Today was our first full day in Amsterdam! I fell in love (not only because this is where TFIOS was filmed) because of the art and atmosphere here. We first visited the Rijk’s museum, then the Van Gogh museum, then had the rest of the day to explore. We weren’t able to take pictures inside the Van Gogh museum, but we were able to save pictures in the Rijk’s. So many pieces in the Rijk’s were incredible: the Night Watch, the Milk Maid, the Battle of Waterloo and many more… To pick a favorite piece was nearly impossible. BUT, a piece I had never seen caught my eye.

Festoon of Fruit and Flowers by Jan Davidsz de Heem. If you look at it from far away you see this beautiful arrangements of bright fruits and colors. But the closer you get you see that in fact these fruits are rotting and are being eaten by insects. This illusion was meant as a metaphor for life: we all start out as bright and healthy (fruits) but eventually we all become old and withered. I just liked the simplicity and beauty in this. The bright colors mixed with the grotesque insects make an interesting mix–it’s not just a normal still life painting.

The other works of art in the Rijk were incredible as well. Being able to see the Night Watch was another highlight. We discussed so much about it in class so being able to experience that in person and see what all the fuss was about is a once in a life time opportunity. Overall today was awesome.