Behind the scenes at the (British) Museum

Not really, but I like the reference. Rather than endure a sticky day in the office in The Dark Place, I high-tailed out of this hick burg for the bright lights of London, where I met every single Italian and a good proportion of America's finest.

Amongst other delights was the British Museum. It's enormous, so I only had time for the medieval exhibits - I particularly wanted to see the Lewis Chess Pieces, found on the Isle of Lewis but made (from whalebone) by Vikings in the 12th century. They're spectacular - the pawns (as they represent the peasants) are featureless blocks, but the important pieces are full of life, particularly in their facial expressions.

I'll say one thing about the British: they looted the world with industry and taste. The rooms - for any tourist - are like one massive crime scene.

I took a few pictures, but glass cases and no flash makes things difficult. Here are a few - click on them for bigger versions. The rest are here.

St. George rescues a Christian slave boy from the Infidel! He's still holding the glass of wine

Detail from a Celtic skewer

Celtic jug - the duck 'swims' on the wine when it's poured.

Celtic pigs.

Oh, and I had a Brazilian, which was a revelation. Such smooth textures. A really sensual experience. I'd recommend it to anyone.

I refer, of course, to food.