Thursday, March 19, 2009

Our open bus tour was for two days – a bargain for getting about Paris. Today’s adventures started with the Louvre. We decided to depart at the obelisk and walk through the Tuileries Gardens to the Louvre. Approaching we see the glass pyramid, and like the Da Vinci Code, a masterful piece of art in glass. Entry price 9€. Our goal was to see the Mona Lisa and other Renaissance painters. Built initially in 1529, a palace for many years, expanded over 200 years . Massive rooms, halls – but of course, the paintings are 20+ feet high and some are 30 feet wide. Tells stories or captures dress, customs, religious influence from 1200 forward. The Mona Lisa is very small, well protected and can add to our bucket list of must sees.

Coffee and a beignet in the Louvre before walking back through the gardens to catch the bus. It was warm enough. And with little breeze, the lake beckoned us to sit for a bit. Man made, they provide hardy green chairs to pull up and sit for awhile. Hard packed limestone, makes up the walk ways. Almost looks like we are at the beach.

Our evening excursion for this day? A dinner cruise on the Seine with a jazz band, the lights along the river highlighting key buildings(history) that makes Paris. A perfect way to close the evening and our last night in Paris for a few days. Tomorrow? Euro rail to London – must get up at 4:30 to catch the train –