What a great description of the ambiance of the Sistine Chapel. I wasn't planning on ever going, but this definitely clinched it for me!
I have had the same experience of sensory overload in large museums. It does seem that there are people who can go to three museums in a day, though, and really enjoy the experience, I am definitely not one of them.
When I studied film in school, we had to watch movies numerous times in order to be able to write cogent thoughtful analysis of something. It's a different way of seeing. I found the same thing when I was studying literature. When you are reading a novel for the third time in support of some argument-- it's quite a different way of reading.
When I went through the Vatican the thing that amazed me was how MANY beautiful ceilings there were. Of course, nothing equaled the Sistine chapel ceiling, but there were miles (it seemed) of beautiful ceilings. I spent the entire time looking up.
RD, um, I'm not sure which direction I clinched it for you. Maybe I won't ask. I suspect they have made the experience more dignified now that the paintings have been brightened up.
GB, what amazed me about the vatican was the size of the chubby stone cherubs, coupla tons on average I'd guess. The Renaissance gave us many wonderful things, but that was when I realized that it also first gave us kitsch.
Huitzil-- Oh sorry I wasn't more clear. I wasn't ever planning on going there, and now for sure I never will! Somehow this just captures the ambiance: "it was hot in there and the air smelled like garlic and cabbage farts." I suspect it is still like that even with the brighter ceilings.
i try to take the trip, as it were, the first time i see a movie. just accept everything and experience it. some movies are so bad that i can't. most give me something. "yahoo serious" is my standard for the bottom. please take my warning. thanks for the warning on the sistine chapel.
on the other hand, i have watched "the phildelphia story" countless times and still enjoy it.
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