Aside from staying in contact with friends and family back in the States I try to curb my homesickness and get my American culture fix by watching TV. There are a lot of shows here imported from the US. Most are pretty shameless. I completely understand why, generally speaking, the US has a reputation abroad for being materialistic, greedy, and ignorant. That stereotype is enhanced by the the so-called "reality" shows that air overseas. The population of America is not split between living like the cast of the Jersey Shore and the cast of Laguna Beach, The Hills, and The City. My shows of choice over here are Law & Order, House, and Oprah but lately I have been watching The City. I'll admit it, I like the imagined reality of a girl my age living a glamourous life in New York City. With a job in the fashion industry, a trendy apartment, and an amazing wardrobe. Yes, it is ridiculously fake but the illusion is entertaining.
Well, something from the show actually landed with some weight a few weeks ago. It was a rerun, of course, and probably scripted but when Diane von Furstenburg approached Whitney amidst their busy fashion week party I felt like her message was meant for me.
"The most important relationship you have in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens you will always be with yourself."
The circumstances of my life and Whitney's are completely different. Not even comparable. But when a woman as accomplished and intelligent as Diane says something like that it echoes. This is what it meant to me:
It is important for an au pair to have a good relationship with the children and the family but it is just as important to have a great relationship with oneself throughout the entire experience. Otherwise it wouldn't be an experience at all. It would just be something that happened. Just some months in another country.
It also came into mind again when I noticed a few people's reactions after I told them about my short travels so far. They asked with whom I saw these cities. "Why, with myself of course." Whenever people learn that I went alone they seem surprised. For some reason or another doing things by yourself has a negative connotation. Like you're alone because you're a loser. Or if you're alone then you're surely depressed. Then a friend of mine posted the following video. So, this is my reply to those who seem taken aback when they learn all the things I've done with no one but me.
"Perhaps in the interest of loving oneself, perhaps all those sappy slogans from preschool over to high school's groaning were tokens for holding the lonely at bay. Cuz if you're happy in your head than solitude is blessed and alone is okay."
Sometimes I feel like I'm loosing my mind because I still miss home so much. Or because I'm not really sure where home is now that I've graduated from Gustavus. So, I have to keep reminding myself about the saying "home is where the heart is." Because it is true. I love many people and many places but my heart is right here with me. In me. Beating in my chest. As long as I can feel it there, safe behind my ribs, then I am home no matter how far I am from those I love. Because I love myself. Because I am my own best friend.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Adventure in Amsterdam - 08.21.2010
The Royal Palace/Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam
Originally it served as a town hall but Louis Napoleon turned it into a royal residence. It is now one of four in the Netherlands used by the Dutch Queen Beatrix. It is currently open to the public and the main exhibit is about Dutch Classicism - a style of architecture formed in the 17th century based on the designs and theories of the Italian architects Andrea Palladio and Vincenzo Scamozzi.
Scamozzi wrote a manual, L'Idea della Architettura Universale, on the proportions and forms of classical architecture and how they might be adapted in more contemporary terms. In 1640 it was translated into Dutch. Since most Dutch architects had never travelled to Italy to see the ancient buildings that best personify classical architecture, they relied on books to gain the knowledge essential to creating their designs.
Constantijn Huygens, a Dutch diplomat, was largely responsible for the rise of Dutch classicism. He had visited Italy and England many times and had therefore seen the ancient buildings and met architects who were already adapting classical elements. He promoted Scamozzian classicism in the Netherlands until it was officially adopted by the court and in turn became the standard for all other prestigious civic buildings. The Royal Palace is "the most eloquent expression of [Scamozzi's] ideal of harmony."
I found it to be particularly harmonious indeed. The exterior is being restored and hidden behind scaffolding. Inside only one floor was open for public viewing but it consisted of a dozen or so rooms with various functions. All these rooms surrounded a large center atrium with marble floors and walls, full of natural light, and sculptures of figures from Greek mythology. The decor was elegant but not over done. And I greatly appreciated the classical elements throughout.
Please note the SPQA at the top.
Most of the rooms were decorated with warm hues and this blue room was my favorite.
