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.
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.
space
The Yellow House (Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam) and The Night Cafe (Yale University Art Gallery).