It was quite unusual for us not to be up and on the road at the crack of dawn. On this particular trip from Fruita, Colorado to Colorado Springs, we decided a 08:30 departure time was just fine. The 300-mile journey usually takes about five and one-half hours. That may sound like a long time, but it is such a beautiful drive and the time goes by quickly.
The roads were clear for the entire route. However, on some mountain passes, where there was still a tremendous amount of snow, there were some wet patches. The snow was beginning its spring melt. As we crested the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass (11,539 feet – 3,517 meters), I remarked at how amazing it is that the droplets of snowmelt on either side of the pass end up in different oceans. The snow on the east side melts and drains into the Mississippi River, then the Gulf of Mexico, and finally mixes with the Atlantic Ocean. The snow on the west side melts and flows into the Colorado River, then the Gulf of California, and finally mixes with the Pacific Ocean.
Sign at the summit of Hoosier Pass near Breckenridge, Colorado.
Our norm for the trip had been stopping for lunch at the Pizza Hutt in Fairplay. That was especially true when our children were young and accompanied us on our trips back and forth. Leslie and I were excited to stop there for lunch, relax a little, and reminisce about previous family trips. That would not be the case on this trip.
As I turned to approach the Pizza Hutt, I saw a large for sale sign. The Pizza Hutt was just an empty building now. We were still hungry. I turned around and drove back about one-half mile to the Subway in the gas station. We ordered our subs and sat there to eat. We were both still stinging from the disappointment.
On the way out of the gas station, we bought some bottles of water. We mentioned our disappointment regarding the Pizza Hutt affair. She shared that her boyfriend had worked there. The owner of the franchise shut it down because of employee embezzlement. Armed with that knowledge, we got back in the car and completed our journey.
Every time I travel to Colorado Springs, my trip is not complete unless I visit the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. During our visit, we saw several art students on the upper floor; each of them sketching what they saw. We struck up a conversation with one of the young men. We discovered his father is a professor at Colorado College. His name is Andrew Ramiro Tirado. He made the piece “Lacuna.” A photograph of that piece appears here, followed by some of my other favorites.
Lacuna, Andrew Ramiro Tirado, 2012, reclaimed wood, steel, and paint.Detail from Persian Wall Installation, Dale, Chihuly, 2006, hand-blown glass.polychrome 3, Herbert Bayer, 1970, acrylic on canvas.Avant la Pique (Before the Lance), Pablo Picaso, 1959, linocut edition 39 of 50.La Santa Cruz de San Francisco de Asis (The Holy Cross of Saint Francis of Assisi), Krissa Maria Lopez, 2002, aspen, homemade gesso, wheat straw, micaceous clay, natural pigments, and prewax.Saint Drogo, Patron of Coffee Houses, Jerry Vigil, 2011, acrylic paint on carved basswood.Destruction by Fire #4: Fall From Grace, Rudy Fernandez, 1995, mixed media – lead, wood, paint, and ceramic.Large Wall Flower, James Surls, 2002, poplar, pine, and painted steel.
While I was in Colorado Springs, I went on a photo trek with two good friends, Ron Krom and James Harris. James has a website showcasing his photographs. One can find that at James Harris Photography.
The site we selected was Helen Hunt Falls. That waterfall is in Cheyenne Canyon on the southwest side of Colorado Springs. I always enjoy photo treks because I always learn something new. I used my new knowledge to try to improve my photography skills.
The upper falls at Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs.Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs.Closer view of Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs.An old pine stump near Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs.
We departed Nynäshamn, Sweden, on July 16, at about 20:00. The cruise schedule had us at sea all day on July 17, arriving in Copenhagen, Denmark at about 05:00 on July 18.
At various times throughout our cruise, Leslie took time to practice with about a dozen other passengers as the ship’s choir. All of the practice culminated with a performance on our last night at sea. When we arrived in the piazza area of the vessel, there was a string quartet playing. The same quartet played every evening.
String quartet.String quartet detail.
When the quartet finished, a talent show began. The first act was two young gymnasts, a girl, and her brother. I believe they were Dutch. The emcee said the girl was aiming to perform at the 2020 Summer Olympics. She was good. Next was a young woman singer who had an absolutely beautiful voice. She reminded me of a singer one might hear in an animated Walt Disney movie. The final act was a brother and two sisters. The brother played the piano, and the sisters sang. They needed a bit more polish, but it was nice to see they at least tried.
