1. Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of
Surgeons, London- This museum was founded by John Hunter, an anatomist,
obstetrician, and doctor who lived from 1728-1739. Hunter collected over 3,500
anatomical preparations (skeletons and the like), fossils, paintings, and
drawings. John Hunter greatly improved the knowledge of human anatomy, but was
also known as a bit of a mad scientist and not all of his unique specimens were obtained legally. I think it would be
fantastic to see this medical collection that has been preserved since the 18th
century.
2. House of Nicolas Flamel, Paris- Flamel was known as a famous alchemist in the 14th century. He is also famously credited in
the Harry Potter series as one of the
co-creators of the Sorcerer’s Stone. His former home was built in 4017 and still
exists as a restaurant on rue de Montmorency in Paris. I would love to eat here
while visiting Paris, the restaurant is said to have wonderful food and
ambiance.
3. Salvador Dali Sundial, Paris- Dali designed a
sundial as a gift to the city of Paris. It appears as a face that keeps
watch over rue Saint-Jacques. Unfortunately this piece of art does not
keep time, although I’m not very surprised given it was created by Dali. I’m
not sure he would care whether it functioned or not. I love Dali’s work and I
love public art so I can’t wait to spot this hidden gem.
4. Trafalgar Square Lions, London- The creator of
these famous lions, Edwin Landseer, based the sculptures off of the corpse
of a dead lion. The lion began quickly decomposing and had to be discarded.
Landseer used his own domestic cat (alive, I hope) as the model for the
lions’ paws, so they are said to look a little strange. I have to incorporate
cats into the trip somehow!
5. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, London- This pub is
located off of Fleet Street in an alley appropriately called Wine Office Court
and it is one of the oldest in England (though no one can say for sure which is
the oldest). This pub has long been a hangout for writers- Charles Dickens reportedly
penned A Tale of Two Cities here!
This is a great way to incorporate drinking while experiencing culture and history.
If you have any suggestions of places to visit, or if you
want to tell me about your favorite place in London or Paris, please comment
below!
