I have regrettably fallen a little behind on these, been so busy traveling! But rest assured I am back on the horse, and expect updates from Amsterdam and Oslo soon!

Bonjour from the city of love!

So this was my first city in that I have had no sort of true experience with the culture before, and my first city where I knew absolutely no one prior. I have listened to French tapes in the past but nothing to the extent of fluency. But upon landing in Paris I understood why it is foretold as such a magical city. My hostel was right on the canal in the 19th district, just a short jaunt away from the metro that would take you anywhere in Paris. Every morning I awoke to eat breakfast right on the water, watching that low Parisian skyline wrinkle in a magical reflection. During my stay I was blessed with great weather (very un-parisian), allowing me to see everything proper. The Louvre was breathtaking, with so much art there that my two days I budgeted for it were not nearly enough. Paris is a city that you could spend 2 weeks in and still not scratch the surface. I need to come back and do Paris again with a SO, it’s that amazing. The city breaths life, seemingly a generator of these authentic moments. I also understand the food reputation as well; it is well founded. Eating was by far my favorite activity in Paris, doing it at least once if not twice a day. Duck, escargot, frog, roasted chicken, baguette, beaujolais, and brioche all called my name waaay too much, and it would have been amiss if I did not indulge. But onto art! There was a vast amount of art I saw, and for this one I really think that it is better to describe each one a little bit.

“Liberty leading the people” – Delacroix
So this was one of the later paintings I got to see, and what an incredible sight it is. I am quite moved by these epic works portraying human struggle and emotion. The act of rebellion has always been one of mixed feelings for me, as it often is not justifiable nor authentic. This painting is trying to sell you into the concept of authentic rebellion though, the noble defection. These people are not dying for some false cause, they are dying for the freedom of their countrymen and families. I feel that it is often important to remember that in the right situation rebellion is acceptable, and maybe even morally obligated.

“Oath of the Horatii” – David
This is a particularly meaningful painting for me as several of these neoclassical paintings by David portraying roman legends were actually in a latin textbook of mine in high school. Instead of paying attention I would look at these pictures instead, as pictures are much easier to understand than Latin to 15 year old me. I absolutely fell in love with them, and the fact that I got to see them in person confirmed by affection for them. These are huge masterpieces, showing the epic triumphs and tragedies of these Roman legends. The detail is fanatical, with these colors that would sweep you away. I spent over 4 hours in the David room just taking it all in. It is really encouraging to be able to see these in person now, as I never thought I would have made it this far even though I promised myself I would someday. The picture shows these 3 brothers swearing an oath of fealty and of revenge. I connect with this image in that I am following through on my promise to myself, and that what promises I incurred on myself in the past still has meaning for the future.

“The Coronation of Napoleon” – David
This is another David that really drew my eye. I enjoy his style of Roman majesty and celebration, and his sense of realism as well. The coronation of Napoleon is a hot topic as some see him as a crazy dictator who tried to take over Europe, while others see him as the French hero who led them out of the darkness. The painting shows his self coronation, and that is meaningful because I can often forget why I am doing something, and by whos measure. Napoleon did it all himself, and he crowned himself the emperor of Europe because of it. It is important for me to remember that I can do anything I want if I want it bad enough. Just because something is in my way doesn’t mean it is insurmountable, and when I get to the top it will be me crowning myself, and not giving it to anyone else.

“Virgin of the Rocks” – Da Vinci
This painting portrays Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist in a medieval style. It is hard to avoid religion in these earlier paintings as they were often commissioned by wealthy catholics. However I did find this particular work to be very moving, as it shows the caring mother ensuring here son and friend are doing well. It is important to remember to care for those under you who you are responsible for.

“The Wedding at Cana” – Veronese
This painting was magical in that Veronese is a masterful storyteller all throughout the painting. There are a 100 different stories throughout the painting, and all are unique. I spent quite a lot of time looking at the individual ones, but then I realized that the painting really was trying to tell you that no matter what craziness might ensure, there is harmony in chaos, and that is certainly what is occurring here. Remember to look beyond the struggle into the unknown!

So I have seen quite a bit of art in the Louvre, way to much to go into full detail with and still enjoy the rest of my trip. So I am on my way to Amsterdam now, land of pancakes and bicycles.

Salutations from Catalonia!

