The Lourve in 60 Seconds or Less

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Where I stayed

Berne Opera Paris

(Paris hotels)

Flag of France Paris, Île-de-France, France
Saturday, November 28, 2009

The title is a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much. By the time we found each other at Pere Lachaise (oh, wait, here's another Pere Lachaise story: apparently I look French -- I was asked directions by at least two Frenchmen. In each case the exchange went something like this 1) Confused Frenchman clutching a map of cemetery approaches American woman and asks (in French) for directions. American woman knows he is asking for directions only because his speech is punctuated by glances at the map, at which point, American woman 2) by means of apologizing and repeating (in each case, twice, in English) that she cannot understand a word of spoken French (except those phrases relating to food), gets the couple to the point at which they 3) laugh, no wiser about grave locations and 4) separate, amused by the encounter.

Digression ends here. Back to the Louvre.

Melena Outside the Louvre

The building itself is amazing. One would need weeks (at least) to go through the collections. Unfortunately, we only had a couple of hours. After the inevitable references to Tom Hanks and The Da Vinci Code brought on by the initial view of the exterior, we rushed inside.

Limited time forces quick decisions. We ended up separating inside and meeting back up at intervals. I knew I just had to see the Mona Lisa and the Venus De Milo. Michael was with me when we found the painting. She held a place of honor in a large room of the Lourve. We had been warned that she was much smaller than we would expect, but actually the size was within the realm of what I expected. We had also been told not to be surprised if we were not allowed to take pictures, but pictures were allowed. She was behind glass, with a guard and a security system. As in most cases, seeing the real thing is nothing like reproductions in any form. She is gorgeous, and it seemed very unreal to be standing so close. I looked in later in my travels in search of the Venus and saw Melena in the crowd taking pictures. I didn't want to disturb her OMG moment, so I snuck out (after taking a picture of her taking a picture).

I began to worry that I wouldn't find the Venus, but right before we were going to be chased out, I found her

Melena and Michael

. Michael had made it there before me, and we stood there in awe. I'll try to find a photo to post, but she is more beautiful than a picture can show. The color, angles and shadows, and expression all add to her elegance.

In my searches I got to see a great deal of wonderful artwork, not the least of which was the museum itself. The views from the windows would sometimes stop me up until the very end when we had to leave.

When we met back up outside, it was getting dark. We took some time to take in the beauty of the Louvre itself, the area, and the visitors. Eventually our hunger got the better of us and we went in search of a cafe.

Tune in next time for the promised Eiffel Tower and the Tale of the Fighting Street Vendors.

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