There is probably no more creative art exhibition touring the world right now than that of the Immersive Van Gogh Experience. If you haven’t personally gone to the exhibit, you’ve likely heard of it and probably heard people raving about the experience. We weren’t completely sure of what to expect, but all we knew was that it was supposed to be like you were literally inside of one of Vincent Van Gogh’s famous paintings, but the actual experience is something even more unique. The artwork seems to come alive as it surrounds you on the walls and floors while you are mesmerized by the ever-changing images.
People Enjoying the Immersive Van Gogh ExperienceVisually StunningVery Colorful
At some points of the exhibition, you would watch sketches slowly transform to finished paintings. At other times, you would watch as the skies and fields of flowers and plants swirled as if the painting had come to life. Unlike going to a museum where you walk around the giant halls in order to see the different paintings, here you stay in a single spot and watch as the artwork transforms all around you. Even if you aren’t the type of person who likes to go and see the artwork of famous artists, you will likely enjoy this experience as it is so unique.
Truly Setting the MoodArtwork on the Floors as Well as the WallsDark and Brooding Artwork
The exhibition has been so popular worldwide that there is already a different exhibition that has started to premier featuring the art of Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican artist. The Immersive Van Gogh Experience sold out months in advance, so we were glad that we purchased our tickets well in advance. When purchasing a ticket, you will pick an available hour window for you to enjoy the experience. The show itself lasts about 40 minutes, so you don’t necessarily need to arrive at the exact hour or stay for the entire hour that you are allotted. It was definitely something that we truly enjoyed.
Feeling the MovementFascinatingSo Many Different Images
There are many cities in Europe that have maintained their old-world charm and Prague is certainly one of them. There are so many interesting buildings in Prague that display various styles and unique features. One of the things that makes the architecture of Prague so fascinating is that it encompasses several styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. From the castle complex that looms over the old town of the city to the many unique towers throughout the city, there is so much to see. Even if you never stepped foot inside one of the amazing buildings, you could walk the streets for a couple of days and still find yourself in awe of the stunning architecture.
Walking the Streets of PragueVariety of Architectural StylesWonderful Features of the BuildingsFascinating DetailsPointed Towers in PragueSt. Vitus Cathedral
From the moment that we arrived in Prague, we focused our cameras at the façades of the buildings as we walked through old town. One of the reasons that the architecture of the city remains so diverse is that it was not destroyed during WWII and therefore didn’t need to be rebuilt like many other European cities. The Romanesque architecture is based on what you would expect, the style of the ancient romans with symmetrical designs, round arches and towers. This style of architecture spans back to the 9th century and lasted for about 400 years.
Every Street Provides Wonderful ViewsFeatures at the PalaceAstrological ClockCastle ComplexBuildings as a Work of ArtDomed Building
Prague, like a lot of cities throughout Europe, was highly influenced by the Gothic architecture of the 13th century. With the flying buttresses and pointed arches, the Gothic style can be found in more than just the St. Vitus Cathedral in the castle complex. Between their dark exteriors, gargoyles, and imposing size, the buildings seem to demonstrate the power of the church and put fear in the hearts of regular citizens. Today, these buildings are truly fascinating with all of the intricate details and impressive towers.
Contrasting ArchitectureGothic Clock TowerOne of the Many Streets in PragueLooking Across the RiverStanding in Front of the PalaceAnother Clock Tower
Perhaps not surprisingly, following the Gothic period, the Renaissance architecture was lighter and more appealing. Based on Greek and Roman architecture with columns, symmetrical and geometric features, they are bright and open. Starting in Florence in the 15th century, the Renaissance style also features statues that were also influenced by the ancient works of Greece and Rome. These buildings provide quite a contrast to the darker Gothic buildings of the city.
Palace BuildingDifferent Towers and DomesBridge TowerLooking at the Building’s FeaturesLooking Towards Charles BridgeView of Prague
There are other styles of architecture to be found in Prague that include Baroque, Classicism, and Historicism. Regardless of the period, walking the streets of Prague is truly a trip back into history. The contrasting styles located in such close proximity to each other, makes the experience even more fascinating. The architecture of Prague is part of what attracts so many visitors every year and has put the city on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Building in the Castle ComplexFeatures of the Charles Bridge TowerStatues on the Front of a BuildingAnother Building in PragueMore Buildings Along the RiverNarrow Streets and Wonderful Architecture
We spent a few days in Vientiane, which is the capital of Laos, during our trip to Southeast Asia. Although it was a short trip to the country, it was certainly full of fascinating sights and an opportunity to gain insight into the culture. We had a guide for the entire time that we spent in Vientiane, which was great since it allowed us to learn more than we would have just visiting on our own. It also gave us the opportunity to hear firsthand stories about the changes that the country is undergoing and how the citizens feel about those changes. We’ve listed here some of our top recommendations for anyone who gets a few days in Vientiane.
