The last day in Amsterdam was easily my favorite day of the trip. I did not want it to end!

We started out the day with a walking tour around part of the city. We viewed some old Jewish residential areas, and also some new construction in the city. While walking around, we saw memorial stones that had been placed in front of an old house. These stones were there as memorials for those residents that lost their lives during WWII while in concentration camps. Seeing these stones were quite moving- many walk by them every day, yet they are so powerful and I am glad we noticed them as not just another stone to walk on.

After our walking tour, we visited a Portuguese Synagogue. This was my first time in a synagogue, and it was quite interesting! There were many areas to go in and visit, and the synagogue was overwhelming in size compared to what I am used to seeing in the states. I love getting to know new cultures and traditions, so this was very exciting for me. I highly suggest for anyone to go see this synagogue if you visit Amsterdam (and do not forget to play with the dreidels in the gift shop if you have a chance to do so!!)

The next place we visited was the Jewish History Museum. I only got to walk around for about an half an hour, yet what I saw was interesting.

The most interesting and anticipated part of the trip, for myself, was having the chance to visit the Anne Frank Museum. In eighth grade, I was given the task to read The Diary of Anne Frank. I know it might sound lame, but this reading assignment is, to this day, one of my favorite that I have ever had. I always wanted to go see the annex, and am so glad that I got the chance to! This museum was moving in every way possible. What struck me most was the silence throughout the house.. When you go to other museums, they are overwhelmingly loud with chatter and children playing, yet this one was totally different. As I walked through the halls, all I could think is that I hope that Anne knows that she became the star she aspired to be, and is continuing to inspire people yesterday, today, and in the future.

After the official learning day was finished, Mattie and I decided to scout out the bench from the movie, “The Fault in Our Stars.” This is a movie that is derived from a book written by John Green. This is one of my favorite books and movies, so this was very very exciting for me. I am pictured at the top of this post sitting on the bench from the movie!

All-in-all, this trip was truly amazing! I cannot thank everyone enough for giving me the chance to travel to Europe as a freshman in college. I am so exciting to go back again one day!

 

Vermeer is one of the best known painters of his time, and for a good reason. Our class had the honor to visit the Rijksmuseum to see the home of the most beautiful masterpieces to ever be made on this earth! While we made our way to The MilkMaid, I spotted this painting right beside it. Woman Reading a Letter by Johannes Vermeer is a painting of a woman enjoying a quiet moment while reading a letter. It is said that her blue night jacket is still being worn as the sun is seemingly rising. The details used in this painting really draws you in. I find it interesting, as my new friend Mattie pointed out, that Vermeer was one of the first painters to use windows as a main light source . The use of natural light in this painting is so compelling t0o me and creative. I thoroughly enjoyed this painting, along with the rest of the museum.

All-in-all, today’s visits were great and I can’t wait for tomorrow!

Yesterday, we began the day with a question and answer period with Lillian’s friend, Christine. We learned about the life of someone living in Belgium, how their education system works, traditions practiced in this country, and typical opinions of an individual living here. I found it most interesting when she talked about how many different languages she was taught to speak as a child. As a student and child growing up in America, I was only taught one language and really never thought anything of it. In school, we were never offered a language class until our freshman year. Even then, we were really not forced or strongly encouraged to learn a new language, but kind of got the basics. Other than learning about the major language learning differences, we additionally learned interesting information on the life of a Belgian. To top off our time with her, she took us around different areas of Gent that we had not seen before and were pointed to different shops and chocolate stores.

Christine then dropped us off to eat some of the original and oldest style Belgian waffles in Gent. These were truly great and it was fun to experience to be in this cute waffle cafe.

After this, a few of us went to the shops… despite me swearing to myself that I would not buy anything due to my bag being extra heavy already. However, there was a shop that I simply could not pass up. Lillian took us to a really amazing shop ran by a man who has devoted his life helping the children of Nepal. I was really moved by his efforts, so decided to buy a sweater! I am glad to have made this purchase… but I also bought some chocolate and a scarf as well lol.

  After waffles, shopping, and a much needed nap, I went out with a group of friends to grab some dinner. This food was great and our waitress was even greater! This was easily the best meal I have had. All-in-all, my day off was well spent and very memorable! 🙂

Today in Gent, we were able to be assisted by a lovely tour guide, Ann Marie. She was easily the kindest person I have ever met. I am so glad that we were able to be accompanied by her and were enlightened by her extensive love and knowledge of Gent. Meeting and having the chance to have her vibrant personality was one of my favorite parts of our time today. Along with this, I loved being able to walk in the streets of Gent and see the everyday life of its inhabitants.

