Today was all about the Louvre. What an overwhelming place--in every sense of the word. It is the "largest museum in the western world", filled with an incredible array of art in every genre, and you have never seen so many people in one place. Our Paris museum passes got us in the door in record time, but they did nothing to alleviate the impact of so many people flowing in every direction--and on a very warm day with 92% humidity. We managed to cover the usual suspects--Winged Victory, Venus, and of course Mona Lisa--but also saw lots of Greek statuary and Italian paintings and Napoleon III's apartments, filled with gilding and the most fabulous chandeliers imaginable (if you're into that sort of thing).
I have now tried three times to see the Louvre's legendary Islamic art. The first two times, the exhibit was temporarily closed. This time around, they're constructing a whole new space to house their collection, but it won't open until 2013. I'm beginning to suspect the collection doesn't really exist. At least it's becoming clear that I'm not slated to feast my eyes on their Islamic treasure trove.
We walked through the Tuilleries and visited the Orangerie, a museum that has never been open during previous visits. Got to see two large rooms covered from wall to wall and floor to ceiling with Monet's water lilies. Quite a sight. Then there were the rooms of Renoirs and Gauguins and Cezannes, etc. Wow!
We ended the day with a marvelous dinner in a tiny restaurant just a couple blocks from our apartment. They were turning out some beautiful and very tasty dishes.
Another lovely day in a delightful city!
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I'm going to the Alliance tonight to hear a lecture (in French) about the history of French chanson. Wish I was with you listening to it in Paris and enjoying some great food and wine ...and Jerry's sense of humor! Enjoying the blog. Keep it up. Sue R.
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