Art in Paradise

Art in Paradise 

Interactive Art Museum, Pattaya

One of my schools invited me to chaperone their end-of-the-year school field trip to Rayong Province Thailand. Of the many destinations, my favorite has been the Art in Paradise Interactive Art Museum in Pattaya, Thailand. This museum is full of optical illusions painted right on the wall, allow Thais to do what they love most when they travel - take pictures! I say that in the most loving way. It helps me document my experience here, and I've grown to appreciate the love and creativity that goes into each snapshot. I also appreciate that its an activity not discriminated by gender. In the US, we have the stereotype that women can't take enough selfies or pictures with their significant others, and the men in our lives are sick of it. They'll half smile for one picture - if you can get them to take one. Here the men seem to be just as interested in taking pictures. As I'm writing this I saw a grown man (30+) hand his phone to another grown man and ask to snap a shot with his ice cream sundae. He placed the spoon between his teeth like a rose, pulled the sundae close to his face, and grinned.

That's it for the culture lesson, here are the cool shots from the museum!

This cutie snatched me instantly, insisting I take his picture as we moved from wall to wall. 

I can't complain, he was an excellent model throughout.

I rarely coached him how to pose or act.

They had a time machine that could send us back to anytime - allowing Vincent Van Gogh to paint my students right in to his Starry Night.

I became a muse for Monet.

Everyone needs a good support system.

This kid sure is lucky to have me :p lol

This cutie insisted on carrying my purse and water bottle as we moved from picture to picture. She was also a reliable photographer when I wanted in a pic. I had to insist before she got in front of the camera. She might have a future as a photographer!

We discovered some of the secrets of King Tut's Tomb.

One of my students even briefly became the leader of ancient Egypt...

That is before I overthrew him in a mutiny!

But who knows what the future holds.

Then we stepped into the pages of a fairy tale.

And made many wonderful friends.

Eventually however, we had to ride the river back to reality.

Isn't reality gorgeous?

Ok, just kidding, this is what reality really looks like.

With limited time, my bus buddy and I rode a magic carpet back to the bus.

This however, was by far my favorite illusion, best seen in motion. 

Its just a series of painted shapes popping out of the wall, but wow did they make me feel crazy!

Overall Art in Paradise was a fun attraction. We had plenty of time with each illusion, it wasn't packed with people (although we did go on a Thursday). Going with a bunch of kids was a bast. Would be a cute date too. There were some parts and pieces that needed a new coat or two of paint, which is why they require you to take off your shoes. If your Pattaya beach day in paradise is filled with storm clouds and rain, Art in Paradise is a fun alternative.