Leiden, The Netherlands (Nederland)


February 27, 2001

The scene is that familiar Dutch town with a trainstation feel. Canals, cobble streets, mainstream shopping on the main drag and quiet dark coffee shops on the back street.

Rembrandt started out and taught here until he moved to Amsterdam. The vanitas philosophy of Dou, who lived here, is gliding through my head and it fits well with contemporary Dutch society. The skull and hourglass, burning candles, open books and floating smoke allude to the thought that we are not hear forever. Take time for study, take the time for fun. There is a transience to this life. Time is moving on. So am I.


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