Rock Chalking Around London

Hello, I am Madeline Hazlewood. I am going into my junior year at the University of Kansas and I am a psychology major. Rock Chalk! I have never been to Europe before and I am excited to study across the pond for these two weeks!

Today we had class time first. In class, we discussed aspects of culture that have shaped us. In addition, we completed an "I Am..." activity. This activity included identifying social, material, and spiritual aspects of ourselves. Overall, this should serve as a guide as we begin to immerse ourselves in the culture of London and identify its psychological aspects. 

After, we headed to the British Museum. The British Museum is located in Bloomsbury and is dedicated to history, art, and culture. It houses various exhibits separated by continent and country they are from. Notably, I visited the mummy exhibit as well as the imperialism exhibit. The interesting thing about museum is the fact that most of the items on exhibit were stolen from colonized peoples by the British Empire. It is important for us to recognize how Britain's history of colonialism continues to affect people in the former colonies today. My favorite exhibit was the Gebelein Man. This man died and was buried in the 3500 B.C. He was buried in Gebelein, Egypt in a shallow stone grave with stone slabs to cover him. The notable thing about this man is that his body was naturally mummified by rapidly drying in the hot desert sand. His hair is even preserved! His cause of death was a stab wound. 

We finished off our day by heading to a local Italian restaurant and reflecting upon our day. 

Class time!

Pictured in this image is Jesse Quickel, Lorelai Buford, and myself in front of the entrance to the British Museum.

Pictured is Sir Hans Sloane. His collection was purchased to found the British Museum. He acquired the collection while in Jamacia as he worked as the physician to the British Governor of the island. He was also the personal physician of King George I and King George II.

Pictured is coffins on display as part of the Egyptian Mummy Exhibit. 

Pictured is a looted statue from Easter Island. The island has requested the statue back, however Britain has refused.