Simeon in London: British Museum day

Today is Mothering Sunday in England, and Julie and Emilie's mother wanted very much to visit the British Museum to look at the Egyptian exhibits. Simeon was also keen to go, being a monkey interested in all things cultural.

He was a little shy about going out today and showing off his monkey pattern baldness, but in the end he decided it would be all right as long as Julie was his bodyguard, so as to avoid being mugged by crowds and paparazzi. So off they went. (Emilie's wee hedgehog went along too.)

They happened to come across another visitor from the Americas -- this one from Darkest Peru. As Simeon has a relative made from Peruvian wool, they had plenty to chat about.

Ready to venture inside, with Jean-Marc, Emilie and Julie. The British Museum is free of charge for humans and simians alike.

All hail Sobekemsaf I! And his blue monkey friend! And the wee hedgehog too!

Simeon is impressed with the style and grandeur of the ancient Egyptian rulers. He is now thinking of growing an awesome Egyptian beard, as he supposes this would make him look striking and distinguished to casting directors. I don't have the heart to break it to him that blue monkeys cannot grow facial hair.

The pyramids are pretty amazing, when you think about it. Wouldn't it be cool if Simeon could visit them some day?

This mighty statue fragment says "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings!" And here you all thought the King was Elvis. But there you would be in error, O Best Beloved, for this was the original "wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command" from Memphis. (Well, Thebes, actually... but let's not quibble over details.)

It was a delightful day for Simeon -- and, we hope, for the rest of the family as well. Happy Mothering Sunday to all mums, past, present and future!