Brother and sister gymnasts.First talent show singer.The singer with the golden voice.The brother and sisters singers.
Following the talent show was the choir which sang several songs from The Sound of Music. They sounded good, but of course, Leslie was the best!
The highlight of the talent show…at least for me. The Regal Princess Choir.Leslie hitting that note.Fun “drinking” tea.
After the concert, we, minus Lorraine, went to the dining room for dinner. Lorraine was not feeling well. During dinner, we heard the captain on the public address system announce we would pass under the Storebæltsbroen (Great Belt Bridge) at about 20:00. Sure enough, shortly before 20:00, we saw the bridge looming on the horizon. We watched the sight from our balcony. Below us, on one of the main decks, we saw several other passengers gathering to watch the passage and take photographs of the bridge. The bridge connects the Danish islands of Funen and Zealand. Zealand is the island on which we find Copenhagen. The span really was a fantastic sight.
Leslie watching the approach to the Storebæltsbroen (Great Belt Bridge).A portion of the Storebæltsbroen.A line of wind turbines is visible just beyond the Storebæltsbroen.Several passengers gather on one of the decks to photograph the Storebæltsbroen.Passing under the Storebæltsbroen.Looking back to the Storebæltsbroen.
We docked right on time. Once at the Marriott, Lorraine and Arlene waited for a room while Leslie and I walked to the tourist information center to get our Copenhagen tourist cards. The cards ended up not being worth the price only because we did not make much use of them. We ultimately used them for only one bus ride, one church, and one museum.
While we stood in the tourist information center, my name caught my eye; the Vice and Vesterbro Tour. Vesterbro is a district in Copenhagen. We all know what vice is, so maybe we will try that tour on our next visit to Copenhagen.
With our cards in hand, we decided we would do the Strøget (stroll). The Strøget is a mile-long pedestrian thoroughfare, encompassing the streets of Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv, and Østergade. It winds from Town Hall Square to the Nyhavn area. Along the way, shopping is a mix of tourist shops and very high-end shops and boutiques. We did not buy anything.
On Strøget, the streets came to life as we walked along. The people made it a great walk. I enjoyed capturing photographs of many people as they walked together. Some that stand out in my mind is the couple walking two huge dogs; a young toddler running around; a woman pulling a sausage cart; a juggler; and a street performer.
A view of the crowded Strøget pedestrian street. This is shortly after departing the Rådhuspladsen.Another view of the Frederiksberggade portion of Strøget Pedestrian Street.Walking the dogs along Nygade, a portion of the Strøget Pedestrian Street.A woman pulling a Jens Kurts sausage cart along the Strøget Pedestrian Street.A street performer along the Strøget Pedestrian Street.A juggler in the Stork Fountain Square.
About two-thirds of the way through the Strøget, we discovered the Royal Copenhagen building. That is the primary outlet for Royal Copenhagen china. We went into the store. Beautiful china was displayed everywhere. It was all lovely but incredibly expensive. The only thing I took from the building were some photographs.
The storefront of the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory faces the Stork Fountain Square.Porcelain in various stages of hand-painting at the Royal Copenhagen flagship store on the Strøget Pedestrian Street. The brand was founded in 1775.Teapots on display.View from one of the open windows in the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory.A closer view of the storefront.
The Strøget ultimately deposited us at the Kongens Nytorv Plaza. From there we walked the short distance to Nyhavn where we had lunch at a beautiful place, Nyhavns Frergekro. I tried a traditional Dutch open-faced sandwich known as Smørrebrød. It was roast beef with a remoulade sauce and gherkin pickles. I thought it tasted excellent. I also had the Nyhavn Dark Ale, which had a real smooth taste. Leslie ordered the Danish meatballs and some fried brie cheese.
Ready to enjoy our lunch in the Nyhavn district.A family stopping to rest and enjoy a beer in the Nyhavn district.
When we finished lunch, we caught a bus, which took us near our hotel. We walked the last few blocks. All totaled, we put in about 3.5 miles that day.
Lorraine stayed in the room all day with Arlene. They were both getting sicker.