One of the best parts of the day was being able to sit down after a long walk and have a lovely lunch with everyone. I am not sure the name of the restaurant, but it was truly amazing. We were able to have three courses! The asparagus soup was especially good, along with the amazing bread. 

After lunch we went to the STAM museum where we learned about Gent’s rich history and were able to see an amazing room that had been restored and placed in the museum. This was very interesting.

The last activity that we did today was easily my top favorite part of the day. It was getting cooler in the day and we were truly exhausted. This is when we went to the Fine Arts Museum of Gent. You first walk into a modernly finished lobby with rich marble and a gift shop; yet what was through the main doors was what really struck me as phenomenal. From seeing the actual bottom half of the Gent Altarpiece to seeing overwhelming sculptures, there was a surprise around every corner. I distinctly remember walking through a door and being brought to tears at a sculpture that was so beautiful that I stopped and stared in awe of it. I would describe it in detail here, but luckily I have a picture so you all are able to experience it as well. I am so glad that I was able to experience this day filled with beautiful scenes, museums, lunch and laughs with friends, and ending the day with breathtaking works of art.

Today our class got the chance to visit the glorious city of Bruges. This trip was filled with many sights, beautiful pieces of art, and most importantly…CHOCOLATE!!! We started our day with a trip to see the Bruges Madonna and to learn about the many interesting features of the church. It was nice that we were able to go here and experience the breathtaking scenes.

The next monumental experience we had was going to the Choco-Story museum. Here, we learned about how chocolate was  made and even got to try the finished product. This was a great experience, especially because we were able to get a full background of the making and history of chocolate. I did not realize its rich history and symbolism behind the cocoa pod/bean.

After walking through the city  and seeing all of the overwhelming canals, we were able to visit different works at the  Groeninge Museum. I was given the artwork, Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling, to study. This piece was dedicated to three saints. At the first church, we learned that many families in the catholic churches would commission paintings to the church to ensure their family’s faster arrival into heaven. It was interesting that we were able to see one of these pieces outside of the church. This piece was very beautifully done and I am glad that I was able to study the work. 

 

Going to a new country is both exciting and nerve wracking, yet I find it to be amazing that walking into an art museum such as this one is able to take you away from your worries and the chaos of your surroundings. When first walking into the museum in Brussels, I was surprised with a sculpture of one of my favorite artists, David Altmejd! The sculpture is pictured below:Although this sculpture may seem very different to some, I believe that his creativity is inspiring and very different from the “norm.” I am very excited that I got the opportunity to witness his piece in person (and coincidentally!).

Upon entering the museum, we were given an assignment to go search for a piece, admire and study it, and then report on it for today’s blog post. My Piece was A Portrait of a Genoese Lady with her Daughter by Antonie Van Dyck: This piece was very heartwarming knowing that I was witnessing an actual Van Dyck masterpiece in person. I admired how the darker colors for the background added light to the woman and her daughter, giving them power and prestige. Although I do not know anything about the woman or her daughter, I am able to tell that they were of high honor due to how they are portrayed in this picture. I noticed how the daughter had on light colors, which may have represented purity. The little details are really evident in this piece and I am glad that I was given the task to find and analyze it.

I am very excited for more adventures to come!

Hello everyone! My name is Cassidy Harris and I am a freshman Communications major at App. As of now, my anticipated minor is international business, but this is subject to change- as my mind wanders sometimes when it comes to my future career choice. But hey, isn’t that what college is about? Anyway, I am originally from Zanesville, Ohio and have come to love my new home in Boone! Our trip has given me much anticipation throughout my first semester and I am excited to begin the journey to Europe tomorrow. My other travel experience includes much of the eastern half of the United States and I have also traveled to the Dominican Republic.

During my time in Art, Politics, and Power, I have learned about how art impacts us today as well as in the past. Towards the end of the course, I was given the task to thoroughly research the piece, Lady with an Ermine, which was painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Although we will not be able to see the piece on the trip, I am still pleased with my choice to study it due to its rich cultural background and relation to many of the pieces we will have the chance to see on this trip. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to travel to Europe as a freshman, and am glad to share it with my peers, instructors, and thanks to this blog, all those that wish to follow us on our little adventure!