Seriously, the Louvre is gigantic. Angela told me several times, others have also told me that it's big. They were right. It's huge. I went this morning with 3 hours thinking "I'll check out Painting and Sculpture." Yeah, right. I saw the short version of French paintings and the extra fast version of Northern European painters. That took me a little over 2 hours... So, it was quick dash to see the Mona Lisa (how can I not at least look, right?). It's a great painting, but I was a bit let down. I then dashed to see the Raft of the Medusa (a favorite of mine that I did not realize was here) then off to Venus de Milo. Some day I'll have to come back and dedicate a full day to the Louvre with more of a plan of what I want to see. Seriously folks. It's HUGE. I did enjoy the quiet time this morning. Angela's been a great co-traveler, but alone time was nice to have. Plus, Paris is rather quiet at 8AM. Well, quiet in comparison to what it's like at 2 in the afternoon at least...
So, it's hot here. I mean 80 degrees and hazy with loads of air pollution hot (I've never missed the SF daily breeze so much). From the Louvre we wandered up the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Up the stairs we went! It was a piece of cake after the 297 steps of St Vitus in Prague. The view could have been great, but the haze is really bad. I almost wish it had rained one day just to clear it out. We then wandered down Rivoli to the Metro stop we needed and back to Alex's. Tomorrow we'll head out to the Eiffel Tower and possibly the D'Orsay (maybe not). I'd wanted to go to the Rodin museum, but the sculpture I want to see is not there.
So like Angela posted, we drove out to Normandy and Brittany last weekend (after Mt S. Michel). It was really nice to go out there. The meal was yummy! The pate was very good. I too was more effected by Omaha beach than I expected to be. Reading a few of the plaques around the beach I got a little choked up. I did not expect it. Like Angela I noticed the kids running around playing in juxtaposition to the pontoons. It was odd, but also (for me at least) comforting. Life continues.
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4 comments:
I totally encourage you to go to the Rodin museum...it's in a big house and is pretty quiet and serene...a nice break from the Paris crowds in the city center.
And if the D'Orsay line is too long (as it always was when I went), I highly recommend the Musée national de l'Orangerie....fantastic paintings and a great setting!
Also, as much as I miss you guys, (and I do - Silversun Pick-ups is at the Independent tonight and I have no one to go with), I will miss reading about your vacation exploits...mosquitos and all!
I completely agree with Dion, except that l'Orangerie went through a big renovation a couple of years ago and now is incredibly crowded, too. (at least, it was last spring when i was there, the line was several hours long at noon.)
take the train to Giverny. (see, i can pester you about this on email AND through other media!) It's a short ride, it's a quiet town on a river -- peaceful, and cooler. and you get a dose of culture with Monet's house....
whatever you do, make it fun -- enjoy the last days of your trip!
Damn, you're making me miss traveling sooo much. I'm definitely dragging your ass back out there when I graduate so we can wander around and you can protect me from all the crazy street people...
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