Le Louvre and Surrounding Areas

Back in Paris, we did more hiking around the central areas of the city and it was really quite nice.  However, let me state that there was A LOT of walking.  There was also a lot to see.  If you are interested in what Paris has to offer, I recommend spending at least 4-5 days to get a fuller experience.  Of course, one could spend much more time if needed.

The Seine River

If you are an art aficionado, you won't want to miss the internationally famous Le Louvre(Loov-rah or just lay loov:)  I don't speak any French.  I'm actually terrible at it.  Spanish, Portuguese, and Kriolu and that's it.  But one night at a Paris cafe, I drank lots of red wine and I understood all of the French and was able to have a conversation with people.  I don't know what was in the wine, but it was exciting and even my friend, who teaches French, witnessed the act.  To this day, I don't know how it happened, but I spoke French fluently.  Perhaps the message here is drink lots of red wine when traveling abroad:)  And I may sound like an alcoholic here, but I'm not.....this is not denial either:), but French wine is divine:) But as quick as the French fairy touched my tongue with her magic wand, the spell had worn off by morning.

Yeah, it was pretty romantic all of it.  Expensive city, but romantic.  I am a huge Egyptian aficionado and we are planning a trip to this country next year if everything works out politically there. But walking around the park near Le Louvre brings back good memories. 

Egyptian Magic in Paris

But you need to spend several days at Le Louvre if you are into art.  Quite simply, this place is way too big to see in one day.  We spent just one day....ONE DAY!!!! on one wing of the building.  Yes this is a massive museum.  Depending on the time of day or season you visit, you may have to wait in line.  But again, it all depends on when you go.  There wasn't a huge line when we went. Even if you're not a fan of art or museums, this is still a place to visit.  I'm big into Egyptian statues and mummies....and Paris for some reason has a lot of Egyptian artifacts!  We also saw famous Spanish painters because that's one of my specialties in my job as a Spanish guru.  Never used to be but the job made me be.

Near Le Louvre

"What about the Mona Lisa?  Did you see the Mona Lisa?"  I'm sorry to disappoint but I didn't.  That line was outrageous.  And my feet were already killing me.

More Egyptian stuff in Le Louvre

Of course if you ever leave the museum, there are lots of other places to visit like Notre-Dame.  I didn't see the hunchback, but I certainly saw a lot of tourists and religious stuff.  Not really into any of it, but the place is definitely cool and should be witnessed in person.  The shot below is one of my favorites from that trip. It was dark inside and the little light that entered this ancient building came through this spectacular window.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Anyone remember Edith Hope from blogger a couple years back? Her last post was on April of 2011. She was really a unique writer and her blog was quite fabulous.  Whatever happened to her?  Well, when I look at this statue below, I think of her because several of her avatar pics resemble this statue.  On a side note, I always wonder why a blogger stops writing and disappears off the blogosphere without telling you why.....they become friends who you share your morning cup of coffee with each day.  When Edith said she was leaving and said goodbye, I was a bit sad.  I had taken her writing, comments and posts for granted. Today I hope she is alright and happy.

At the Louvre Park

And of course, let's not forget to mention how massive some of these paintings are at Le Loov:)  I'm sorry Thérèse(Tournefeuille A to Z) for my terrible French manners:)  I only wish I could speak French well but some things were never meant to be.  My friend stands next to the painting to demonstrate how large some of these paintings are.  Some take up entire building walls!!!!  There are couches to sit on so that you can look at the depth and scope on each painting.  Pretty impressive art gallery.  Still the largest I've ever seen!

Inside the Le Louvre

There you have it! I'd like to apologize to my plant specific friends on this blog for ignoring garden posts and ideas at El Presidio.  But I'll be back in March talking about all the projects and work I've been doing around our place.  I still LOVE plants and gardening and it's still what I'm good at.....but the birding, nature excursions and travel are things that enrich the experiences:)