Paris Trip Report at last. The usual plus the Tuileries as a pickup joint?
Apr 19th, 2012, 05:45 AM
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Apr 19th, 2012, 07:27 AM
#43
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curious about the link. it worked yesterday but not today. perhaps they are updating some of the information or photographs.
thanks for the info re: Sept GTG, I'll search the site for more info. I'm there 2 days (Friday 14 Sept & Saturday 15 Seppt) and then back for 2 more days (Thurs 20 Sep and Friday 21 Sep).
PLC is one of my favorite walks. I had seen all the red lip marks on Oscar Wilde's monument the first time I was there, some 15 years ago, and when I read Dorian Grey and came across the line about the red kisses I got so excited because I finally got it!
thanks for the info re: Sept GTG, I'll search the site for more info. I'm there 2 days (Friday 14 Sept & Saturday 15 Seppt) and then back for 2 more days (Thurs 20 Sep and Friday 21 Sep).
PLC is one of my favorite walks. I had seen all the red lip marks on Oscar Wilde's monument the first time I was there, some 15 years ago, and when I read Dorian Grey and came across the line about the red kisses I got so excited because I finally got it!
Apr 19th, 2012, 08:08 AM
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This report is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing.
I'm getting lots of great tips (like entering PLC through its Gambetta entrance) - and oohing and aahing quite a bit (women selling bouquets of narcissus on the corner; Kupka at Pompidou...)
Oh, and I love the name Merri ♥
I'm getting lots of great tips (like entering PLC through its Gambetta entrance) - and oohing and aahing quite a bit (women selling bouquets of narcissus on the corner; Kupka at Pompidou...)
Oh, and I love the name Merri ♥
Apr 19th, 2012, 09:32 AM
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Googling Franz Kupka's works makes it easy to understand your attraction to them. I'm so jealous of your day with someone like Michael Osman.
There is a query about PLC--he might benefit from this.
Great report!
There is a query about PLC--he might benefit from this.
Great report!
Apr 19th, 2012, 10:29 AM
#46
Had no idea there was a lane for prostitutes! Clearly, I've never walked that way.>>
what way do you walk then, Pat? [the old ones are the best!]
toucan2 - thanks for carrying on with the report - i haven't even started mine!
what way do you walk then, Pat? [the old ones are the best!]
toucan2 - thanks for carrying on with the report - i haven't even started mine!
Apr 19th, 2012, 10:52 AM
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I credit my time living in New Orleans with getting me hooked on cemeteries. They've been part of many of my travel itineraries, which some people find strange! I liked PLC a lot, and I liked reading about what, in particular, struck you.
Plus, you reminded me that my husband hasn't been there yet, so it moves to the top of the list for the next Paris visit.
Still enjoying your report, Merri - and I loved the Merri-themed activities. Fun!
Plus, you reminded me that my husband hasn't been there yet, so it moves to the top of the list for the next Paris visit.
Still enjoying your report, Merri - and I loved the Merri-themed activities. Fun!
Apr 19th, 2012, 11:20 AM
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I too enjoy visiting the cemeteries in Paris. I wish I had Michael with me at Pere Lachaise. I love the one in Montmartre. It was opened in 1825 and the crypts are so interesting with stained glass and gargoyles and so much more.
http://www.peter-pho2.com/2011/05/mo...-cemetery.html
http://www.peter-pho2.com/2011/05/mo...-cemetery.html
Apr 19th, 2012, 02:07 PM
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Beautiful pics gomiki.
Yes, cemeteries may now have start being part of my itineraries!
annhig, I know how hard it is to get started! I don't think I am going to have time tonight or tomorrow, maybe the weekend before I am able to write more.
Patty, darn! I did wonder whether some of us would run into each other again at some point
Yes, cemeteries may now have start being part of my itineraries!
annhig, I know how hard it is to get started! I don't think I am going to have time tonight or tomorrow, maybe the weekend before I am able to write more.
Patty, darn! I did wonder whether some of us would run into each other again at some point
Apr 20th, 2012, 05:34 AM
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By KC, I assume you left from MCI - Kansas City. Glad to hear from another local who loves Paris. DW and I went in '06 and last year and are planning our 3rd trip for May of 13 now.
