{"id":41435,"date":"2024-11-08T12:55:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T12:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/?p=41435"},"modified":"2025-03-16T14:30:56","modified_gmt":"2025-03-16T14:30:56","slug":"british-museum-hannah-gadsby-bluewater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/british-museum-hannah-gadsby-bluewater\/","title":{"rendered":"British Museum \/ Hannah Gadsby \/ Bluewater"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

[Photos taken 08 – 10 November 2024, posted online 16 March 2025. Spring is in the air! Predictably the garage calls out for a spring cleaning, but I just don’t wanna!<\/em>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hannah Gadsby<\/a> was kind enough to bring both Douglas<\/a> and Body of Work<\/a> to Iceland, but when it became clear that Woof<\/a> would not grace our shores, I caved and decided to use it as a good excuse to visit London for a weekend, all by my lonesome self, staying at dad’s and Shirley’s place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I decided to expand on the day of the show a bit, and started out at the (somewhat controversial<\/a>) British Museum<\/a> where I oooh-ed and aaahhh-ed over shaped rocks and metals from very long ago. I then scarfed down an uninspiring hamburger and fries for dinner, before having a grand time at the show. I just barely caught one of the last trains back to home-base, but it was a very good day overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following day we ventured to the Bluewater shopping center<\/a>, where I vaguely recall finding a few things, but as I was traveling with hand-luggage only, my space was limited. The following morning, dad dropped me off at the airport, and that was the end of my long weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday 08 November 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Yours truly outside the British Museum<\/a>. It’s free, but you should sign up for timed tickets in advance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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The afternoon began at this unassuming train station.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The full-day ticket was not exactly cheap at GBP 31.30! I hope regular commuters can get a lower fare!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A river view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A less inspiring view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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In the land of long escalators.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Ah, the London Underground<\/a>, always so steam-punk!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The local death-trap, it’s 175 steps to the surface! I dutifully took the small elevator up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Russel Square Station<\/a>, so steam-punk!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Really quite gorgeous!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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My first order of business was finding some food. The Noxy Brothers<\/a> had good reviews.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A fine bagel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Nice view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The impressive building opposite the cafe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Walking through Russel Square<\/a> proper.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Another idyllic place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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An illuminated arch for phone-photos I guess?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Passed a fancy upscale hotel, with impressive chandeliers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Looking backwards towards the security check tent I’d just going through to get into the British Museum. They do look inside your bag.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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There was a steady stream of people entering.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I randomly wandered into some room, and found this imposing thing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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It was a nice change to wander around solo, so I could just take my time reading the signage and oooh and ahh.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Circular thing in front has a long story hewn in metal. Further away is a door guarding thing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Really impressive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The bands on this enormous door had similar metal-stories.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The museum is self-aware of its own history.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Still some colors present.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I my recollection this was a doorway to the afterlife.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Big hat is big!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The surrounded Rosetta stone<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Some squiggles explained.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The cats got in on the domesticating-humans-gig early!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A beauty<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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It’s got some secrets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This inscribed slab survived as a mill-stone…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A very large illustrated stone casket. Kinda crazy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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One last look before leaving Egypt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Imposing statues are imposing!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Such details!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The origin site, the Mausoleum at Halikarnassos<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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When a slab goes on loan, make a reprint! Interesting how the soldiers are buff and naked, and the female victim has a dress on. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Interesting hair-style.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Oh noes, the little buddy has gone missing!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Some stuff was off limits.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Another big thing far away from home<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Some signage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A female with a shield and helmet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Windswept clothing seems to have been all the rage among sculptors!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Lots of small things.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Found a map. I was running out of time, so I’d have to miss Asia, but I got most of the yellow, purple and blue-green on the left.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A room of reliefs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Endless war.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Clothing optional.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Nearing the Parthenon items.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Lots of replicas, but that plinth behind me is the real thing I think.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Parthenon Sculptures<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Not a happy horse.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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In repose.