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Published: October 21st 2010
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Art and History. That is what we were cramming in the past 2 days, and I can feel the effects physically on my body. We started off with a trip up the Notre dame towers. Wednsday was freezing cold with bitter winds, so probably not the best to go to the top of a church tower, but the view was amazing. You can get right up close to the gargoyles that sit on the ledge, watching over the church. I love gargoyles, despite thier meanacing and scary apperance, I have always found them facinating. I wonder how it would go over to have a gargoyle that size hanging off my balcony in my condo. Might look a bit off place.....
After the towers we did a quick loop inside the church. I would have to say the inside of the Notre Dame is not my absolute favorite,but it is a gorgeous church. One thing I had noticed different from the last time I was there were the confessionals. So admist all the carved wood,stone walls flickering candles and the hymm of song in the backround, you come across a recent addition of a glass wall. behind that wall is a desk,
like an office. It looked so out of place, and I felt that the person inside with the priest looked more like he was inquiring about the best interest rates than confessing his sins.
After the church, We headed over to Saint Chapelle, an amazing church with high windows all stained glass, 70% original. The one side is still in repair, I think I remember them restoring the windows the last time I was here, but by 2013 the project will finally be completed, the largest grant the government has given to a restoration project. Will be interesting to see it in 3 years, guess I will just have to come back.
Next was Centre Georges pompidou, a modern art museum that I was looking forward to seeing.In all these museums its so hard to describe everything you see, I think this is where a picture tells the story. There was though, a lot of visual media art, like old films and videos, some were so bizarre but at the same time hypnotique that you can't actually look away. There were a couple creepy ones with noise, in black and white, and so repetitive with simple images , it
almost made me feel like I was watching The Ring. It gave me an uncomfortable feeling yet I was so drawn into them. (Hope I dont die in 7 days hahaha(ahem) There was also a temporary exhibit from an artist from New york whos drawings some were interesting and visually pleasing with an obvious message, others I have to say were like random scribbling I did when I was in grade 3. I would like someone to explain to me the purpose of those peices in the art world, and with a proffesional opionon why does this get hung in a gallery compared to a grade 3 scribbler. Man do I still have those books? I could be cashing in right now.
Thursday, up early( well I am always up early, so had to do a rough wake up call to Sonja, which I hate to say is quite entertaining) And we go to the Louvre. This is one of my favorite museums in paris.We split up right away and I tell sonja the first thing she should do is go to the Mona lis before is gets busy.I went to my favorite part which is sculptures and french
2010 confessionals?
i guess everyone has got to get into the millenium. I wonder if they have facebook? paintings. Because we were early I felt as if I was all by myself, there was not a lot of people in the hallways I was in. This was amazing, a great way to lose yourself in your surroundings with no other noise interuptions except the squeaking of the floors under your feet. Again a lot of paintings beautifully done, a lot of religious works, but amazing.Napoleons apartment, same thing, I love this space, maybe better than versaille, and I was alone walking the hallways. This was probably one of my favorite moments of the day. Again have to let the pictures do the talking.
After the Louvre, we hit up Musee d'orsay, my favorite museum in paris. But this time, the visit is a little different. There are no photos allowed and the top 3 levels are closed for renovation.What the deuce? closed? This is crap and the new photo policy is crazy. So my favorite muesum and nothing to show for it.
We then end off the museum extravaganza with musee Rodin. My second pick of the day for favorite places. A lot of Rodins scultures are outside in the perfectly maintained gardens. Through a pathway
of roses and manicured bushes you come across "the thinker," One of his most famous pieces. We explored the gardens a bit more, ans with the weather being perfect, it seemed like an amazing space to relaz and enjoy. Again so many pieces that all I can say about Rodin that stand out were his multiple sculptures and molds all done with hints (of flashes) of sexuality behind them. One statue is of a woman,her hear has come off, and she is naked with her legs spread open giving view to her marble vagina. Another is of a man and a woman, naked and kissing. he also made numerous copies of his favorite sculptures in minature form. That museum was definetly worth the trip.
Alas 2 more days, I feel myself so seperated from my old life ,its hard to imagine going back. Bacj to routine, back to english, back to boring 70's square brown buildings with no church bells ringing on the hour. It seems almost unatural.
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