Paris July 24 & 25h 2011

John here writing the blog for Sunday and Monday July 24th & 25th:

Back in Paris after getting back from Brittany late last night, it was Sunday and we planned on resting, some housekeeping, and one museum.

After coffee and treat at our corner patisserie, we headed for the Musee d’Orsay. This museum contains hundreds of paintings from the Impressionist movement. Our favorite masters, Monet and Renoir, are there as well as Van Goghs, Manets, and even Whistler’s Mother. Our favorite has to be Renoir’s Le Moulin de la Galette, a large canvas showing a crowded dance floor (probably in Montmartre). The figures seem to move as light streams through trees with seemingly changing patterns of light and shadows.

I had one semester of art appreciation and Carol none, so we are not qualified in any way other than we know what we like and don’t like. You do not need a trained eye to appreciate and enjoy the work of the masters. For those who are counting, there is literally billions of dollars of rare art in this museum. Two other great Renoirs displayed are Lady in Violet and a landscape dominated by a swath of brilliant orange poppies.

The Monets include his well known lily pads and bridge at Giverny
Both Carol and I could appreciate Van Gogh’s genius, but I must say that his psychological condition is very apparent in his work and there is a disturbing element to it.

As we left the museum and grabbed a taxi, we saw the huge crowds of people crossing the bridge over the Seine heading our way into the Latin Quarter as the Tour de France had just finished on Champs-Elysees across the river from us.

We may not have mentioned in this journal, for those of you who have not been to Paris and may wonder are there really sidewalk cafes everywhere? Yes, there is in every shape and size. We love the colorful aspect and the history of the cafes, and although we may not often mention, we are taking advantage of these cafes daily to enjoy a quick rest with a café au lait or glass of wine. People watching while sipping is entertainment enough!

In keeping with taking it easy today, we returned to our flat, refresh and head the other direction from our address to another nearby neighborhood. Surprisingly, from one side of the round-about only two blocks away we could see the upper third of the Eiffel Tower. Dinner was excellent at Café Rotunde – Carol got her chicken and John his Crème Brule! After a great and relaxing day we returned for a quiet night of reading knowing tomorrow will bring more exciting new things.

Monday the 25th: Carol outside our flat is ready for a day of touring!
Our plan was to take the on-off double decker bus with earphone commentary. After some searching for the proper yellow-green bus stop where we can board in Trocero Square, we were on the bus to see what we can see. After transferring at rue Auberg from the green line to the yellow line, we eventually found our way to Montmartre and the church of Sacre Coeur. In this neighborhood, the likes of Renoir, Monet, and many other struggling artists lived, painted, and partied in the many cafes. The Moulin Rouge and other adult establishments flourish on the main street, while a hike up the hill takes you to the funicular for the ride up to the church and a view of all Paris from the top of Montmarte.

After a sidewalk café break we boarded the on-off bus and saw many landmarks of Paris – Opera houses, Theatres, neighborhoods, the huge square in front of the Louvre and a ride up the Champs-Elysees toward the Arc de Triomphe. It was now about 7 pm, so we decided to go back to our flat and perhaps grab a bite at the little Italian place around the corner. On a Monday evening it was closed so we walked a few blocks and picked up a few things at the neighborhood market for a light dinner. We do have a full and well equipped kitchen but to date have not turned on a burner. My dinner was a salad and Carol’s was canned vegetables heated in the microwave. Gourmet!

Jeff turned us onto Truphone which we subscribed to on my IPAD. It affords nearly free International calling (i.e. 30 minute call $1.60!). We took advantage of Truphone to call family members and that was the end of a very full day in Paris.