When I see some of the prices coins sell for (though I freely admit that sometimes I make crazy overpriced bids
) I am reminded of how I think of the past as a country (there is a language and customs to learn etc.) and I live in the fourth century-- my zip code is Constantinian. I have a lot of pretty good neighbors. However, I think (perhaps uncharitably) of some as tourists, just passing through, sometimes raising a ruckus and making a mess.
Lately it's always tourist season.