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December 7, 2005

TropenMuseum

Yesterday was the first time I went to a museum where I could smell cigarette smoke upon entrance, quite a difference with Seattle where one can't even smoke in a bar. I took the kids to visit the Tropenmuseum (Tropics Museum) to learn more about Dutch colonialism. In reality I was left with the feeling "white man bad." The recurring theme was Spanish/American/Dutch/any other white nation invades tropical country and destroys rain forest, introduces diseases, pollution and commits genocide. I started thinking perhaps Malcolm X was right in his pre-Mecca days of considering white man the devil.

I'm sure there were more exhibits that are uplifting but by this time Britta woke up from her nap in the stroller and museum leisure strolling was over. She wanted to run as fast as she could in any direction except toward mommy. Even more dangerous was the fourth floor balcony that had beautifully decorative railings but not toddler proof, once again something you wouldn't have a problem with in Seattle.

I might try and go back to this museum during another one of Britta's stroller naps. The exhibits recreated the feeling of tropical countries and I think Karsten really enjoyed himself.

Posted by jana at December 7, 2005 12:06 PM