Today has probably been the worst weather day I have experienced since being in Paris. It was cold, cloudy and very windy. A perfect day for a museum we thought (and so did everyone else)!
Still a little tired from yesterday's trip to Versailles, we decided the Louvre was a good choice. I had previously been to the Louvre but only took pics of the outside and had wanted to return, at the very minimum, to see the Mona Lisa. There was a line already formed when we got there but moved very quickly. I am continually amazed at the architecture surrounding the city so I was very eager to see the inside.
The main lobby is fairly modern with a bookstore, souvenirs, cafe and ticket booths. Quite frankly I felt the process was quite efficient given the amount of people there. We quickly got tickets and decided that first and foremost we would start in the Denon wing which is where the Mona Lisa is housed. What we did not know is that was as far as we would go. I think I spent an hour alone in one room, the art is so vivid and magnificent. I cannot fully express the depths and genius of these artists (Delacroix, DaVinci, David) and while I am certainly not an art connoisseur, I was fully captivated.
I lost Deborah and Michael for some time (I think each of us went exploring) however, we all made it to the Mona Lisa. You could tell immediately where she was. I had always heard she was rather small but was pleasantly surprised that she was a little bigger than I expected. Looking at her was like seeing the "Last Supper" in Milan. You can't help but be in awe.
After several hours of admiring the art we made our way to the Cafe for some lunch. I thought the staff looked rather French and I took a pic :)
I do believe that a lot of planning and time are required to fully appreciate the Louvre. However, there are many like us who simply just want to see the Mona Lisa.
On my way home (remember I walk everywhere) I stopped by Notre Dame Cathedral where they were having mass (in French). The inside is stunning!! Along my route I also saw a couple of guys playing what seemed like bocce and I also saw a couple where I think the guy was teaching the girl dance steps.
I hope we have better weather tomorrow!!
Avec L'amour de Paris
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