A section of the Elgin Marbles. The English bought these pieces of the Parthenon from the Ottoman Turks and put them in a museum. Now, the Greeks want them back. I say if you can't take care of your country, then you won't be able to take care of your art.
I hope the British realize how lucky they are. Here's the world's greatest collection of antiquities and it's free to visit. If this museum existed anywhere else in the world it would cost a few hours salary to visit. However, the British (thankfully) believe that this collection should be shared. As a result, people can spend as much time as they want in the building without feeling pressured to make the most of the visit. Believe me, you need as much time as possible to see things in the British Museum because there is so much to see. I brought along a friend who hadn't seen any of that stuff before. As we wondered through, I would point out, "Here's the Magna Carta (the original). And over here is the Rosetta Stone. Here's a room of mummies. And over here is original Celtic jewelry. Oh, and here is..." I think my point is made. If you have an interest in something from the past, a sample of it is probably in the British Museum. This place should be a must stop on any traveler's itinerary.
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