On this return trip to Copenhagen, I found it surprising once again how many swimmers, and sunbathers changed from clothing to swimwear and back again in public. I guess I am too shy to try such a stunt. Oh, and there is no way I am flexible enough to get dressed or undressed while covering up with a towel.
Bathers along Sydhavnen Canal.
The next day, Lorraine and Arlene were to depart. Leslie stayed with them while I went on a walk. I wandered into the Christianshavn area. It is a small island. The canal scenes and the colorful buildings were striking.
I took some stairs to get up to the street level of the drawbridge which crossed over the canal. It was easy to see how much this city favors bicycles. On every set of public stairs, there was a steel track installed. The track was wide enough to allow for any size of a bicycle tire. It will enable a bicyclist to walk up the stairs while rolling the bicycle up or down alongside.
A bicycle wheel rail on the stairs to Hans Christian Andersens Boulevard.View from a bridge to bicycles parked below.
I ended up at the Our Savior Church. It dates from the 1680s, known for its massive spire with a winding staircase on the exterior. On a whim, I decided to go up. The climb inside the spire was impressive. One needed to be like a mountain goat to make it up some of the steeper sections. I did not count the stairs, but it had to be close to 200. Finally, one exits the interior stairs through a very narrow door. At that point, a narrow platform rings the spire. The views of Copenhagen were stunning.
On one side of the spire, copper-covered stairs began to ascend, winding around the spire to the very top. Supposedly, there are 150 steps there. Even though there is a sturdy railing, I had several mental battles about whether or not I should continue the assent or give in to my newfound fear of heights. Ultimately, I did not continue to the top.
A unicorn on the corner of the building housing the Christianshavn Apothocary seems to be pointing to the top of the steeple of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour).Another view of the steeple of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour).Detail of the steeple of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour). One can see the handrail spiraling around the steeple.Cityscape view from the steeple of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour) looking toward the Marriott Hotel.Cityscape view from the steeple of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour) looking toward the dome of Frederiks Kirke.Cityscape view from the steeple of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour) looking toward the Christiansborg Palace.Cityscape view from the steeple of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour) looking toward the cruise ship port area.This sticker was on the handrail on the exterior of the steeple at the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour). It is German for “love for all.”Cityscape view from the steeple of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour) looking toward the Øresund Bridge.
Getting back down was also an adventure. The stairs accommodate two-way traffic, even though they are only wide enough for one person at many points. I felt like kissing the ground when I finally made it down.
Back at the hotel, we got Lorraine and Arlene a taxi for the airport. Once they were gone, Leslie and I took a cab to the Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery of Denmark). We had lunch when we arrived. Then we spent a couple of hours touring the museum. I saw several paintings by Edvard Munch, an artist I am familiar with, but I have never personally seen any of his works. I was also happy to see a couple of works from my favorite Spanish artist, Picasso.
The main entrance to the Statens Museum for Kunst also known as SMK (State Museum for Art) in the City Center area.The counter at the cafe in SMK.A delicious lunch, and of course wine, at the cafe at SMK.Seating in the cafe portion of SMK.An art patron stopping for lunch at SMK.In a Roman Osteria by Carl Bloch (1866).A photographer among the sculptures at SMK.The Shadow by Niels Hansen Jacobsen (1897-1898).Evening Talk by Edvard Munch (1889).Workers on Their Way Home by Edvard Munch (1914).Lady in Black by Edvard Munch (1891).Samson and the Philistines by Carl Bloch (1863).A String of Horses Outside an Inn by Otto Bache (1878).Sculpture of a woman.Danish Landscape by Harald Slott-Meller (1891).The Panther Hunter by Jens Adolf Jerichau (1845-46).The photographer in the red shirt captured again four rooms away at SMK.Alexander the Great on his Sickbed by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg (1806).Mendel Levin Nathanson’s Elder Daughters, Bella, and Hanna by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg (1820).Still Life with Door, Guitar, and Bottles by Pablo Picasso (1916).Glass with Lemon Slice by Pablo Picasso (1913).Two Nude Figures by Pablo Picasso (1909).The Green Blouse by Henri Matisse (1936).Interior with a Violin by Henri Matisse (1918).Portrait of Madame Matisse, The Green Line by Henri Matisse (1905).Woman with a Vase by Fernand Léger (1924).Portrait of the Venetian Painter Giovanni Bellini (?) by Tizian (1511-12).Calvary by Jan de Beer (1510).The Archangel Michael with the Dragon by Unknown (1500).Dominican Friar by Peter Paul Rubens (after 1628).The Judgement of Solomon by Peter Paul Rubens (1617).Matthaeus Yrsselius (1541-1629), Abbot of Saint Michael’s Abbey in Antwerp by Peter Paul Rubens (1624).The Holy Women at the Sepulcher by Ferdinand Bol (1644).Christ on the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens (1592-1633).A perspective box by Unknown (1650).A woman sitting on a bench outside the SMK.
