PARIS DAY 5.1: A museum, a missed connection, and a mall
First, two things:
1. Despite the fact that it has rained every day that I've been here (not yet today, but as John Dean said, "Paris never disappoints), it has also been sunny four out of five days that I've been here, at least some time.
2. Took a shower again this morning. Man, I am used to living in Chicago: I like my showers long, hot, and at a flat rate. Actually, forget long; I take 10-15 minute showers there days. At least the water here is pretty consistently warm by the 5th button push. This must be why (if this stereotype is true) the French smell--it is too much trouble to take a shower.
Went out around 10am to go check out the Musee D'Orsay. I feeling a little bummed about seeing another museum since I had a not-terrific time at the Louvre on Monday, but I am sooo glad I went! Not only is D'orsay filled with art that I really do appreciate, the building itself is like a work of art, a pleasure to look at a be in. =) After the Louvre, considering that my battery was dying, I decided not take anymore photos in museums, but here I just couldn't help myself.
This museum had a lot more romantic work in it, with a whole level of impressionist and post-impressionist work, and a special exhibit of Art Nouveau. A gallery of Monet, one of Van Gogh (so awesome, to see the thick layers of paint that make his work so unique, in person), Cezanne, Matisse, etc... This museum also must have the largest collection of Degas (I've got a picture of The Dancer), as well as Jean Baptiste Carpeaux, with whom I was not familiar before but was attracted to because along with his sculptures and castings they had the clay pre-figures, rough and bumpy around the edges; it was really neat to get an idea of the process (one display explicitly outlined it).
The view of the city from the upper level of the museum was amazing, too.
Honestly, if I come back to Paris, I will probably skip the Louvre altogether, but I would definitely return to D'orsay.
Next I was supposed to meet Teresa for lunch at some exit off the St. Michele-Notre Dame stop. This ended up not working out as she forgot that we were getting together...I ended up waiting half an hour, spending most of that time trying not to watch this couple making out next to me (seriously--they had to take a smoking break!). Eventually, I decided something had gone wrong and so I wandered off in search of food. I got a panini with tomatoes and three kinds of cheese and a Fanta, and it was very tasty. I walked around awkwardly eating I until I found a park where I finished my food.
Then I decided it was time to do what I had planned on doing besides my other plans: more shopping. I found my way (not difficult) to Les Halles, a giant multistory mall with some cool stores, some boring, and some just like we have at home. Still, it was kind of fun despite the fact that I had been on my feet since 10am and was getting kind of tired. I got some neat gifts for some people (no I am not going to describe them), saw some interesting designer clothes, and then headed back to the Fondation.
Now, I would kind of like a panini, and I am still having trouble figuring what kind of clothing I should buy. I want a dress, but I want something unique. Ehh...if that's my biggest issue, I am doing okay.
Tonight Jason and I are going to see Casino Royale (tonight is the opening night here!), and eat some more delicious french food.
1. Despite the fact that it has rained every day that I've been here (not yet today, but as John Dean said, "Paris never disappoints), it has also been sunny four out of five days that I've been here, at least some time.
2. Took a shower again this morning. Man, I am used to living in Chicago: I like my showers long, hot, and at a flat rate. Actually, forget long; I take 10-15 minute showers there days. At least the water here is pretty consistently warm by the 5th button push. This must be why (if this stereotype is true) the French smell--it is too much trouble to take a shower.
Went out around 10am to go check out the Musee D'Orsay. I feeling a little bummed about seeing another museum since I had a not-terrific time at the Louvre on Monday, but I am sooo glad I went! Not only is D'orsay filled with art that I really do appreciate, the building itself is like a work of art, a pleasure to look at a be in. =) After the Louvre, considering that my battery was dying, I decided not take anymore photos in museums, but here I just couldn't help myself.
This museum had a lot more romantic work in it, with a whole level of impressionist and post-impressionist work, and a special exhibit of Art Nouveau. A gallery of Monet, one of Van Gogh (so awesome, to see the thick layers of paint that make his work so unique, in person), Cezanne, Matisse, etc... This museum also must have the largest collection of Degas (I've got a picture of The Dancer), as well as Jean Baptiste Carpeaux, with whom I was not familiar before but was attracted to because along with his sculptures and castings they had the clay pre-figures, rough and bumpy around the edges; it was really neat to get an idea of the process (one display explicitly outlined it).
The view of the city from the upper level of the museum was amazing, too.
Honestly, if I come back to Paris, I will probably skip the Louvre altogether, but I would definitely return to D'orsay.
Next I was supposed to meet Teresa for lunch at some exit off the St. Michele-Notre Dame stop. This ended up not working out as she forgot that we were getting together...I ended up waiting half an hour, spending most of that time trying not to watch this couple making out next to me (seriously--they had to take a smoking break!). Eventually, I decided something had gone wrong and so I wandered off in search of food. I got a panini with tomatoes and three kinds of cheese and a Fanta, and it was very tasty. I walked around awkwardly eating I until I found a park where I finished my food.
Then I decided it was time to do what I had planned on doing besides my other plans: more shopping. I found my way (not difficult) to Les Halles, a giant multistory mall with some cool stores, some boring, and some just like we have at home. Still, it was kind of fun despite the fact that I had been on my feet since 10am and was getting kind of tired. I got some neat gifts for some people (no I am not going to describe them), saw some interesting designer clothes, and then headed back to the Fondation.
Now, I would kind of like a panini, and I am still having trouble figuring what kind of clothing I should buy. I want a dress, but I want something unique. Ehh...if that's my biggest issue, I am doing okay.
Tonight Jason and I are going to see Casino Royale (tonight is the opening night here!), and eat some more delicious french food.
posted by Ayn at 7:23 AM
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