Today was Tutankhamun day! It was very exciting., and very packed. The first part of the tour is made up of artifacts from other pharaohs' reigns, including a gorgeous gilded wooden coffin. The Tut stuff is a bit disappointing when compared to the 1972 exhibition at the British Museum. The gift shop was outrageously expensive, with the catalogue - measuring 6" by 6" at most, and not exactly thick - costing £12 (nearly $25), and a book not unlike many that have been sold in the past 35 years since the last show costing £35. The pictures are not even all in colour!
The kids were great. One autistic girl was in a bit of a bad way at first, but once she got used to it, she started doing Egyptian poses for us. Most people were very tolerant of the fact that we obviously had some kids with us who were not quite the same as other kids. But one old bat shushed one of the autistic boys, who can get a bit loud, especially when he's excited. I explained that he was autistic, and would have left it at that, but she was clearly going to add some more unpleasantness, so I concluded with, "and I'll shush him if necessary". She got right on her high horse and announced that she was recovering from cancer, and had just had 8 months of chemotherapy.
And?
What reaction did she expect? What I wanted to say was, "If you were a bit nicer, maybe people would care." I didn't. But it was true.
Oh Val, you are WAAAAAAAAAAY too nice. My response to cancer biddy would have been more like this: "So, you were spared death by cancer? PITY! (in my strongest Bette Davis impersonation voice). But I understand your position, Val, being a teacher and all. LOL.
ReplyDeleteEr....why would you tell a complete stranger your medical history?
ReplyDeleteWhat the heck has any illness she's had have to do with being tolerant of autistic children? Really, I just don't get it.
ReplyDeleteVal, doesn't Museum Bat's comment remind you of a certain line used in "A Hard Day's Night"? The lads were in the train compartment, and the stuffy old gent let them know that he'd fought the war for "their sort."
ReplyDeleteThere ARE no snappy rejoinders for such self-centered folks. After years of life (and teaching nine year-olds) I've found it best to smile and silently pray for peace, both theirs and mine. I'm sure that as a teacher you've learned to find a special kind of joy working with autistic children. Bless you for helping them to enjoy life in the world!
Sounds like you and the kids had a great time except for the lady. I'm surprised that she had the cohones to "shush" a child in someone else's group. Geez. Battle Axe.
ReplyDeleteSnarkangel, you crack me up.
i've waited on self-centered morons like that at s'bux....they think that they're the center of the universe. you handled it very diplomatically; better that i woulda.
ReplyDeletei'v now a autistic boy,who is a grandson of one of my neighbours.and i now peoples how had canser.it dosen't gave the rigth,to be rude to special shild,or anybody else!!shame on that woman!!you to good val!!
ReplyDelete