So in between my transit from Frankfurt to Paris I made a last minute decision to have a stop over in Barcelona to visit my dog. For years my family has raised and trained labradors to be seeing eye dogs for blind people, and as a consequence these dogs can land all around the world. Phineas, our dog in Barcelona, has been living with a blind man named Xavier for about 3 years now, and they have been doing very well together. Phineas was our “best” dog, having a very calm disposition but still active and playful. It was very rewarding to see him working, as I put a lot of time and effort into raising him. The fruits of your labor aren’t often realized right after you work so it was encouraging to say the least.

I stayed with Phineas’s family Xavi and Anna and their two children Paula and Meritxell. They are some of the nicest people you could ever meet, showing me all around Barcelona, feeding me, and giving me that local experience that far surpasses one of a typical tourist. The Paella, Tapas, and Spanish Omelets were all delicious, coming from “off the beaten path” establishments that I otherwise would have passed up.

Both Xavi and Anna took time to take me all around Barcelona, showing off their beautiful city. Camp Nou was spectacular (only surpassed by the shoe of course), and the Gothic neighborhoods at twilight took your breath away. Narrow streets and twinkling streetlights call for you to wander all through the night.

But on my way to Paris now!

Guten Tag!

Coming in from the lovely city of Frankfurt, Germany.I spent the past 3 days with the most wonderful German hosts, the Krakau family. They showed me all around their beautiful city and the countryside by the Rhein river. All I must say is Germany may be the “greenest” place I have ever been, both technologically and foliage. Both solar panels and forests are abundant, making for a rather pleasant environment.

The museums along the far bank of the Main were incredible, with the crowning jewel of the Stådel (wrong å symbol but I can’t seem to find it on my keyboard) being an incredible spread of art that is one of the finest in the world. The Impressionist collection was breathtaking, bringing to light the amazing talent that Monet, Manet, Renior, and Degas possessed. Here are my reflections for the paintings:

“Orchestra Musicians” – Degas
This piece was interesting because although it is regarded as quite famous, it was not gathering the crowd that the other famous pieces were. This allowed me to spend more time at it. It was particularly interesting as it depicts a dancing show in the background with orchestral musicians the foreground. You do not typically think of the musicians being the foreground of a painting as they are usually only the supporting cast. But these musicians are focused and seemingly invested in their roles. I really read this as a reminder that you must remember that there is always more work being put into a production than what is visible on the surface. The audience will only really appreciate the dancer, however the musicians are putting in equally admirable effort that should be recognized but is normally not.

“The Luncheon” – Monet
Monet, the master impressionist, was the center of attention in the stådel. This particular work I found to be very relaxing, and a bit of a contradiction to the seeming ethos of Frankfurt. Being the financial center of Europe, Frankfurt is a bustling, constantly growing town that moves very quickly. This painting is a contradiction to that by depicting a relaxed lunch session, with wine, bread, and grapes, and people arriving at their own pace. A child sits playing with a toy, and the food is unguarded. It emits a sense of calm, saying that you must remember that most everything is fixable and nothing is worth worrying too much about. When planning all of this I would sometimes stress out over this, school, friends, and other pressures. Art has been a refuge from my concerns, and paintings like these really embody that.

“A Game of Croquet” – Manet
This impressionist work was another painting that I find to be incredibly relaxing, bringing me back to home. When I was younger croquet was a favorite game of our family’s, and many a spring and summer afternoon were spent playing on our lawn. The man lounging while wearing nice clothing embodies that even if you are looking nice, have important things to do, or places to go, it is for your own sake, equally as important to take time to relax and forget about the world.

But now I have arranged a quick stop off in Barcelona for a couple days to visit with my dog who has been working there for a couple years now (seeing eye dog). On to Spain!

Currently listening to:
Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith

Bonjourno!

Have had a wonderful couple days in Italy, really reflective for me in terms of my experience.

On Tuesday I got breakfast with my wonderful aunt Cindy Froehlich, and we then climbed the hill to the castle in Conegliano. We then proceeded to my first warm up art exhibit, the Carpaccio exhibition in Conegliano. There weren’t any notable pieces in the exhibit however it was lovely none the less. After that we had lunch with the ever so gracious Juliana and Maria Clara. The rest of the day was spent around Conegliano in the most relaxing manner. What I needed after a 3 day plane ride.

