Derby was all I thought it would. A little quaint city located in the Midlands of the United kingdom. Never have I thought I would have visited, and more so fall in love with this city in such a short time. In my travels, if I haven't visited a museum or a heritage city in a new town, then I haven't fully visited.
The moment I stepped unto the soil of Derbyshire, I felt a warmth as though the land was calling out to me. Welcoming me with splendour to taking in this peculiar out door of the city center like breathing in a new air.
A Walk By River Derwent
I took a walk by River Derwent under light rain showers. The ambient was perfect; I bore witness with nature waving its hand of hello in birds, swan and more. Walking by the quiet river with my hand luggage was calm. The sounds of my baggage little tyre along the walk pathway was therapeutic.
Swans saying hi
The birds are not shy
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
A common theme about museums in the UK is staff hospitality. They wear smiles hanging on their forehead as soon as you meet them at the reception. I can't vouch for other members of staff aprt from the receptionist; this has been my observation.
Derbyshire has some unique gem stones that can only be found there in Derby as I was told.
I present to you - The Blue John
They also refer to it as a Derbyshire Spar. The curator said it's a rare Gemstone formed from yellowish and blue fluorite. A magnificent view I must say.
Gemstones, crystals, meteorites and more:
The Art Gallery
I was fascinated. I stood in awe just watching, observing and thinking what the artist's process was all about. Where did the inspiration come from and how did they know their talent and now to put it into use.
Joseph Wright of Derby
The beauty of history is reviewing,acknowledgeing and living through the work of peoples past lives. I hope someday before I depart this world, I get such recognition as a poet. My work, my life, and experiences getting immortalized.
His Life On Paper
Here are my favourites of his works where he explored a monochrome self portrait. If you find yourself in Derby, this exhibition is a must see.
Stolen or Donated
This section of the museum displayed carefully preserved relics from the world. These relics were acquired via conquest, looting and in some instances they were "donated". Some of the artifacts displayed were replicas as the originals were displayed in the British Museum. Indeed they were as I have seen them when I explored the British Museum in London.
I saw familiar relics from Nigeria particularly from the Yoruba tribes. These everyday artifacts felt different seeing them in a museum glass case. They are away from home, their origin and authentic story. All that's left are curated words about where they come from in the world.
Masks
The irony of displayed mask where lost relics from a distant land are masked as curated culture to show insight about a point in time. I was immersed in the experience and happy for the world to see beyond perceived identity of my home. The moral question of: is this right or wrong keeps crawling in my mind? Yet, it doesn't change past deeds. September is for celebration of peace. In this newness, let love lead and guide our paths. Let's peruse past lives, cultures and appreciate wherever they maybe. In a way, home is never far away...
The original was looted by the British. I had the privileged of seeing the original at the British Museum. Do you think the original should be returned?
A Yoruba talking Drum.
As the name suggests, the Drum, talks with sounds that is understandable. However, it is not in a vocal way but a melody that listeners can decypyt what the drummer is saying.
Pride Park Stadium
I made my way to the Derby County Football club stadium. A stadium I have only seen on TV. It felt good to see this arena and understand it's significant to the people. "We are Derby" they say. Football unites people; it is no difference.
The O2
I haven't done enough research but I have soon realised that there are other O2 arenas in the UK that's different from the popular one in London. In one of my visits to London, I took a tour of that arena. It was magnificent and gigantic. Derby's O2 is a lovely building adding more ambience to its environment.
Derby's O2 arena is located adjacent to the stadium. This made my Derby tour easier as I got to see both places at once.
Over to you
Derby was a wonderful experience catching up with friends and experiencing new things.
What did you do last summer?