Get a Grip!
Posted April 1, 2017 by JanBangkok
Thailand
Saturday
April 1, 2017
Sunny and Hot
Hello,
I am disappointed … in myself.
For weeks, I have tried in vain to find a theme for my annual April 1 “gotcha” letter. Not that there haven’t been suitable subjects.
One recent event comes to mind.
“President Trump declined the invitation to throw out the first ball at the start of the baseball season. So, to substitute for the president, I thought I would nominate friends who are die-hard baseball fans. But a few of them are already gone too soon and others have just gone fishing.”
I considered the list of Presidential Succession: Pence, Ryan, Hatch, Tillerson. “Now close your eyes and try to imagine one of those guys on the mound.”
The conclusion of my unwritten baseball letter could have been, “Mr. Trump, this is a tradition for all presidents. Please, get a grip!” Then I understood why he said no. He probably couldn’t get a grip, if you follow my meaning.
Icons of Modern Art
Posted February 8, 2017 by Jan
Paris
France
February 8, 2017
My friend Gary in Bangkok described his strategy when he visits a museum: “When I go to an exhibit,” he told me, “I choose one special painting and then stare at that work of art for at least thirty minutes.”
The Icons of Modern Art, the Shchukin Collection at the Fondation Louis Vuitton has on display more than one hundred and twenty paintings. I have planned three visits. But with hundreds of visitors streaming through the galleries at any one time, how shall I follow Gary’s advice?
Well, I did my best.
Paris: 17th Arrondissement
Posted February 5, 2017 by Jan
Paris
France
February 5, 2017
Since the weather today is cold and wet (not unexpected), I wander around the neighborhood near my hotel in the 17th Arrondissment.
I do some window shopping for cheese, fruit, pastries and wine.
I am tempted to have lunch in an Asian buffet restaurant, but I remind myself I am in Paris. Try some French food.
I find a bistro and order pumpkin soup and a salad of warm goat cheese.
But Paris is a melting pot and an agglomeration of ethnicities and cultures. My French Bistro is owned and operated by Koreans! Regardless, the food and service are excellent.
Siegburg/Bonn: The Very Best Welcome
Posted November 7, 2016 by Jan
Sankt Augustin
Rhein-Sieg District
North Rhine-Westphalia,
Germany
November 6, 2016
Guten Morgan,
Alexandra (age 9) provides the very best welcome. As I step off the train at Siegburg/Bonn, I am greeted by her colorful, speckled, illustrated and thoughtful drawing. In bold letters she wrote, “Travel with Jan: Germany 2016.”
My good friend Rainer and his wife Alena are perfect hosts. I am treated as a member of their family with specialty food, lively conversation and generous hospitality.
Cologne: Cathedral and Synagogue
Posted November 6, 2016 by Jan
Cologne
Germany
November 5, 2016
Guten Tag,
The Cathedral in Cologne is a magnificent structure. Its two spires dominate the city's skyline.
The view of the city from the KölnTrianglePanorama is "unique."
The Cathedral is the most visited site in all of Germany. Hohe Domkirche St. Petrus, Kölner Dom. Large groups of tourists rush through the doors and into the grand interior.
I choose a different schedule. I remain outside to examine the sculptures on the exterior walls and the bas-relief on the door panels.