jwmson / JargonTalk

Went to the British Museum with the idea of spending a few hours, but had been warned by friends that it would be hard to leave. They were right, spent the whole day there, and if time had permitted, could have easily made it even longer. Unlike so many of our museums in the US, they charge no admission fee, which make it one of the best bargains in the UK.

Just viewing the Rosetta Stone was moving enough, but seeing the antiquities and artifacts that one has read about for years was inspirational, to say the least. Of particular enjoynment were the Parthenon Marbles and the Egyption mummies, along with the other antiquities from Egypt.

One of the pleasant surprises was the extensive collection of Japanese netsuke, which is said to be one of the best in the world. If you enjoy these miniature works of art and are in London, don’t miss this exhibit.

There is an ongoing controversy over whether museums should be allowed to possess artifacts taken from other countries. The British Museum is a notable target for such criticism, and was called by more that one critical humorist “the world’s greatest museum of pillage and plunder.” On the converse side, defenders argue that many of these antiquities would have disappeared into the hands of private collectors many years ago if it hadn’t been for the museums.

In any case, it a wonderful place to view much of the history of mankind’s creativity.

Special note: it’s my understanding that all of the other national museums and art galleries in Britain charge no admission fee as well. Someone might wish to confirm and/or clarify this.

Here is one of the better places in the Downtown Boston area for meeting people. Small gift shops, larger chain stores, bars, restaurants, the Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market area has it all. Great outdoor place for lunch or a few drinks during the warmer seasons, and just a fun place to wander around and ”people watch.”Tip: meeting a blind date in the Downtown Boston area for the first time? Try one of the places here, as it’s hard to go wrong. That way if things go wrong within the first half hour, the evening won’t be lost!

Personally my favorite airport in Europe. Friendly people, helpful customs personnel, great facilities and easy access. And it has to have the cleanest airport bathrooms in Europe, perhaps even in the world.