Part 4- William the Hippo,Tremendous Tapestries and The Temple of Dendur

Part 4 begins as we walk up the majestic steps of this magnificent landmark in New York's history. Walking past the rotunda we will go immediately to membership services. Our family has been members since 1950. Here you will receive a colorful metal button to put on as proof of entry.If this is your first time you are truly in for a great treat.It's one of the most impressive buildings in the world. I have been visiting this place for over 40 years and still haven't even come close to seeing it all. Having bonded with this place as a child I obviously have some favorite sections and exhibits.The first I would like to share with you is the infamous "William" who I will let others describe, as not to blow his importance out of proportion. As if that were even possible! The following is taken from an article in the New York Times.- "William" is the nickname given by the Metropolitan Museum of Art to this blue faience hippopotamus from ancient Egypt. The figure is decorated with stylized water lilies, symbolic of the hippo's river home, and dates back to the 12th Dynasty (1991-1786 B.C.). William has enjoyed such popularity that he has become the Museum's unofficial mascot. William came to the Metropolitan Museum in 1917, when it was donated by Edward Harkness. William was originally discovered in 1910, in the Tomb of Senbi at Meir. William has captured the hearts of museum visitors ever since his arrival there, and reproductions of William can be bought, along with smaller figurines, stuffed animals, and more.William is only one of many, many faience hippos and other figurines that were crafted by the Ancient Egyptians. They were used as protective amulets and figurines in the home, and they were placed in tombs to protect and aid in the journey to the afterlife. In the spirit of ancient Egypt, Ammba will drag you to her refuge and home away from home. The temple of Dendur-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Dendur

This exhibit has several strategic reasons to visit it. It's the closest and most easily accessible bathroom in the museum. Next, it has several places to sit , relax and enjoy the spectacular view. Last but not least it's an awe inspiring space which is second to none. Make your pit stop quickly , Ammba will be ready to educate you on the art of mummification and why she thinks it's the best way to go. It would be wise to be a little prepared, because she expects you to keep up and contribute something worthy to her special tour. So you don't embarrass yourself here is a little basic background info.-http://www.egyptologyonline.com/mummification.htm

So after a thorough inspection of this hall, we usually head to whatever is the main exhibit at the time. This is followed by a trip to the cafeteria and a little break. Small breaks allow you to pace yourself. My favorite is the tapestries. Even though the main tapestry exhibit is at the Cloisters, there are several incredible pieces in the permanent collection. We usually end up in the American wing which is a giant arboretum. Again plenty of places to sit and a wishing fountain. When our feet stop pounding we head for the exit. Onto the steps where street entertainment abounds. There are mimes, clowns, acrobatic troupes and musicians. Then it's onto the downtown bus. Deciphering the bus schedule is a task for a master cryptologist. I can not help you here, it remains a mystery even after it has been explained, so good luck. The reason we take the bus is that the view traveling down 5th Ave.is absolutely a sensory sensation. We get off at 10th st. and walk the extra block home. It's now a race to see who gets to the bathroom first. Silence and nodding heads are the next order of business followed by the next meal debate of what, where, when and how. If we survive that it's movie time- "Brought to you by Moviefone. If you know the name of the movie you'd like to see press one...You've picked 'Oh my god it's 12 bucks a person' starring you and your family. It's playing around the corner at Regal Union Square stadium 14. Thanks for calling Moviefone." That's it for now Jody