Wednesday I went into Venice proper and proceeded the Museo Correr where I saw the “Transfiguration of Christ” by Bellini and “Man with a Red Hat” by Carpaccio. Both blew me away, attached are my reflections.

“Man with a Red Hat” by Carpaccio:
So coming on this first trip I was a bit nervous, I don’t have that much of a true educational background in art or painting and want to avoid sounding like a fool in my interpretations. The Man with a Red Hat is a mid 15th century portrait that displays a man in a red uniform with a red hat. The soberness of the man and the almost disinterest in his eyes really drew me to it, almost as if he had just found some disappointing news. It has a very exclusive subject, forcing all of your interest in the painting to the center. Well conveyed emotion, if a bit centric.

“Transfiguration of Christ” by Bellini:
This earlier version of the masterpiece is painted in a similar style as it displays the crucifixion of christ with a crowd gathered around. This painting almost made me think that all of our works are drawing us close to one centric theme, or one main meaning. The crowd is all looking to christ the martyr, and he is looking out to some greater truth. I am not condoning this specific way of truth, but just that there may be some, to use ethical terminology, fundamental truth.

After going to the museum I met several students at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice who invited me to their American English lecture. After taking their practice final exam with them (I passed thank goodness), they proceeded to show me around Venice the next day. They were incredibly welcoming, taking their day to show me around Venice and giving me a real taste of the local culture. Overall this really put a fantastic cap on my time in Venice, helping show me the real Venetian way of life.

Shout out to the Froehlich family for being the most gracious, fun, and welcoming hosts one could ask for. They went out of their way to help me, giving me advice, and treated me as their own. I am super lucky to call you family, and I need Kelby and Kody to learn to ski so I can take them to Utah and spoil them there!

But off to Frankfurt Germany to visit the Stadel and the Krakau family!

Brian

currently listening to:

Black Keys – 10 AM Automatic

Hello!

Made it to Venice, and after a wonderful 7 hours in St. Petersburg (actually not that bad) and a really fun 12 hours in Chisinau (not actually that fun), I made it to Venice. Cindy and her two boys Kelby and Kody were happy to see me, and quickly got me acquainted to Italy with the customary espresso, gelato, and spritz all in 2 hours. After a wonderful Pasta Ragu dubiously prepared by Kelby, the fact that I had not seen a bed in 3 days caught up with me, and I slept like the dead for at least 13 hours. But let’s take on tuesday!

Brian

Currently listening to:
nothing. still half asleep.

zdravstvuyte from st. petersburg!

The travels have been going well. I got a couple hours of sleep on the trans-atlantic flight but I am still pretty exhausted.

When I landed in St. Petersburg coming from Dusseldorf, I was not sure what to expect out of the former soviet city’s airport. But to my pleasant surprise St. Petersburg is actually most likely the nicest airport I have been in so far. There is only one terminal, and it is a huge soviet style room with 50 foot ceilings. Inside are multiple levels of modern shops, bustling with business. I am spending 7 hours here, and I am honestly looking forward to it, or at least more than my 3 hour experience stuck inside the dusseldorf terminal (which had only one drab cafe). But after my little fiesta today I will be onto Moldova and then to Venice.

Brian

currently listening to:
There’s the trouble – Dixie Chicks

Woke up this morning super excited. Today is the day! (and by today i mean the start of the longest continual flying experience I will ever have). So I received a $2000 scholarship from STEP at Ohio State to study specific pieces of art. I will write about each one as I get to it. My itinerary is going to be a fun secret, but to start I am headed to Venice. To fit 3 & 1/2 weeks in Europe into a $2000 budget, it required a bit of creativity when buying flights. For $600 I am flying roundtrip out of Russia. The problem is that I don’t have a Russian Visa, so I can’t be in a Russian airport for more than 24 hours. It means that I end up flying from Cincinnati to Chicago to Dusseldorf to St. Petersburg to Chisinau to Venice, or more than 50 hours of continual travel. In the name of cheap! Let’s goooooo.

So right now I am in Chi-town writing this post on my laptop via a hotspot on my phone. Basically burning all my data now cause I ain’t going to be in the states for the rest of the month.

Not sure if the 747 will have wifi so we’ll see if another post will come with pictures.

godspeed.
Brian

Currently listening to:

Oldie – Odd Future.

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