Paris Adventure March 22

I think I should officially refer to this trip as “crooked and slightly blurry pictures of Paris” because I  am a horrible photographer that can’t turn my wrist enough in one direction of the other to take a partially level picture.

Off of the note of my bitterness, we went on another Paris expedition this Sunday! We visited the Louvre and toured a bit of the Luxembourg Gardens.

You can imagine my (and everyone’s) extreme excitement once the museum finally emerged from the Paris streets, looming like a (actually pretty plain looking) giant planted beside the Seine.

We entered the grounds under the Sully building (the large square part) and worked our way to the pyramid. I’m lucky I had two guides showing me the way.

Picture with the pyramid

Of course, we ended up waiting in line for just over an hour. Luckily it wasn’t too bad outside, just a cold wind that wouldn’t let up. After a surprisingly quick security check, we were in the Louvre!

We chose to tour around the Richelieu wing, starting at the top floor and working our way down.

(Okay I’m pretty embarrassed about this, but for like the first hour I was really uncertain if we were actually allowed to take pictures of the paintings, so I don't have many from the Richelieu wing because I thought I was paticipating in some sort of illegal activity and the security guards were going to kick me out)

But! I did get a picture of this! I actually didn’t know this picture was famous until like 20 minutes after I’d left the room (the Louvre had a special little letter on the map to show you where it was). I only took a picture of it because 1) I saw someone else take a picture of it, and 2) that lady in the middle has a killer stink face. I think that sums up the decision making techniques of most 15 year olds.

We also visited Napoleon’s apartments for a fun little visit.

This is me and a nice vase. I took the picture because I wanted myself in it. I was very vain today (the reason was this: I looked great)

How would you like to swing from this Chandelier, Sia?

New crib

Mom, I’m just having a few friends over for dinner.

Statue gallery in the Richelieu wing

After we toured my- I mean, Napoleon’s rooms, we traversed on over to the Denon wing. On the way we stopped by Nike, the Winged Victory statue (although I wouldn’t feel so victorious without a head or arms)

Next, it was Denon’s long hall of “fame”

Psh, I don’t know what’s so famous about:

Men pointing at sticks

Or plant people

Or stabby angels.

And, like, I snapped a pic of this one as I was passing by, idk, it was pretty small and plain but it guess the craftsmanship was there…

(Haha, just kidding I had to hip check a few people to get up to the ropes, but I got this sick selfie so)

I’m not even going to explain the rest because you know them so I’ll just put ‘em up and let you all enjoy. (Just kidding, you all want to hear my museum commentary)

(Upset by the glare on my girl Joan L L )

(WARNING!! PENIS!)

(Nice lighting on Cupid and Psyche)

(“Stand back I’m about to serve up some sick moves”)

(This baby though)

(Me taking a selfie with my girl Josephine)

(Me taking another selfie with this statue that looks like it’s taking a selfie. I honestly tried to find the name of this statue and the closest I could get was “Selfie Statue” so)

(That raft doesn’t look sustainable!!)

(Wow, those French Olympians look pretty shabby this year, does their flag bearer know that she’s on international television?)

(Officer, I don’t think you understand. I wasn’t stealing, those are mine)

(Naked people are trending in the #Louvre)

(“I’ll be out of the bath in like 20 minutes Mom, stop nAGGING ME!”)

(“You come into MY house! And insult MY colour combo! In front of MY WIFE AND CHILD!”)

(Me 2k15)

(I cannot see this picture anymore without seeing one really long leg on the left)

(What’s gonna happen to you if you mess with me)

Also I found this picture that I guess I took. I guess I wanted to remember this specific marble booty.

And, of course, my favourite, and probably the most beautiful piece of artwork in the entire museum. The Ven-

(Just kidding, it’s me)

Yes. So that was the Louvre. We didn’t even attempt to venture into the Sully wing.

After the hours of looking at pictures of food, we decided to get some real stuff. We ended up at a little “very French” café. 

My host mom alerted me to the typical Parisian café tips such as; the black and white wearing waiters, the red chairs, as well as the French specialties on the menu.

I went with one of the typical French dishes for my lunch choice (even though it was called The Italian). It’s basically a high class, French grilled cheese.

After dessert (I’m sorry I really didn’t think about getting a picture until halfway through and I didn’t want to stop) we proceeded to walk around a bit of Paris, and end up in the Luxembourg Gardens.

We used the bathroom, saw the senate house

Never located the small Statue of Liberty or the de Medici fountain, but they were there somewhere.

Another Pairs adventure that I couldn’t keep from you, although I’m posting this really late… Sorry I’ve been a tired mess.

Anyway! Hope you enjoyed my take on the Louvre and other little Paris crevices, Love and miss you all tons and tons!!

(Watch for my nest post which should be the weekend of April 4 and 5. It’ll be about Belgium!!)

Little Paris Adventure (March 15)

Yes, that's right. I visited the home of our favourite misfortunate, deformed (surprisingly angel voiced) hunchback today.

It was as beautiful as I expected it, and even more ornately carved.

We arrived at about 9:30 and immediately lined up to ascend the cathedral. After a chilly wait we walked up all 387 steps (trust me, it didn't feel like anything less that 387 steps) in the twisty spiral staircases. We emerged to a breathtaking view of Paris. It was a little foggy, but the Eiffel tower was still partially visible and it just made the atmosphere a little more artistic and ethereal.

Making some gargoyle friends.

I was right near the bells when they started tolling for the hour, and it felt like it was ringing through my ribcage. We never got to see them, but we heard them a few times throughout the day.

Next, we climbed up to the top of the right bell tower, and got some more beautiful views of Paris and the building.

Then we came all the way back down. We never ended up going inside, but while we were coming to the exit of the stairs, we could hear the organ inside. The tone was amazing!

Also I got a picture or two of the awesome detailed door arches in the front.

After Notre Dame, at my request, we went to Shakespeare & Company! My host mom insisted that she take a photo of me with it because I had been so set on going.

It was an adorable little store (there were no photo’s allowed, haha, that’s why I took this one) so I can’t show you how wonderfully crammed with books it was, but it really was my sort of heaven.

(how could I resist spending my money here?)

Afterwards, we toured around Area 1 of Paris and I got pictures of every angle of Notre Dame because I don’t know, I might forget what it looked like from a three quarter profile shot or something.

Work it. Love the camera. Yes, yes, fierce.

After I had my fill of photo-shooting my 800 year old model, we checked out the lock bridge

And then hopped over to Ile-Saint-Louis. On one of the bridges over, there was this awesome rollerblading show going on with like a 65 year old couple and four younger guys. It was actually really good, they were so talented. I got a video of one little routine.

We circled Ile-Saint Louis and then crossed back to the mainland and found ourselves in a high fashion, Jewish district. I know. It sounds weird. But it was just basically Dior beside falafel places. Sometimes in life, you just have to shrug and know that you’re never going to understand some things. But there was this really good jewish street band playing (can you see them in the corner?)

When we’d wrapped that up (get it? Cause the falaf- okay no.) we proceeded to find ourselves in the art district, and watched a killer British magician. He spoke in English so I understood him. And I’m glad, because some of the things he said off hand would have made an entirely English audience double over.

Lastly we walked by Hotel de Ville which is the city hall of Paris.

And then we took the train home. It was a very good day. Not the weather. My hands froze and I couldn’t get my metro ticket out of my purse for three minutes, but everything else was good. I’m so glad we go on these little Paris adventures, it helps me crawl through another week of school. I’m never sure when we’re going to do something exciting, so keep an eye out for updates. Love and miss you all!!