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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You can get quite close.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Very 3D. This particular scene was reconstructed in a video in a side room, and the 3D-ness didn’t click in my head until seeing it in the flesh.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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It’s a big room!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Time to leave, it was almost 18:00.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The central atrium\/area is well impressive. This is looking towards the entry\/exit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Looking in from the entry\/exit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Obligatory trip through the gift shop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Found a replica of the cat, I think it retailed for 3200 GBP?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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It was getting dark outside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Goodbye museum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I started my walk to the theater.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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There was a full band on one street corner!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Walking along the a long shopping street.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I found the London Palladium<\/a> theater, and spotted a Five Guys hamburger joint next to it. It would suffice for a quick dinner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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It was ok.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Palladium was all kinds of old-style fancy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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House rules.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The concession stand next to the auditorium entrance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Me and a fizzy drink.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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My seat was by the aisle, and I was next to another person that was solo. The person in white was the warm-up act, the “Guildfordian Steve Porters (Lock up UR Daughters)<\/a>” one of the alter-egos of Daisy Doris May<\/a>, and they were talking to people, probably asking if they were ok with being called on.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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An excellent seat!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Wandering around during intermission.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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After a lot of laughs I found myself walking quickly to a train station, as it was already 22:13. London was very London-y.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I made it! Phew! The ride back went well.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Saturday 09 November 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Heading out to go shopping!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Some houses look a bit tragic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Bluewater shopping center is hidden in a quarry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Lunchtime!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Yum!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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It’s all surprisingly elaborate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Exiting after a successful shopping run!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Adding a bit of warmth before I had to go pack.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sunday 10 November 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/a>
Goodbye selfie at the airport the following morning.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Hello Gatwick airport<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Documenting the best-sellers list.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The current crop of “smart thinking” books.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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All of a sudden the announcement system told us it was time to have 2 minutes of silence for Remembrance Sunday<\/a>, held close to the anniversary of the end of hostilities in World War I in 1918. Everything came to an abrupt stop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The people working the counters stopped, and everybody just stood quiet for 2 minutes. Then the world resumed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"\"<\/a>
Hello airplane.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This was H\u00f3lmatindur.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Not a great sign.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Goodbye green.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Hello yellow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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It was a blustery day in Iceland.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I made it home around 4 in the afternoon, to welcoming noises.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Anna was busy studying for a final exam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I finished the sweater! It felt like wearing candy-floss, and I was very happy I’d managed to give it away, it was just too much!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Bjarki also modeling. I planned on washing it before giving it to its true home, but I chickened out of it, so it just went as it was.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[Photos taken 08 – 10 November 2024, posted online 16 March 2025. Spring is in the air! Predictably the garage calls out for a spring cleaning, but I just don’t wanna!<\/em>]<\/p>\n

Hannah Gadsby<\/a> was kind enough to bring both Douglas<\/a> and Body of Work<\/a> to Iceland, but when it became clear that Woof<\/a> would not grace our shores, I caved and decided to use it as a good excuse to visit London for a weekend, all by my lonesome self, staying at dad’s and Shirley’s place.<\/p>\n

I decided to expand on the day of the show a bit, and started out at the (somewhat controversial<\/a>) British Museum<\/a> where I oooh-ed and aaahhh-ed over shaped rocks and metals from very long ago. I then scarfed down an uninspiring hamburger and fries for dinner, before having a grand time at the show. I just barely caught one of the last trains back to home-base, but it was a very good day overall.<\/p>\n

The following day we ventured to the Bluewater shopping center<\/a>, where I vaguely recall finding a few things, but as I was traveling with hand-luggage only, my space was limited. The following morning, dad dropped me off at the airport, and that was the end of my long weekend.<\/p>\n

Friday 08 November 2024<\/h2>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>
Yours truly outside the British Museum<\/a>. It’s free, but you should sign up for timed tickets in advance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41435","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hrefnas-family","category-uk","post-container col-md-12"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41435","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41435"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41435\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41542,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41435\/revisions\/41542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41435"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41435"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrefna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41435"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}