Today we went to Amsterdam for the day. It’s the only group trip part of the study abroad program. It was a cute trip, we had a canal boat cruise, followed by an afternoon hour long tour of the Rijksmuseum. The canal trip was nice, better weather would have been appreciated, but I think we’ve come to realize that weather in the Netherlands is just like this. Cloudy in the morning, but sunny in the afternoon.
During our free time between the two tours, several of us went to see the Anne Frank House. There was a horrendous line outside, but it actually moved pretty quickly. I have to say, it was well worth it. This is one of those stories that everyone reads in middle school, but can’t fully comprehend the reality of it. Seeing the house was moving. The furniture had been removed, when the family was discovered and taken to the concentration camp, but the wonderful exhibits brought the house back to life. I was told that it was more original before it had been renovated, but the exhibits weren’t a bad addition. They helped people like me who had forgotten parts of the story, to remember and walk through the house with the knowledge of who’s footsteps had been there only a little over sixty years ago.
The Rijksmuseum was amazing as well. I never fully appreciated the value of a good tour guide in an art museum, but ours was amazing. She was not only knowledgeable, but funny and extremely engaging. I finally learned what the value of still life art is, and who exactly Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh really were. Yes, my knowledge is severely lacking in the art department. My favorite part of the museum was probably the amazing still life explanations the tour guide presented. Apparently 17th century Dutch art is full of Calvinistic symbolism, showing the need to live a life of moderation, and the all seeing nature of God. Kinda cool to have all that in one simple picture of a dining table.
During our free time between the two tours, several of us went to see the Anne Frank House. There was a horrendous line outside, but it actually moved pretty quickly. I have to say, it was well worth it. This is one of those stories that everyone reads in middle school, but can’t fully comprehend the reality of it. Seeing the house was moving. The furniture had been removed, when the family was discovered and taken to the concentration camp, but the wonderful exhibits brought the house back to life. I was told that it was more original before it had been renovated, but the exhibits weren’t a bad addition. They helped people like me who had forgotten parts of the story, to remember and walk through the house with the knowledge of who’s footsteps had been there only a little over sixty years ago.
The Rijksmuseum was amazing as well. I never fully appreciated the value of a good tour guide in an art museum, but ours was amazing. She was not only knowledgeable, but funny and extremely engaging. I finally learned what the value of still life art is, and who exactly Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh really were. Yes, my knowledge is severely lacking in the art department. My favorite part of the museum was probably the amazing still life explanations the tour guide presented. Apparently 17th century Dutch art is full of Calvinistic symbolism, showing the need to live a life of moderation, and the all seeing nature of God. Kinda cool to have all that in one simple picture of a dining table.
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