July 13/13

Spent the day travelling to and at Down House, the home of Charles Darwin. The house has been restored to the way it probably was when he lived there. In some rooms the story of his life (along with displays) was told, but in other rooms, such as his study, they tried to decorate with original furnishings. It was also possible to walk the grounds past his garden and greenhouse, and to walk along the Sand Walk. This is where he would walk at specific times of day both for exercise and to think. Sometimes his children would join him. He placed 5 stones at the start of the walk, which formed an oval through a beautiful wooded area, and he would remove one stone each time he went around. But sometimes his children would put the stones back, trying to trick him into walking longer with them! He was very much a family man, and was torn apart when one of his daughters died young. It was neat to be standing and walking in the same rooms that Darwin lived, worked, and eventually died. This was especially moving for Michael, as he has great respect for Darwin and his work. This was actually the thing that Michael most wished to see while in the London area.