Sail Amsterdam
Every five years since 1975 tall ships from all over the world come to Amsterdam's eastern harbor for a few days of tours, fireworks, and maritime mayhem. On Thursday of last week my host mom mentioned that while at work she was able to see the tall ships coming into the city for the event. I often check the internet to see what sort of events are going on in Amsterdam each weekend and I had in mind that I would at least see the ships so I could tell my dad, a boating man at heart. I only walked a quarter of the loop until I found a nice open spot to sit and watch the large ships with masts and sails as well as the canal boats full of people, beer cans in hand and sunglasses pushed back. It was nice to being sitting still amongst so much movement. I'm a water girl at heart. I love being near bodies of water so it was a perfect ending to another lovely day in Amsterdam.
Originally it served as a town hall but Louis Napoleon turned it into a royal residence. It is now one of four in the Netherlands used by the Dutch Queen Beatrix. It is currently open to the public and the main exhibit is about Dutch Classicism - a style of architecture formed in the 17th century based on the designs and theories of the Italian architects Andrea Palladio and Vincenzo Scamozzi.
Scamozzi wrote a manual, L'Idea della Architettura Universale, on the proportions and forms of classical architecture and how they might be adapted in more contemporary terms. In 1640 it was translated into Dutch. Since most Dutch architects had never travelled to Italy to see the ancient buildings that best personify classical architecture, they relied on books to gain the knowledge essential to creating their designs.
Constantijn Huygens, a Dutch diplomat, was largely responsible for the rise of Dutch classicism. He had visited Italy and England many times and had therefore seen the ancient buildings and met architects who were already adapting classical elements. He promoted Scamozzian classicism in the Netherlands until it was officially adopted by the court and in turn became the standard for all other prestigious civic buildings. The Royal Palace is "the most eloquent expression of [Scamozzi's] ideal of harmony."
I found it to be particularly harmonious indeed. The exterior is being restored and hidden behind scaffolding. Inside only one floor was open for public viewing but it consisted of a dozen or so rooms with various functions. All these rooms surrounded a large center atrium with marble floors and walls, full of natural light, and sculptures of figures from Greek mythology. The decor was elegant but not over done. And I greatly appreciated the classical elements throughout.
Please note the SPQA at the top.
Most of the rooms were decorated with warm hues and this blue room was my favorite.
Sail Amsterdam
Every five years since 1975 tall ships from all over the world come to Amsterdam's eastern harbor for a few days of tours, fireworks, and maritime mayhem. On Thursday of last week my host mom mentioned that while at work she was able to see the tall ships coming into the city for the event. I often check the internet to see what sort of events are going on in Amsterdam each weekend and I had in mind that I would at least see the ships so I could tell my dad, a boating man at heart. I only walked a quarter of the loop until I found a nice open spot to sit and watch the large ships with masts and sails as well as the canal boats full of people, beer cans in hand and sunglasses pushed back. It was nice to being sitting still amongst so much movement. I'm a water girl at heart. I love being near bodies of water so it was a perfect ending to another lovely day in Amsterdam.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Adventure in Amsterdam - 08.14.2010
I have not been to Amsterdam nearly enough to know all the secrets. All the streets. All the history. But I have a very strong attraction to the city. After this past Saturday I realized something. I think I am in love again.
"Love makes you see a place differently, just as you hold differently an object that belongs to someone you love. If you know one landscape well, you will look at all other landscapes differently. And if you learn to love one place, sometimes you can also learn to love another." - Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels
During the week all I can think about is when I get to see Amsterdam again. At first sight, every time, it makes my heart beat go silly. I walk out from Centraal Station and it is waiting there for me. It is always waiting for me. Even if I don't have anything planned for my time in Amsterdam just being there is enough. And when I leave I can still feel it on my skin. Yes, I think I have fallen in love.
On Saturday I didn't waste any time after I got out of bed. I skipped breakfast, got dressed, and packed a bag. I filled my water bottle and took a banana to eat on the train. The children waved to me from the back patio as I biked away. Since it was raining the weekend before I went straight to the Waterloo Plein flea market. And when I say I went straight there that actually means my route was direct but I took a few side stops to shop along the way.