Enjoyed your report!
Enjoyed your report!
Apr 20th, 2012, 05:47 AM
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Yes, sorry, don't know why I didn't put the airport code on that apersuader.
Planning is half the fun I think, so have fun planning for 13!
I'll try to get back to the report this weekend. I'm actually just starting another vacation this afternoon!
Planning is half the fun I think, so have fun planning for 13!
I'll try to get back to the report this weekend. I'm actually just starting another vacation this afternoon!
Apr 20th, 2012, 03:58 PM
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Thursday, March 16
Last Day for the Museum Pass, My Name is Laurent, Dinner at Allards
The week is flying by! It’s the last day for our 4-day museum passes so this was designated museum day. We got up and moving a bit faster than we had been (but not really). We had used the last of our coffee in the apartment so first headed down the street for some coffee, more chatting (I know, I know) and window shopping our way back to the apartment (scoping out things for another day).
Still, we were out the door probably before 10. This was pretty good for us.
Sainte Chapelle
I had been to Ste. Chapelle before, as had Adrienne, but wanted to visit again on a sunny day to get the full impact of the spectacular stained glass windows. Today was such a day. Maybe 2 blocks from where we were, this was our first stop.
It was just as glorious as I had imagined it would be on a sunny day. Apparently there has been some recent cleaning, so possibly even more glorious than in past days. There are really informative information cards that will lead you around from window to window, which tell basically all the stories in the bible.
The stained glass is spectacular, but I am just as fascinated by how pretty much every little thing is decorated so beautifully. I become one with my camera, taking pictures of all the supports that are painted, and the stone floors that I can only describe as pictorial in nature. I probably should read a book about this as I found it so fascinating.
Last time we were there I don’t remember going out the front doors of the upstairs chapel. This time we did, and again spent quite some time looking at all the carved reliefs telling a story.
Although the lower chapel (is this where the servants and the poor people worshipped?) can’t hold a candle the upper chapel, I still think it is beautiful and we spent a bit of time there before I went shopping.
At Cluny there were several tapestry style pillow covers made to look as if they had been part of one of the tapestries of The Lady and The Unicorn. I had eyed them, but ultimately not purchased. I found myself drawn to them again and finally had a little talk with myself.
When was I going to be back in Paris again? Just buy them, you clearly want them, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know exactly what you will do with them or give them as a gift. You think they are beautiful, you will figure out something. So I did.
A simple pattern of dark blue with a gold fleur-de-lis. So it is a souvenir both of Cluny and Ste. Chapelle (decorated with fleur-de-lis in the lower chapel).
A Nice Walk
We were next headed to the Louvre. We meandered quite a bit. Every time we found ourselves on a main street, we veered off so we could peek through neighborhoods. We completely circled the old Samartaine building. Someone told us they are being converted to condos or maybe a hotel. Is that true? What a beautiful old building. I loved the (tile?) around the top, with many of the department names displayed. We saw entrances to schools, and small tucked away restaurants. A fun wander.
The Louvre
I find myself drawn to the smaller, more intimate museums—Rodin, Picasso, and the like. I also tend to not be particularly drawn to the art that makes up the collections at the Louvre. And it is just so big, and there are lots of people, too many people. Thus, I had not been.
But, we have museum passes, and I should go so people will stop asking me if I had visited and I can stop saying, well I walked through the courtyard.. So we did.
There were in fact lots and lots of people. I can only imagine what this place is like when it is high season. I’d probably have an anxiety attack.
Still, I find the building itself truly fabulous. There’s nothing like this in Steilacoom (where I grew up) I am amused that there are big signs with arrows pointing to the big three. This seems like a sign (get it? I slay me) so we follow the arrows.
Winged Victory of Samothrace, Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo
Winged Victory is really beautiful, and not so many people around that you cannot circle around and appreciate it from all angles. While distracting, the woman visitor shouting into her cell phone for a good ten minutes does not take away from the beauty. (Who says the French are not polite? Security guards just look at her with a bemused expression on their faces, but no one approaches her. In New York museum personnel would have none of this nonsense.)
You all know what they say, you can’t get close to the Mona Lisa, it is small, etc. Well, the fact is that you can’t get close to the Mona Lisa and it is small (the small part does not bother me). But you can’t even get close enough to look at and appreciate what makes the Mona Lisa so special, the sfumato technique. Bleh, time to move on.