We departed Copenhagen on July 20. At the Copenhagen airport, we decided to get a wheelchair for Leslie. Once we made it through security, we sat in a very comfortable waiting area set aside expressly for those passengers needing additional help. Everyone who helped us was extremely friendly.
When we arrived in Dubai, we also had a wheelchair waiting. However, they took us to the land-of-broken-people. It was not nearly as courteous or friendly as what we experienced in Copenhagen. Regardless, we only had a three-hour flight ahead of us.
As we approached Islamabad, it was cloudy and rainy. I do not believe Islamabad has a precision approach capability, so I began to get nervous as we circled. I was hoping we would not be diverted to Karachi or Lahore. I did not feel like dealing with that. However, nearly 30-minutes late, we landed in Islamabad. We were at home.
A building on the street side of the Rosenborg Castle.Bicycles are everywhere in the City Center.A bridal store in the City Center.Bicycles across from the entry to the Tivoli Amusement Park.The underside of the over-the-ocean observation deck.A mural at a beer garden near the Tivoli Amusement Park.Jazz Jazz.North entrance to the Tivoli Amusement Park on Vesterbrogade.Approaching the north side of the Town Hall.Pedestrians crossing the road from the Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square).The north facade of the Town Hall.Goodbye Serious.The Zero Kilometer Stone is in the middle of the city center of Copenhagen. All distances are measured from that point.The Copenhagen Town Hall.The Lego Store on Vimmelskaftet, part of the Strøget Pedestrian Street. Legos are a Danish product.Buildings facing Gammeltorv Square. It is the oldest square in Copenhagen.The fountain in Gammeltorv Square.Looking along the Amagertorv portion of the Strøget Pedestrian Street. The steeple in the distance is the Nikolaj Kunsthal Contemporary Art Center.Part of the Strøget Pedestrian Street across from the Helligaandskirken, a church dating from the 13th Century.Final SaleA man monitoring his young son along Strøget Pedestrian Street.Run like the wind!People listening to some musicians along Strøget Pedestrian Street.A busy mom with her children on Strøget Pedestrian Street.Approaching the Stork Fountain Square on Strøget Pedestrian Street.People at the Stork Fountain in the square.The Stork Fountain dates from 1894.Patek Philipe and pedestrians along the Strøget Pedestrian Street.Antique shopping in front of a wonky mirror at Kongens Nytorv (Kings New Square).A building across from Kongens Nytorv (The Kings New Square).Artwork at buses at Kongens Nytorv.The Thott Palace in Kongens Nytorv dates from 1683. It is now the French Embassy.Storefronts and chairs in the Nyhavn district.The Royal Danish Theater dates from 1874. It is across from Kongens Nytorv.The flagship store of Magasin du Nord, a chain of Danish department stores.Walking along Bernstorffsgade Street.A family walking along Bernstorffsgade Street.The queue at the Bernstorffsgade Street entry to Tivoli Amusement Park.Birdhouses along Bernstorffsgade Street.Birdhouses and bicycles along Bernstorffsgade Street.A very red Porsche.Boat traffic on Sydhavnen Canal.Looking across the Sydhavnen Canal along Njalsgade Street.Kayakers playing in the Sydhavnen Canal.The Cultural Center fronts onto the Sydhavnen Canal.Sign for Hans Christian Andersens Boulevard.Entry to the Langebro drawbridge control tower. The metal is copper.The Søren Kierkegaards Plads and the Black Diamond Library.The Langebro drawbridge control tower.The Stadsgraven Canal with the Radisson Hotel in the background.Flowers beside the Stadsgraven Canal.Buildings across Stadsgraven Canal.View of Christians Kirke across a canal.View across Kobenhavns Canal. The Black Diamond Library extends to the left. The steeple of the Christiansborg Palace is visible in the background.A canal tour boat in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.This is not an entry point for vehicles in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.A Jupiter bicycle secured to a park fence.The Cafe Rabes Have building looks a little worn.Graffiti on a transformer.A sculpture in a small park in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.Looking northeast along a canal in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.Brøste’s Gaard is known as the Potter House after Thomas Potter. It was completed in 1785. It is located in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.Some colorful buildings in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.A wooden boat in a canal in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.An office building facing a canal at Overgaden Neden Vandet 11 