A Scholar of the World

The travel bug bit me in my late teens.  Over the years, the infection has led to chronic issues that cause me to experience frequent bouts of restlessness, insatiable curiosity, a persistent need to explore different cultures and experiment with exotic cuisines, and a relentless longing to traverse the globe in order to satiate my unyielding desire. To the outsider, being a full-time college student would seem like an ideal opportunity to satisfy one’s itchy feet. But since no one at Lonely Planet has been inspired to finance my obsession, I have to work within the budget of a full-time college student, which means relying on the other half of a one-income household. 

During the break between semesters, I had it in my head to visit MOMA in New York City. I say in my head because the idea of going had become like the tinnitus I experience every waking hour of every day, persistent and high-pitched like the noise a television set makes.   Finally, after some admittedly passive aggressive behavior, (skillfully played if I do say so myself) we decided on a day to visit the museum. I do lots of research before a trip in order to familiarize myself with everything a destination has to offer, and for this trip I was well prepared. I had train schedules printed up, two guidebooks from the library, two maps, and I had read up on what was currently on view at MOMA. It’s good to be obsessive-compulsive in some areas: I had researched where to check our bags, as the museum wouldn’t allow for anything larger than a backpack, and it’s no longer an option at the train station either.

We fit in perfectly with all the other tourists craning our necks and ogling the sights and sounds along the Avenue of the Americas as we made our way to visit the Museum of Modern Art. Lonely Planet, if you’re reading this, I have a tip for travelers who visit the museum on a Sunday.  For many, Van Gogh’s Starry Night is the must see painting in the museum.  It is breathtaking, vivid colors, more so than you would think, leap off the painting. It’s smaller than I imagined, but not disappointing in any way at all.  Edvard Munch’s The Scream was on display as well. One of three exhibited versions of his famous work, this was not the more famous painting that was stolen a few years ago, and I noticed that causes confusion, because not many people are aware that there is more than one version of the painting. 

The permanent exhibition space features sculpture and paintings from the modern era dating from (I believe) 1900 forward.  Even the most uninterested person can find something recognizable at MOMA.  I was humbled and moved by so many paintings that I am unable to articulate my impressions on a blog, so I’ll keep it to the two I most enjoyed. AnnaZborowska by Modigliani, and LesDemoiselles d'Avignon by Picasso. These paintings, to steal a quote, feed my soul. I’ll leave you to your own interpretations, as that’s how I prefer it myself. Check out the website on the links, hopefully I’ll be able to correctly code the titles so the images link.

We were lucky to have a good friend accompany us, and very grateful for her friend, who has an apartment in the city where we were all offered to stay. After the museum, we met up with our host at his apartment in Harlem, dropped our bags and walked around the corner to a wonderful Italian restaurant named Lido. We were famished after our long day and were blown away by the excellent food, friendly service, and generosity of our host. I was really surprised that everyone we encountered in New York was so friendly.

Our January trip serves as a reminder that year round traveling is a great way to quench the thirst for adventure. There are certainly fewer people, more discounts on everything, and getting away even for a day helps to change perspective and serve as inspiration for the next destination.