[frankiep]

So the only, or best, way to learn about something is from books then? I feel sorry for you if you believe that. How boring!

You know, I like to read alot about Europe and World War II and have learned quite a bit. But spending seven years in Germany and actually seeing the places I've read about in person taught me much more.

You mentioned Rome. Well, I studied that in school too. But let me tell you that you really have no idea of the grandeur of Rome until you have actually seen the history that is literally everywhere in that city.

Let me ask you, would you say that simply reading enough about human anatomy is sufficient for someone to become a doctor; or do you think that they should take time to actually see human organs first hand (a least two or three times) before being allowed to perform that double bypass. How about a pilot. I remember hearing somewhere that they have to do more than just read some books to get licensed.

[LasVegasMac]

Go bother someone else with your crap.

[ApplegateRanch]

would you say that simply reading enough about human anatomy is sufficient for someone to become a doctor; or do you think that they should take time to actually see human organs first hand (a least two or three times) before being allowed to perform that double bypass.

By your "logic" hanging a picture of Galen or Hippocates on the wall would facilitate their learning of anatomy.

One does not need to flag hanging to learn about WHERE a country is; WHAT its physical geography is like; HOW its people live, etc.