in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.Boats lined up along a canal in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.View to the northwest along Torvegade Street. The tall steeple in the background is the Nikolaj Contemporary Art Center.Some graffiti behind the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour).The tomb of Pastor Hans Peter Borresen in the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour).A very small car outside the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour).A very busy canal in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.View back to the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of our Saviour) along Sankt Annæ Gade.Bicyclists spin by at breakfast time at the Café Oven Vande at the corner of Sankt Annæ Gade and Overgaden Oven Vandet.An old home at Overgaden Neden Vandet 37 in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.View southwest along Overgaden Neden Vandet in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.A row of colorful buildings along Torvegade in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.Another view of the row of colorful buildings along Torvegade in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.This building along Torvegade in the Christianshavn and Holmen area is the least plumb, yet still occupied, building I think I have ever seen.A parting view of the row of colorful buildings along Torvegade in the Christianshavn and Holmen area.Looking southwest along Strandgade toward Christians Kirke.The Christians Kirke is visible behind some buildings fronting onto a canal.Stairs lead to the roof of the Universitets-Jubilæets Danske Samfund building.A red boat on a canal in desperate need of paint. The steeple of the Town Hall is in the background.The red boat.A boat on a canal in the City Center area.Waiting for the dog in the City Center area.A tour boat passes by the Horse Guard barracks in the City Center area.Looking northwest along a canal toward the buildings on Nybrogade. It appears the tour boat will barely fit under the bridge.This yellow house at Ny Kongensgade 5 in the City Center area also seems to be a bit out of plumb.Detail of the yellow house.A few issues with this white house too.A woman riding along Hans Christian Andersens Boulevard.An Aston Martin outside the hotel.
The first day after Navy boot camp graduation, we had lunch with several family members that live close to Great Lakes, Illinois. One of them told us about the Christmas Market happening in downtown Chicago. We decided to go check it out.
Our drive took about an hour. We found a parking space in a parking garage directly across from Daley Center, the location of the market. The elevator from the garage brought us into the heart of the shopping mall known as Block Thirty-Seven. We made our way through the mall to the exit onto North Dearborn Street. As we approached the glass doors, we could see across the street to the Christmas Market.
We went outside, crossed the street, and found ourselves immersed in a sea of humanity. It was challenging to navigate through the crowd. I saw several people pushing strollers through the crowd, which did not seem like such a good idea to me.
The Christmas tree towered over the Christmas Market.The Picasso sculpture in Daley Center seems to be watching over the people at the Christmas Market.People gathered at the fringe of the Christmas Market.There were so many people at the Christmas Market that, at times, there seemed barely enough room for oxygen.The Christmas tree in Daley Center.The flags and a menorah above the Christmas Market at Daley Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Several vendors were selling Christmas ornaments and crafts. A few vendors were selling everything from nuts to pretzels. One very popular vendor offered warm wine in small ceramic keepsake mugs. We waded through the crowd to get our wine. It was quite good. Near the entry to that vendor was a German band. They played several Christmas favorites while we stood and listened.
Ah yes…warm wine in souvenir mugs…priceless!!This particular shop at the Christmas Market specialized in the Christmas carousels powered by the heat of candles.People gathered in front of a purveyor of German beer steins.Detail of some intricate and beautifully painted Christmas ornaments.This may have been our favorite shop. They sold all sorts of Christmas treats.This woman served us some of the hot candied nuts. They were amazingly good!The German band made the Christmas Market complete.
After exploring all that we wanted at the Christmas Market, we decided to walk a little farther north on Dearborn. It was very, very windy and cold. Chicago was living up to its moniker of the windy city.
