SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND A VISIT TO THE LOUVRE
Ian left for amsterdam at lunchtime - he will be working there for 2 weeks, so decided I would explore the Louvre. I had read an article in the National Geographic Travel magazine which suggested entering from the Porte de Lions - right in the south-west corner, rather than through the central pyramid. Well, what a find - no queues for tickets, no queue for the bag checking machine - and hardly anyone around that part of the gallery. The article also suggested explorin the little-visited Richelieu wing, especially “Napoleon III’s incredibly lavish waiting room, with an enormous round bench done in scarlet and gold”. So I zipped through the Italian painting section with a quick peek at Mona, a look at Goya’s stunning figures, then around through the Antiquities section to the Richelieu wing.
Well Napoleon’s waiting room wasn’t the only bit of lavishness. There is a whole area of his apartments and the sumptuousness and opulence is beyond belief. Huge chandeliers, painted ceilings - at least 12 metres (36 feet) high - well, that was my calculation. deep red silk wallpaper with lavish curtains to match and one room completely lined with mahogony panelling - amazing. The State Dining Room had a dining table and chairs to seat 44 guests - can you imagine the banquets which would have been served (and the washing up!!)
Other parts of this wing held many precious Objects D’Art - exquisite fob watches with gilt etching and tiny paintings on their clock faces - 17th century mainly, other cases of large clocks, 16th century - there were also some sets of Hour Glasses, about 8″ high, presumably for those who couldn’t afford clocks. Other cases held brass astronomical instruments and exquisitely painted pill boxes.
All in all a great afternoon - with few other people exploring this area. I think we should keep it a secret!!!
After a cafe au lait sitting under the huge statues of Richelieu, Rabelais and Rousseau and looking over the glass pyramid, I walked along the Rue de Rivoli to the English bookshop, where I indulged myself for an hour in the travel literature section. We are thinking of going to Scandinavia so much research needs to be done.
re Bigpond - we have not been able to resolve this problem - I shall use Webmail in the meantime - if you haven’t received an email from me - and you were expecting to, please write again. And keep the blogs coming, I love hearing from you all.
Well I am now going to tackle the French homework - I am attending alliance Francais 3 mornings a week - it’s a challenge for the brain. It’s now 6.30 so time for a little apperitif to help the brain cells!!
Au revoir Abientot
Barbara
