I Heart Africa.

I went to the British Museum to see the "Made in Africa" exhibit. I enjoyed it. However, it felt a bit strange appreciating African art in the British Museum. I wondered how the creators of the pieces would feel about that. So when I wasn't thinking about colonialism and oppression, I appreciated the exquisite wood carvings and perfectly beautiful pottery. I also couldn't help but think about South Africa. I remembered how hopeless and sad I felt when I came back. The sad eyes of the little boy who was HIV positive lurked in my mind as I wondered how he was doing now. However, I did have a moment of hope. A sculpture called "Tree of Life" was in the center of one of the main court areas. The sculpture was made from gun parts. The story is that people in Nigeria were encouraged to exchange their guns for other things; such as bicycles, farming supplies, etc. Everyone in one town turned in their guns for a tractor. This was a huge step towards peace in the region. The artists took the guns apart and created sculptures that symbolized rebirth and peace. It was neat to imagine Africa in a hopeful light. As I started out my day reflecting upon Africa, I committed today as my day to pray for Africa throughout the day. I feel as if I've almost come full circle from two years ago and I hope to fully understand one day why I love Africa so.

After the Africa exhibit, I made my way over to the Egypt stuff (which is basically the rest of the museum). I felt bad for Egypt. After Sue visited this museum in the summer, she told me that it basically had everything from Egypt. Oh, I believe it. From huge sculptures to mummies, the Brits have it all. I'm sure if they could have, they would have even transported the pyramids; but y'know, they're too darn big. One day, Sue and I can plan a grand heist where we'll steal some things from the British Museum and return them to Egypt.

Oh! They had a reading room which was HUGE - a circular room with a big dome and the walls were shelves filled with books from floor to ceiling. It was breathtaking. It's almost my dream library that I want in my home one day. The only thing that was missing was that uber rad sliding ladder thing (like in Beauty and the Beast). *sigh*

Goal of the day: go to sleep at a decent hour (decent hour being anytime before 5 in the morning).