Looking north on Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois.A view to the east on West Randolph Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
We walked by a lively bar, Petterino’s. We went into the bar to find a seat and have a drink. We found none available. We were close to the L. I wanted to take some photographs of that iconic Chicago landmark. So, Leslie stayed behind at Petterino’s to wait for a seat while Hillary, Tyler, and I walked to the elevated train tracks at Lake Street. I took a couple of photos and then turned us all back toward Petterino’s. Did I mention it was very, very cold?
A train passes over North Dearborn Street at Lake Street on the L (elevated rail).A train seemed to pass by on the L every minute or so.Looking to the east at Lake Street and North Dearborn Street. It seems to be a different world under the L.
Inside Petterino’s, Leslie had found a small table and two bar stools. We sat there for a drink while Hillary and Tyler stood with their drinks. The extravagant and eclectic Christmas decorations made the old bar feel quite cozy. The backlit sign above the bar caught my eye; “A woman drove me to drink and I never even had the courtesy to thank her. W. C. Fields.”
A W.C. Fields quotation above the bar at Petterino’s.The Navy Seaman and his sister at Petterino’s on North Dearborn Street.The drink menu above the bar at Petterino’s.The ceiling at Petterino’s had an eclectic Christmas feel.Patrons at Petterinos drinking and dining below the actors who have appeared at the Goodman Theatre.One of the Christmas ornaments at Petterino’s.Detail of some of the decorations on the ceiling at Petterino’s.A nutcracker on the ceiling at Petterino’s.Hillary at Petterino’s in downtown Chicago, Illinois.Hillary was just happy the wine had arrived…
We finished our drinks, made our way back to the car, and began the hour-long drive back to the hotel area for dinner. We all enjoyed the trip.
A high-rise tower in the distance. It is near the Chicago River.In a Christmas ornament, one can see the entire Christmas Market reflected.A menorah visible above the Christmas Market.The nativity scene on display at the Christmas Market.A portion of the Christmas Market reflected in the windows of the Richard J. Daley Center building.A lone pedestrian walking by a rack of bicycles in downtown Chicago, Illinois.The McDonald’s at the corner of West Randolph Street and North Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois.The marquee of the Goodman Theatre on North Dearborn Street.Detail of the marquee at the Goodman Theatre.The marquee for the Oriental Theatre on West Randolph Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois.This panorama of Daley Center features the menorah, Christmas tree, Picasso sculpture, and flags.Inside the Block 37 shopping mall across from Daley Center.At Daley Center, the Picasso sculpture faced the Christmas tree.
After breakfast, reading the Sunday newspaper, and cleaning up, I decided to head to the Hirshhorn Museum. It is one of the Smithsonian museums, so it has free entry. What a wonderful museum! It is nowhere near as crowded as the Air and Space Museum (which is directly east) or the Natural History Museum. It houses works by such well-known artists as Andy Warhol, Frank Lloyd Wright, Joan Miro, Henri Matisse, Auguste Rodin, and of course my favorite, Pablo Picasso.
I came up from the Smithsonian Metro stop and walked the 300 or 400 meters to the museum. After getting my bag checked, I decided to go up to the top floor and work my way back down. Each level is circular with exhibits along the outer and inner portions. That makes it very easy for one to see each item exhibited on each floor.
The first item that caught my eye was Wall Drawing #356 by Sol Lewitt. It is one of those optical illusions that seem to keep switching perspective the more prolonged one stares. On the other side of the same room was Wall Drawing #1113, also by Lewitt. The colors were striking.
Wall Drawing #356 by Sol Lewitt (2003).Wall Drawing #1113 by Sol Lewitt (2003).Detail of Wall Drawing #1113 by Sol Lewitt (2003).
In the adjoining room was Flowers by Andy Warhol. He is not one of my favorites; but, how often does one see a Warhol original?
Flowers by Andy Warhol (1964).Neon Structure by Lucio Fontana (1951).
I was surprised to see two windows done by Frank Lloyd Wright. I appreciate his architectural style, so seeing those was quite a treat. The title of the windows was Composition in Light: Window from the Coonley Playhouse. His design vision was striking.
Composition in Light by Frank Lloyd Wright (1912).
Of course, I had to include a photograph of Woman (Personage) by Joan Miro since he was a Spanish artist. It was not my favorite work, but he was from Spain.