Two Reclining Buddhas in Laos (They are Farther Apart then It Looks)View of Buddha Park
Buddha Park – Also known as Xieng Kuan or Spirit City, Buddha Park is something that is truly amazing. With over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues of various sizes, the park will allow you to immerse yourself into various figures and the stories behind each of them. Even though the park is only a little over 60 years old, you will feel transported into something that could be centuries old.
Golden Stupa in Vientiane Praying at Altar Outside of the Stupa
Pha That Luang – Built in the 1500’s, Pha That Luang is a giant golden stupa that contains a holy relic that is believed to be the breastbone of the Lord Buddha, making it a great national treasure of the Laotian people. It is also the site of a Buddhist festival in November that attracts thousands of people to the city of Vientiane for the celebration. Walking around the golden architecture of the stupa, which is Buddhist shrine, is one of our favorite memories of visiting Vientiane.
View of the Temple Ceiling of Wat That Luang NeuaWat Ho Phra Keo
Taking a Walking Tour of the Wats (Temples) – To say that there is a different wat or temple on every corner of the streets of historic Vientiane would not be an exaggeration. The Airbnb where we stayed was even located across the street from a wat. Most of them are open to the public for at least part of the day and each of them was unique in its own way despite some similarities. Some of our favorite wats were Wat Ho Phra Keo, Wat That Luang Neua, and Wat Si Saket, which is also a museum.
PatuxaiStanding on the Observation Deck
Patuxai (Victory Gate) – In the heart of Vientiane is Patuxai, or Victory Gate, which is Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Just like the arch in Paris, going to the top of Patuxai provides amazing views of the city of Vientiane, which is the capital of Laos. The arch is made up of five levels that represent both the principals representing the coexistence of nations as well as the five principals of Buddhism. Regardless of the meanings of the five levels, today there are markets on each level as you climb to the top offering you the opportunity to buy local items and tourist trinkets.
Walking Through the MarketWatching the Sun Head Toward the Horizon
Walking Along the Mekong River – When visiting Vientiane in Laos, one thing that should be on your itinerary is spending time along the Mekong River. There are many restaurants on the road that sits along the river as well as Chao Anouvong Park, the main park in Vientiane. There are also a few rooftop restaurants that are only a block or two away from the river that offer great views of the city as well as the river. We had been told before visiting that we should be sure to see a sunset over the Mekong River and we were definitely glad that we did. At night, the area around Chao Anouvong Park that is near the inner city, turns into a night market with street food, family activities, and vendors selling locally produced items.
The COPE Visitor CenterDisplay of the Bombies Falling
The COPE Visitor Center – Although we weren’t originally planning on visiting the COPE Visitor Center, it turned out to be an enlightening experience. Part museum and part informative on the work that the COPE project does to help people who have been injured by the unexploded bombs that litter the countryside of Laos. Like visiting holocaust museums, it contains both disturbing images as well as an acknowledgement of the ravages of war.
Mekong Fish in Coconut Sauce Served with Sticky Rice Pork Laab
Enjoy the Food of Vientiane – The food of Laos has been influenced by its neighboring countries as well as the French who once occupied the country. Fresh fish from the Mekong River can certainly be found on many of the restaurant menus as well as Laab, which is considered the national dish of Laos. We also enjoyed a couple of different styles of sticky rice and a variety of fried noodles with beef, chicken, and pork.
View of VientianeRoad Leading to the Presidential Palace
Although Laos and its capital, Vientiane, might not be on everyone’s typical itinerary for visiting Southeast Asia, it certainly worth spending time there. We definitely enjoyed seeing all of the fascinating sights that were in or around Vientiane. It was just a short flight from Hanoi, Vietnam where we were staying, and three days seemed like a perfect amount of time to spend there.
