Date: Wed, 19 Jan 94 11:29:20 EST
From: justin@dsd.camb.inmet.com (Mark Waks)
Message-Id: <9401191629.AA19297@dsd.camb.inmet.com>
To: odlin@reed.edu
Cc: carolingia@bloom-beacon.mit.edu
In-Reply-To: <m0pMWkP-0001WaC@vishnu.reed.edu> (message from Iain Odlin on Tue, 18 Jan 94 22:50:36 -0800)
Subject: Re: Birka

Iain cites some problems with Birka. I can only say that his experience
and mine differed wildly, in several respects.

I found the merchants to be more than adequate; indeed, I thought the
merchant area more interesting than I've ever seen it before. Even in
the rather short time I had to look into it, I found a really
impressive brocade dealer, and someone selling period-style 12-hour
timer candles (which qualifies as Way Cool in my book). In general,
I found a lot of rather neat stuff there, and rather wish I'd had
time to shop properly. My only possible complaint is that there weren't
quite as many book dealers as I might wish...

And as for the feast, I simply cannot agree. The only dish I tried that
wasn't just right was the chicken and rice, and that just needed a little
salt. (I didn't try the parsnips -- I simply don't care for the vegetable.)
The soup was a shade powerful, but quite tasty I thought. And as for the
venison -- yes, it was relatively unseasoned. For that flavorful a meat,
I agree with leaving it plain -- I found it quite yummy, and wish there
had been more to go around. Overall, I found it one of the better feasts
I've had this year...

I'm sorry that you had a bad time, but personally I really did think it
was a rather pleasant event...

				-- Justin
				   Who will admit that all the lighting
				     was flourescent, but frankly didn't
				     notice it -- *lots* of big sites have
				     that particular flaw...

Random Quote du Jour:

"Once is heresy, twice is tradition, and three times is sacred tradition."
		-- Lord Rye