By the way, we are looking at other art as we move through. As we leave the Mona Lisa we move through one gallery that is filled with particularly beautiful sculptures, including Hermaphrodite. It still boggles my mind how sculptors can create such beauty out of stone
Venus de Milo is beautiful as well. I circle it, looking from the back to see the classical S shape of the body even more clearly. I even managed to get a picture with no one else in it but Venus!
Getting out of the Louvre is not as easy as getting in, but eventually we escape. I am glad I went, but I really need to return and plan a better visit to truly appreciate it, and I would probably be better off going with someone like Michael Osman.
My Name is Laurent
As I have mentioned (several times, I know, but it was such a surprise!) the weather was really fantastic. Is anything better than strolling through the Tuileries on a warm sunny day? A man walked by pushing a cart of sailboats for the fountains.
We took our time, and as we approached the outdoor café decided it was time for lunch. It was a tasty, simple lunch. I smiled at the waiter, said bonjour, ordered in my pitiful French, nothing out of line, I swear. We were enjoying the weather and the view, watching all the other walkers and diners.
I paid for lunch, and the waiter gave me my change. He then slid something towards me and says, this is for you. Merci I say with a smile, thinking nothing of it. I put away my change then opened the folded piece of paper. It says, my name is Laurent, and has his phone number. At the bottom of the small slip of paper is an arrow pointing to the other side! It goes on to say he lives near Place Italie, and if I want to meet him, call.
Seriously, I think this is my favorite souvenir from Paris! I’ve been with my husband since I was 18, I’m over 50 and round. I don’t get pickup notes! I don’t even care if he hands out a similar note to every American woman he sees, I’m ignoring that possibility and going with (as I said earlier) that he was charmed by my smile and dark brown eyes.
To be continued….
Last Day for the Museum Pass, My Name is Laurent, Dinner at Allards
The week is flying by! It’s the last day for our 4-day museum passes so this was designated museum day. We got up and moving a bit faster than we had been (but not really). We had used the last of our coffee in the apartment so first headed down the street for some coffee, more chatting (I know, I know) and window shopping our way back to the apartment (scoping out things for another day).
Still, we were out the door probably before 10. This was pretty good for us.
Sainte Chapelle
I had been to Ste. Chapelle before, as had Adrienne, but wanted to visit again on a sunny day to get the full impact of the spectacular stained glass windows. Today was such a day. Maybe 2 blocks from where we were, this was our first stop.
It was just as glorious as I had imagined it would be on a sunny day. Apparently there has been some recent cleaning, so possibly even more glorious than in past days. There are really informative information cards that will lead you around from window to window, which tell basically all the stories in the bible.
The stained glass is spectacular, but I am just as fascinated by how pretty much every little thing is decorated so beautifully. I become one with my camera, taking pictures of all the supports that are painted, and the stone floors that I can only describe as pictorial in nature. I probably should read a book about this as I found it so fascinating.
Last time we were there I don’t remember going out the front doors of the upstairs chapel. This time we did, and again spent quite some time looking at all the carved reliefs telling a story.
Although the lower chapel (is this where the servants and the poor people worshipped?) can’t hold a candle the upper chapel, I still think it is beautiful and we spent a bit of time there before I went shopping.
At Cluny there were several tapestry style pillow covers made to look as if they had been part of one of the tapestries of The Lady and The Unicorn. I had eyed them, but ultimately not purchased. I found myself drawn to them again and finally had a little talk with myself.
When was I going to be back in Paris again? Just buy them, you clearly want them, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know exactly what you will do with them or give them as a gift. You think they are beautiful, you will figure out something. So I did.
A simple pattern of dark blue with a gold fleur-de-lis. So it is a souvenir both of Cluny and Ste. Chapelle (decorated with fleur-de-lis in the lower chapel).
A Nice Walk
We were next headed to the Louvre. We meandered quite a bit. Every time we found ourselves on a main street, we veered off so we could peek through neighborhoods. We completely circled the old Samartaine building. Someone told us they are being converted to condos or maybe a hotel. Is that true? What a beautiful old building. I loved the (tile?) around the top, with many of the department names displayed. We saw entrances to schools, and small tucked away restaurants. A fun wander.
