Three Days, Two Museums, Not Bad

I was only in Paris for three days but managed to see two great museums. First up was a nice evening trip to the Louvre. They are open late on Fridays so I had a 'date' with Holly for a quick stroll through parts of this mammoth museum.

When I first came to Paris over 20 years ago, my friends and I got in trouble for walking in the fountain. Apparently we were early pioneers. It was HOT while I was there so most people took advantage and decided to cool off a bit in the water.

However, please don't walk in the fountain. Well, please don't walk in the fountain if you are wearing a business suit. All other forms of dress must be okay.

Inside the Louvre, I actually took more photos of the building/museum itself than I did of some of the artwork. Holly was an excellent tour guide and although we might have been in there for less than two hours, we say some amazing stuff. I think we almost ticked off the top 10 'pieces to see' while there. I was just fascinated by how enormous and beautiful the museum was. Gorgeous columns and marble everywhere. I highly recommend it.

Holly takes a break. Some seriously beautiful work in here including this must see of Psyche Revived By the Kiss of Love.

Outside the Louvre, I actually found this statue a bit unnerving. Too much like the Lord of the Rings and a bit real. Shudder.

With the visit to the Louvre done on Friday, it was then off to a Saturday afternoon at the Musee d'Orsay. Funny, I also didn't pull my camera out much here as this place was mega full of statues as well as Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh works. I was even surprised to see Whistler's Mother on display. Some really cool stuff. I also have to admit, I was quite proud of this photo. The Musee D'Orsay is housed in an old train station. Super cool.

Outside on the roof, a view across the Seine and more giant statues. I really think all new builds should include a nice, imposing statue. Or I wonder if Ghost Busters put builders off of doing this incase the statues come to life?

Bobby and Holly were my museum mates for the day. Enjoying the roof!

I like the fact that we could be right behind the old clock. I just wish I would have gotten a picture from outside for everyone to see the building.

The view from behind the clock and across the river. Another respectable photo!

Weekend in Paris

Sorry I'm behind, I spent the first weekend in August in Paris and have tons of lovely photos to share. Just been lazy about getting them together!

It was a surprisingly easy trip. I went to work with my suitcase and then left about 4:30pm for the 10 minute walk to the train station.

Then the magical doors opened and I headed up to the boarding platform. I found this very interesting as I've never gone UP to catch a train before, always down.

I wasn't the only person being whisked away to Paris for the weekend. I forgot the summer tourist season was in full flow.

But, it was super quick and within 15 minutes, we all scurried on the train and found our seats.

I then woke up here! Almost literally. I fell asleep about 15 minutes after the train departed, I slept through the entire time under the Channel, and then woke up at about 8:30pm in sunny Paris. The trip really isn't that long but the time change and my eagerness to get out of work had me with a three hour round trip.

I couldn't resist some evening wandering and a few photos of statues and fountains (more to come).

Did I mention I went to visit my friend Holly? She recently moved from New York to Paris. Am excited to have her only a timezone away now. This restaurant was by her house.

I just wondered if this restaurant has a different translation in French than it does in English?

I thought one might appreciate the different types of roads and buildings in Holly's neighborhood. Definitely not a new build planned community.

I also thought this was great. How often do you see a man smoking and carrying a boat?

Oh yeah, this is why. You need to go out and sail your boat in the fountain. I really thought I was in a Renoir painting for a while.

It was a great weekend - and I've got some lovely photos to share. It's amazing how you can be relaxed about going to Paris when you realize how easy it is. There's no rush to try and squeeze everything in and you just make plans to come back. Easy peasy.