Woman (Personage) by Joan Miro (1947-48).Untitled by David Hammons (1989).
At this point, I entered one of the most interesting areas of the museum. The exhibit dealt with light. To a certain extent, it reminded me of the shows we saw recently in Colorado Springs at the Fine Arts Center. The first exhibit at Hirshorn by Joseph Kosuth, Four Colors Four Words set the tone. There was a lot of neon. Next was a display of black lights done by David Flavin. I found it interesting to stand there and watch the other patrons marvel at the blue hue.
Four Colors Four Words by Joseph Kosuth (1966).People walking by Untitled by David Flavin (1974).Untitled by David Flavin (1974).
The exhibit by Jesus Rafael Soto, Blue Penetrable BBL was the most interactive display in the entire museum. It consisted of multiple strands of some blue plastic string. It was perfectly OK to walk through the exhibit and experience the work from the inside out.
Soto was also responsible for Three and One. It was a mobile of different colored wires floating in front of a background that had multiple parallel black lines. The effect on the eye was fascinating.
A small boy emerges from Blue Pentrable BBL by Jesus Rafael Soto (1999).
Museum patrons walking through Blue Penetrable BBL by Jesus Rafael Soto (1999).Three and One by Jesus Rafael Soto (1966).Detail of Three and One by Jesus Rafael Soto (1966).Light in Movement by Julio Le Parc (1962).
Several rooms later, I stumbled across two works by Pablo Picasso, Woman with Baby Carriage and Head of a Woman. While in Spain I became more and more enthralled with Picasso. I was surprised to see two of his bronze works on display.
Woman with Baby Carriage by Pablo Picasso (1950).Head of a Woman by Pablo Picasso (1909).Light in Movement by Julio Le Parc (1962).Back I by Henri Matisse (1909).Reclining Nude I (Aurora) by Henri Matisse (1906-07).Iris, Messenger of the Gods by Auguste Rodin (1890-91).Head of Sorrow by Auguste Rodin (1882).Helmet Head No. 3 by Henry Moore (1960).
When I made it to the lower level, there were a couple of things that caught my eye. The first was the installation Belief + Doubt by Barbara Kruger. She had several words and phrases posted all over the walls, floors, and escalators at the lower level. One of my favorite shots by far was the lady in a black burka standing in front of the word Belief.
Belief + Doubt by Barbara Kruger (2012).Belieft + Doubt = Sanity by Barbara Kruger (2012).When was the Last Time You Laughed? by Barbara Kruger (2012).People observing Belief + Doubt by Barbara Kruger (2012).Don’t Look Down by Barbara Kruger (2012).Money Makes Money by Barbara Kruger (2012).People near Forget by Barbara Kruger (2012).Question mark detail of a work by Barbara Kruger (2012).People in front of Belief by Barbara Kruger (2012).People in front of Belief by Barbara Kruger (2012) II.
The other item in the lower level that caught my eye was Ron Mueck’s Untitled (Big Man). That was because of the realism of the piece. Other than the size of the work, it looks like a real man. I did enjoy seeing the sculpture; however, I could never have such a piece in my home. That would be too eerie for me.
Untitled (Big Man) by Ron Mueck (2000).Detail of Untitled (Big Man) by Ron Mueck (2000).Detail of Untitled (Big Man) by Ron Mueck (2000) II.
After a quick stop at the gift shop, I went outside to enjoy the fountain. There were 12 works by Ai Weiwei placed around the fountain, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads.
The building is a four-story, hollow cylinder, supported by four massive columns. Between the columns, it is an open, walk-through space. One of those areas has been glassed in. That is where the main entry and gift shop is located. In two of the areas, there are tables and chairs. They provide a relaxing, shady rest stop.
The center of the cylinder features a large water fountain to which I alluded above. That adds to the relaxing ambiance. Periodically, maybe every 30 minutes or so, the spray stops.
People walking by Circle of Animals by Ai Weiwei (2010) as seen from inside the museum.
People by Circle of Animals by Ai Weiwei (2010).Circle of Animals by Ai Weiwei (2010) in the courtyard of the museum.People taking photographs of Circle of Animals by Ai Weiwei (2010).People walking by Circle of Animals by Ai Weiwei (2010).Detail of the bull in the installation Circle of Animals by Ai Weiwei (2010).