The Louvre
I find myself drawn to the smaller, more intimate museums—Rodin, Picasso, and the like. I also tend to not be particularly drawn to the art that makes up the collections at the Louvre. And it is just so big, and there are lots of people, too many people. Thus, I had not been.
But, we have museum passes, and I should go so people will stop asking me if I had visited and I can stop saying, well I walked through the courtyard.. So we did.
There were in fact lots and lots of people. I can only imagine what this place is like when it is high season. I’d probably have an anxiety attack.
Still, I find the building itself truly fabulous. There’s nothing like this in Steilacoom (where I grew up) I am amused that there are big signs with arrows pointing to the big three. This seems like a sign (get it? I slay me) so we follow the arrows.
Winged Victory of Samothrace, Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo
Winged Victory is really beautiful, and not so many people around that you cannot circle around and appreciate it from all angles. While distracting, the woman visitor shouting into her cell phone for a good ten minutes does not take away from the beauty. (Who says the French are not polite? Security guards just look at her with a bemused expression on their faces, but no one approaches her. In New York museum personnel would have none of this nonsense.)
You all know what they say, you can’t get close to the Mona Lisa, it is small, etc. Well, the fact is that you can’t get close to the Mona Lisa and it is small (the small part does not bother me). But you can’t even get close enough to look at and appreciate what makes the Mona Lisa so special, the sfumato technique. Bleh, time to move on.
By the way, we are looking at other art as we move through. As we leave the Mona Lisa we move through one gallery that is filled with particularly beautiful sculptures, including Hermaphrodite. It still boggles my mind how sculptors can create such beauty out of stone
Venus de Milo is beautiful as well. I circle it, looking from the back to see the classical S shape of the body even more clearly. I even managed to get a picture with no one else in it but Venus!
Getting out of the Louvre is not as easy as getting in, but eventually we escape. I am glad I went, but I really need to return and plan a better visit to truly appreciate it, and I would probably be better off going with someone like Michael Osman.
My Name is Laurent
As I have mentioned (several times, I know, but it was such a surprise!) the weather was really fantastic. Is anything better than strolling through the Tuileries on a warm sunny day? A man walked by pushing a cart of sailboats for the fountains.
We took our time, and as we approached the outdoor café decided it was time for lunch. It was a tasty, simple lunch. I smiled at the waiter, said bonjour, ordered in my pitiful French, nothing out of line, I swear. We were enjoying the weather and the view, watching all the other walkers and diners.
I paid for lunch, and the waiter gave me my change. He then slid something towards me and says, this is for you. Merci I say with a smile, thinking nothing of it. I put away my change then opened the folded piece of paper. It says, my name is Laurent, and has his phone number. At the bottom of the small slip of paper is an arrow pointing to the other side! It goes on to say he lives near Place Italie, and if I want to meet him, call.
Seriously, I think this is my favorite souvenir from Paris! I’ve been with my husband since I was 18, I’m over 50 and round. I don’t get pickup notes! I don’t even care if he hands out a similar note to every American woman he sees, I’m ignoring that possibility and going with (as I said earlier) that he was charmed by my smile and dark brown eyes.
To be continued….
Apr 20th, 2012, 04:30 PM
#59
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I have been enjoying your report especially your encounter with Laurent. I will hopefully find him next year to receive a cherished note. My experience happened four years ago at a market in the 7th. I was shopping with my three adult children when this very short mideastern man walked up to me and said "I love big women. Will you sleep with me?" I was so shocked that anyone would notice an old, middle-aged large and very tall woman that I couldn't stop laughing. My daughter was horrified and told him to get away. At least Laurent loved your smile and eyes-my man just wanted my size!
Apr 20th, 2012, 06:01 PM
#60
Loving these pickup stories. I was in E. Dehillerin, the'
famous cooking gadget, pots and pans store. The saleman gave me his card and number and to call him. I was flattered(not rally) until I wrote my trip report and another poster said he gave her the same invitation.
famous cooking gadget, pots and pans store. The saleman gave me his card and number and to call him. I was flattered(not rally) until I wrote my trip report and another poster said he gave her the same invitation.
