If you are from Ohio, you know there is that state that must not be named to the north. Okay, they aren't as bad as Voldemort, but we certainly make fun of them. And, it's wonderful when Ohio State beats any football team from there.
As it turns out, other parts of the world have the same little rivalries. As I prepared to move to Belgium, my Dutch friends warned me about their peculiar behavior. And, when I landed in Antwerp, I learned that Belgians make fun of their neighbors to the north as well. And, everyone agrees that the strangest people of all tend to end up in Amsterdam.
This young man sat at a train station in Amsterdam. Not only did he have a unique fashion statement, he sat in front of a portrait of Vincent van Gogh, also known for unique ear fashion.
As it turns out, other parts of the world have the same little rivalries. As I prepared to move to Belgium, my Dutch friends warned me about their peculiar behavior. And, when I landed in Antwerp, I learned that Belgians make fun of their neighbors to the north as well. And, everyone agrees that the strangest people of all tend to end up in Amsterdam.
This young man sat at a train station in Amsterdam. Not only did he have a unique fashion statement, he sat in front of a portrait of Vincent van Gogh, also known for unique ear fashion.
Where else can you truly "follow the yellow brick road"? Van Gogh is my favorite artist. Although he was born in the Netherlands, my best experience with him was in Arles, France. Vincent painted several pieces during his stay in Arles in 1888, and the people of Arles knew how to show it off. There was a yellow path around the city to see the exact scenes where the master painted. And, I have to say, it was so very cool to stand in some of the very locations where Vincent Van Gogh once stood.
I thought I knew most of Vincent's paintings. However, I only recognized two paintings from his time in Arles. The Yellow House, where Van Gogh shared a dwelling with Gauguin for nine weeks, was seriously damaged in bombing raids in World War II and later demolished. However, at the intersection, there was a placard that described the building and showed a photo of the painting.
I arranged my tour accordingly to visit the Place du Forum, a small plaza area right in the center of Arles, at the end of my trek. It was the location of the Café Terrace at Night, a painting I had known and loved for years. I planned to have lunch there, and I didn't care how much it would cost. Sometimes, you just have to enjoy the experience (and take oh, so many photos!) However, I learned something about France upon arrival. Cafés served lunch from noon until 1:30 in the afternoon. After that, you can only get drinks. So, I had a coffee at the café, multiple times, took lots of photos, and savored the moment.
I definitely saved the best till last.
I thought I knew most of Vincent's paintings. However, I only recognized two paintings from his time in Arles. The Yellow House, where Van Gogh shared a dwelling with Gauguin for nine weeks, was seriously damaged in bombing raids in World War II and later demolished. However, at the intersection, there was a placard that described the building and showed a photo of the painting.
I arranged my tour accordingly to visit the Place du Forum, a small plaza area right in the center of Arles, at the end of my trek. It was the location of the Café Terrace at Night, a painting I had known and loved for years. I planned to have lunch there, and I didn't care how much it would cost. Sometimes, you just have to enjoy the experience (and take oh, so many photos!) However, I learned something about France upon arrival. Cafés served lunch from noon until 1:30 in the afternoon. After that, you can only get drinks. So, I had a coffee at the café, multiple times, took lots of photos, and savored the moment.
I definitely saved the best till last.
The Yellow House (Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam) and The Night Cafe (Yale University Art Gallery).
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