta Stone (no room to get a photo). By this stage Jess was sufficiently clear about hieroglyphics to understand the stone's importance in working out to read this once forgotten language.

By the time they left the museum it was becoming dark and near the Underground station they could see some of the seasonal lights.