Arts Day

Today was officially Arts Day, or as I like to call it “Joanie’s day to look at every spec of paint while Marco speed views then does crosswords and surfs for later activities.” I was, however, a little slower with my viewing because these two impressive dudes really know how to throw brush to canvas. And the fact that one of them actually cut off his own ear…now you got my attention.

Our first visit was to the Rijksmuseum where Joanie’s dream of visiting Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” finally came true. I can only hope one day that she will stare at me lovingly the same way she stared down that painting.

Later in the afternoon we visited the Van Gogh Museum where we saw tons of paintings by the coocoo painter who took his own life at only 37. He was a painting freak, in his last 67 days on earth he created a classic painting each day…especially for someone like me that struggles with stick people, that is impressive.

I really can’t say where our last visit was for the day, all I can mention is that it seemed as though they were burning a lot of rope and I actually got a sunburn from all of the red lights. Since I am sworn to secrecy I also cannot mention that my wife thought it was a disgusting place and I thought is was “pretty interesting”. That’s all I have to say about that.

We finished our evening with Brett and her fellow co-workers at a local bar. It was wonderful to meet such fine men and women who at such an early age have all traveled, and worked, throughout the world. And such nice people…the world is in great hands!

Other highlights:

* Great dinner Wednesday at Brasserie Bark – We shared seafood risotto and a shellfish mixed platter. The best!

* Dinner Thursday night at Kantjil & De Tijger Indonesian Restaurant – Joanie, “My husband doesn’t like spicy food, do you have a recommendation?” Waiter, “Yes, we have white rice.” Despite that initial discussion, we found great food that we both enjoyed, we would go back.

24,000+ steps later…