Pottering in Paris

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Tuesday 1 April 08


Happy Birthday Trevor!

We started today by testing the local creperie that we pass en-route to the
Metro. The crepes were average and far too generous, and I remembered why
I am not overly keen on crepes.

We went by Metro to the Musee D'Orsay and after waiting in the queue - even
with the Museum passes you have to queue - we got into the Museum just as
the only English tour of the day was about to commence. We were each given
our own headphone set through which we could easily hear our guide. She
took us to view some of the masterpieces in chronological order and explained
their significance to the Impressionist period.

The Musee D'Orsay is in a magnificent building which used to be a railway
station. We saw original Manet's, Monet's, Rembrandt's, Lautrec's, Van Gogh's,
and Degas', each one a thrill. We were surprised to see an artist with her
easel set up, busily copying and painting from the original. I asked about
this and the gallery's policy is that because artists of the past learnt
from one another, this gives today's artists a similar opportunity. The
specifications are that the copy must not be of the same size as the original
and must acknowledge the original artist. When the copy is finished, the
gallery give their approval and stamp.

At the end of the tour we were advised to visit the restaurant to admire
the magnificant painted ceiling. This we dutifully did and decided to enjoy
it in comfort and have lunch at the same time.

In the museum I found many chandeliers and light fittings that would look great in the new house. When we are able to deal efficiently with our photos again I'll send you some pictures Andrew!

My fish dish was not at all what I expected but once I had removed the offending
champignons from my fish stew, I could then add the leeks and potatoes that
accompanied my dinner, and really enjoyed the flavour. I decided that dishes such as this should come with instructions. Brian and Owen had pork with roesti
(which was better when they salted it). Owen said that his lemon tart was
the best that he has ever had - an almond filling, unlike our custardy ones
at home. I had a plate of little tastes, including floating islands (but
Mum's were better)!

It was then off to see a real treat - St Chappelle. St Chappelle is a medieval
church with the most magnificent stained glass windows. Apparently there
is more glass in the building than supporting materials! The church has
two levels - downstairs is quite impressive - until you go up the narrow
winding staircase and see the real thing. Every wall is about 90% stained glass. Blue glass predominates with red, yellow and green. The rose window was a thrill to see also. The whole thing is so far over the top that it is near impossible to describe.

Marion

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