(no subject)
Hey guys and gals. I apologize for disappearing so suddenly but my mother arrived earlier than my expected time of departure and whisked me away to Europe where I have literally just returned a few hours ago. I'm currently at my uncle and aunt's house in Halifax where I have a 12 hour layover before my flight to calgary tomorrow morning. But let's not dwell on unpleasantries.
Europe was fantastic. Like that needs saying. I have a full memory card of pictures from London, Munich, Bern, Paris, Nice, Florence, Sienna, Orvieto and Rome. However, I have currently no idea how to post them and i really must be off to bed soon, so instead I'll give you the highlights.
The Ultimate Europe "You Have To See It To Believe It" List
1. The Louvre (Paris)
My #1 favourite trip highlight. The most fabulous art collection in the world, and probably one of the best sculpture collections as well. Saw Mona and she was fantastic; you really can't understand why great art is so compelling until you see it. Especially something like the Mona Lisa, which has become such an unfortunate cultural cliche. However, Mona is by no means the only thing to see in the Louvre. All I could think about was how museums start out as a collection of historically significant art and culture and then gradually become priceless artifacts themselves. Painted ceilings, marble halls, mosaic floors and architectural wonders.
2. Titus Andronicus at The Globe (London)
I have no words for this, it's impossible. Everyone in the cast was fantastic and the experience of being at the Globe and leaning on the stage just like Shakespeare's pennystinkers did--it was just amazing. Cheap tickets and plays twice a day.
3. Tower of London
I'm completely enthralled by the British Monarchical history, so I enjoyed every minute of walking up the various towers. This is a must see for anyone interested in British History.
4. Dachau (Munich)
This place is overwhelming; I assume all my faithful friends are aware of the significance of Dachau, and if you do not I'll leave it to yourselves to look it up. The emotional range this place produces is so unique, and no one can walk those grounds without being touched.
5. Palace of Versailles (Paris)
Built by Louis XIV as a monument to himself, this place is the definite winner in an international royalty-only pissing contest. It was possibly the most fucking impressive thing I've seen in my entire life. Just when you think you've seen it all, you find that you've only seen the wading pool or the small gardens or the practice fountains compared to whatever comes next.
6. Uffizi and Academia Art Gallery (Italy)
These are two different galleries but both from the same city and I simply must combine them in my thoughts. The Uffizi had a wonderful Da Vinci exhibit on display with all of Da Vinci's scientific and philosophical achievements highlighted. The gallery itself had two Da Vinci paintings and an entire room of Botticelli's finest work, such as The Birth of Venus.
The main claim to fame of the Academia are the two works by Michelangelo, the Prisoners and David. I was very glad to see the David because it was magnificent and before seeing it I really didn't understand what about it was so great. I have a new appreciation for Michelangelo after visiting Europe.
7. Vatican Museum/ Sistine Chapel (Italy)
The Vatican is packed with art from room to room, so it's often hard to appreciate any single works amongst the rest but the tableau created by the combination is spectacular. And I know everyone's familiar with the famous chapel ceiling so I won't even need to describe its brilliance.
8. Sienna Duomo (Italy)
Sienna is a preserved Medieval town that was prosperous in the 13th century. They had plans to build the world's largest cathedral, but had only finished one wall before one third of the population was wiped out by the Black Plague. The city went from being the most prosperous in Europe to suffering complete financial breakdown and never recovering. The wall that was erected for the new cathedral (which was meant to completely encompass the old one) still stands there. It reminded me of the Tower of Babel.
I think that's enough for now if only because I'm tired of writing and I have to go to bed. I'll try to post a bit more on Europe later on. I miss you all, and I hope to be regularly available after tomorrow when I finally reach Banff.
Europe was fantastic. Like that needs saying. I have a full memory card of pictures from London, Munich, Bern, Paris, Nice, Florence, Sienna, Orvieto and Rome. However, I have currently no idea how to post them and i really must be off to bed soon, so instead I'll give you the highlights.
The Ultimate Europe "You Have To See It To Believe It" List
1. The Louvre (Paris)
My #1 favourite trip highlight. The most fabulous art collection in the world, and probably one of the best sculpture collections as well. Saw Mona and she was fantastic; you really can't understand why great art is so compelling until you see it. Especially something like the Mona Lisa, which has become such an unfortunate cultural cliche. However, Mona is by no means the only thing to see in the Louvre. All I could think about was how museums start out as a collection of historically significant art and culture and then gradually become priceless artifacts themselves. Painted ceilings, marble halls, mosaic floors and architectural wonders.
2. Titus Andronicus at The Globe (London)
I have no words for this, it's impossible. Everyone in the cast was fantastic and the experience of being at the Globe and leaning on the stage just like Shakespeare's pennystinkers did--it was just amazing. Cheap tickets and plays twice a day.
3. Tower of London
I'm completely enthralled by the British Monarchical history, so I enjoyed every minute of walking up the various towers. This is a must see for anyone interested in British History.
4. Dachau (Munich)
This place is overwhelming; I assume all my faithful friends are aware of the significance of Dachau, and if you do not I'll leave it to yourselves to look it up. The emotional range this place produces is so unique, and no one can walk those grounds without being touched.
5. Palace of Versailles (Paris)
Built by Louis XIV as a monument to himself, this place is the definite winner in an international royalty-only pissing contest. It was possibly the most fucking impressive thing I've seen in my entire life. Just when you think you've seen it all, you find that you've only seen the wading pool or the small gardens or the practice fountains compared to whatever comes next.
6. Uffizi and Academia Art Gallery (Italy)
These are two different galleries but both from the same city and I simply must combine them in my thoughts. The Uffizi had a wonderful Da Vinci exhibit on display with all of Da Vinci's scientific and philosophical achievements highlighted. The gallery itself had two Da Vinci paintings and an entire room of Botticelli's finest work, such as The Birth of Venus.
The main claim to fame of the Academia are the two works by Michelangelo, the Prisoners and David. I was very glad to see the David because it was magnificent and before seeing it I really didn't understand what about it was so great. I have a new appreciation for Michelangelo after visiting Europe.
7. Vatican Museum/ Sistine Chapel (Italy)
The Vatican is packed with art from room to room, so it's often hard to appreciate any single works amongst the rest but the tableau created by the combination is spectacular. And I know everyone's familiar with the famous chapel ceiling so I won't even need to describe its brilliance.
8. Sienna Duomo (Italy)
Sienna is a preserved Medieval town that was prosperous in the 13th century. They had plans to build the world's largest cathedral, but had only finished one wall before one third of the population was wiped out by the Black Plague. The city went from being the most prosperous in Europe to suffering complete financial breakdown and never recovering. The wall that was erected for the new cathedral (which was meant to completely encompass the old one) still stands there. It reminded me of the Tower of Babel.
I think that's enough for now if only because I'm tired of writing and I have to go to bed. I'll try to post a bit more on Europe later on. I miss you all, and I hope to be regularly available after tomorrow when I finally reach Banff.