I love flea markets. I've only been to one in the States. Years ago while visiting my cousin in NYC. In Italy I always went to the monthly flea market in Fiesole and bought some very interesting items there. Scarves and handbags that once belonged to some old Italian lady. A silver jewelry box as a gift for my godmother's wedding. A few old lire. There was an annual vintage fair in Florence but you had to pay to get in so I only went once. There I bought a red leather Cartier wallet that had a special flap for a passport. All special purchases that have the genuine feel of Italy on them even after changing ownership. So, I was excited about what I would find in Amsterdam.
Vintage mini liquor bottles. I bought four in different colors and a small jar. Old postcards. I only bought ones from the places I've actually been. I spoiled myself with three from Florence. It was nice to be reminded of my greatest love, Italy.
I had lunch alone outside some Asian place on Damstraat. It was a very busy day in the city but I still managed a leisurely stroll from block to block. Back in Dam Square I found some sort of Hare Krishna gathering. Food, music, and a diverse crowd. It was nice to be reminded of my first love, India.
I enjoyed some street music until the Hare Krishnas kicked them out of the square but the timing was perfect because the British au pair I met last weekend called and invited me to meet up with a group of au pairs in Vondelpark with her. I could have taken the tram because it is rather far but I chose to walk. When you're in love you like to take your time. Enjoy every moment. Savor the scenery.
The grass near the Flower Monument was packed full of people picnicking, dancing, playing with their dogs, sleeping, and conversing. It took us awhile to find the other au pairs but they had a good set up near the pond with blankets, wine, cookies, and cheese. About half the girls were from the US and half from Australia. Then one girl from Finland and one from Poland. Past the introductions the conversations all moved along with laughter and sarcasm and stories concerning adorably annoying Dutch children. So, my last two hours in Amsterdam were spent this way. Full of laughter, love, and all that other mushy stuff. I laughed my way into a romance with Amsterdam.
During the week all I can think about is when I get to see Amsterdam again. At first sight, every time, it makes my heart beat go silly. I walk out from Centraal Station and it is waiting there for me. It is always waiting for me. Even if I don't have anything planned for my time in Amsterdam just being there is enough. And when I leave I can still feel it on my skin. Yes, I think I have fallen in love.
On Saturday I didn't waste any time after I got out of bed. I skipped breakfast, got dressed, and packed a bag. I filled my water bottle and took a banana to eat on the train. The children waved to me from the back patio as I biked away. Since it was raining the weekend before I went straight to the Waterloo Plein flea market. And when I say I went straight there that actually means my route was direct but I took a few side stops to shop along the way.
I love flea markets. I've only been to one in the States. Years ago while visiting my cousin in NYC. In Italy I always went to the monthly flea market in Fiesole and bought some very interesting items there. Scarves and handbags that once belonged to some old Italian lady. A silver jewelry box as a gift for my godmother's wedding. A few old lire. There was an annual vintage fair in Florence but you had to pay to get in so I only went once. There I bought a red leather Cartier wallet that had a special flap for a passport. All special purchases that have the genuine feel of Italy on them even after changing ownership. So, I was excited about what I would find in Amsterdam.
Vintage mini liquor bottles. I bought four in different colors and a small jar. Old postcards. I only bought ones from the places I've actually been. I spoiled myself with three from Florence. It was nice to be reminded of my greatest love, Italy.
I had lunch alone outside some Asian place on Damstraat. It was a very busy day in the city but I still managed a leisurely stroll from block to block. Back in Dam Square I found some sort of Hare Krishna gathering. Food, music, and a diverse crowd. It was nice to be reminded of my first love, India.
I enjoyed some street music until the Hare Krishnas kicked them out of the square but the timing was perfect because the British au pair I met last weekend called and invited me to meet up with a group of au pairs in Vondelpark with her. I could have taken the tram because it is rather far but I chose to walk. When you're in love you like to take your time. Enjoy every moment. Savor the scenery.
The grass near the Flower Monument was packed full of people picnicking, dancing, playing with their dogs, sleeping, and conversing. It took us awhile to find the other au pairs but they had a good set up near the pond with blankets, wine, cookies, and cheese. About half the girls were from the US and half from Australia. Then one girl from Finland and one from Poland. Past the introductions the conversations all moved along with laughter and sarcasm and stories concerning adorably annoying Dutch children. So, my last two hours in Amsterdam were spent this way. Full of laughter, love, and all that other mushy stuff. I laughed my way into a romance with Amsterdam.
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