When I taught a study abroad program in London for six weeks, some of my Michigan State University students took thousands of pictures. I had several hundred, tops, and often, as at the amazing Wallace Collection, was happy to commune with, say, a Rembrandt portrait of his son, for 10-15 minutes alone, off hours. Yes, I did photograph it, but what sticks with me is the joy of having the solo time without crowds anywhere nearby. Oh, and the AC because it was boiling hot outside. :-)
That's why I visit museums when they open because the special exhibition will likely not be crowded. And once having communed, I'll wander of to find galleries that are likewise not packed.
Last time I was at the National Gallery in London, I skipped the special exhibition and went looking for the Carvaggios. Those galleries were almost empty and I sat opposite "The Supper at Emmaus" for a very long time. I didn't know it was enormous, had only seen plates in books.
You’re speaking my language here. I am constantly espousing my truth which is when I travel I’m not a tourist. I really can’t stand tourists - we are on two different journeys for sure. I’ve always maintained that I don’t need to buy tickets to the Vatican, I need to have wine with some locals somewhere nearby, I need to find a hole-in-the-wall church, despite not being religious, I need to walk until I get lost. This to me is worthwhile and how I’ve traveled the world. I don’t know many tourists. They just don’t gravitate toward my tribe. 💜♾️
When I taught a study abroad program in London for six weeks, some of my Michigan State University students took thousands of pictures. I had several hundred, tops, and often, as at the amazing Wallace Collection, was happy to commune with, say, a Rembrandt portrait of his son, for 10-15 minutes alone, off hours. Yes, I did photograph it, but what sticks with me is the joy of having the solo time without crowds anywhere nearby. Oh, and the AC because it was boiling hot outside. :-)
Yes! Art is communion, not mere consumption!
That's why I visit museums when they open because the special exhibition will likely not be crowded. And once having communed, I'll wander of to find galleries that are likewise not packed.
That’s a sound strategy!
Last time I was at the National Gallery in London, I skipped the special exhibition and went looking for the Carvaggios. Those galleries were almost empty and I sat opposite "The Supper at Emmaus" for a very long time. I didn't know it was enormous, had only seen plates in books.
"...for a very long time..." Experiences always transform, when we allow for some deep time within!
And definitely when you give yourself to contemplation of art because you see so many things that would be missed by a quick glance.
‚But the third day I left the group and haven’t returned since’ got me haha!! Loved reading this!
Thanks Sarah! ...this line is kinda autobiographical 😁
You’re speaking my language here. I am constantly espousing my truth which is when I travel I’m not a tourist. I really can’t stand tourists - we are on two different journeys for sure. I’ve always maintained that I don’t need to buy tickets to the Vatican, I need to have wine with some locals somewhere nearby, I need to find a hole-in-the-wall church, despite not being religious, I need to walk until I get lost. This to me is worthwhile and how I’ve traveled the world. I don’t know many tourists. They just don’t gravitate toward my tribe. 💜♾️
"...I need to walk until I get lost." This is the magic ingredient!
But people are so afraid of getting lost, it ties in a way with the illusion of control.
It's in the unknown, though, where the gems are buried!