We actually had an eclectic breakfast out: Ever had scrambled eggs with pesto sauce and tomato slice on whole wheat english muffin?
Most of the day was devoted to the Portland Museum of Art.
We had visited here in 2002, but the paintings seemed new to me 11 years later. Lene is suffering from some pain in her hip joint which is really slowing her down. I'm hoping she recovers soon. After a couple of hours she headed for home -- the boat. They have a nice collection of one or more paintings from most of the well known American and European artists between 1850 and 1950. Except for native son, Winslow Homer, these are not their most famous works but good work, and for a city this small, they can be proud. They have recreated Homer's studio from Prouts Neck, 12 miles SW of the city. As a maritime city, it has some sea and ship scenes, but not as a subject per se. The museum backs up on the home of the man who donated the money, a wealthy merchant whose house is beautifully maintained, but with almost no furniture. They also had an extensive show from the Met in New York (the Paley Collection), which we can see at home and I must confess I rather dodged the big show of primitive Tanzanian art. I have not been able to warm up to primitive art.
As sailors, and hence without a car, we get to walk the cities we visit and obtain a closer to the ground perspective. Here, Congress Street, runs east - west along the ridge at the top of the city, parallel to its waterfront street, called Commercial Street, with the most tourist restaurants and shops. Congress street is where all the museums, City Hall, the fire station, the Public Library, Post Office, etc. plus a lot of galleries, and restaurants and half a dozen churches are located.
Then dinner at home again. We are spending more in museum entrance fees than restaurants!
No comments:
Post a Comment