Another beautiful day in Paris ...

Once you are familiar with how the train system works in Paris, it's quite simple but I strongly suggest you always have a copy of the foldable pocket size map of the trains as well as map of the city which you can get from the reception where you're staying at. Also learn the word 'Pardon' (pronounced 'Par-don' when you have to squeeze your way out. I learnt 'excusez-moi' but when you desperately need to get off before the train moves, 'pardon' is much easier to remember).

In London I used the OysterCard which is a great way (and cheaper too) to travel on the Underground. You just need to top up the card and it deducts each trip you take and trust me, it's huge savings compared to buying the single trip ticket. In Paris, what my friend and I did was to purchase 10 tickets (bulk purchase) instead of the single trip tickets. So each time we took the train, we took a ticket each and that ended up being cheaper. But I think it also depends on how many days you have. If you don't intend to move about much or have somebody to drive you around, then the single trip tickets might be a better option. So do the Math before buying your tickets.

Talking about where we stayed in Paris, we came across this lovely hotel, New Orient Hotel that was recently renovated and the staff working there are really nice. Although a 2 star hotel, it's really comfortable and more importantly clean. It's also near a metro station so that's a huge plus. There's a supermarket opposite to the hotel so you can always get drinks and snacks. Food is also not a problem cuz enough eateries for all budget available around the area. Yes, New Orient Hotel is highly recommended!

I heard quite a bit about the French people from friends and relatives who visited France some time back and they warned me that I might have problems communicating and never speak English because the French won't reply back. Well, the few days I was there, I didn't have any problems when I approached anyone in English. Most were able to help and were happy to help. One gentleman saw my friend and I struggling with a map while balancing our umbrellas and we must have looked desperately lost (we were actually trying to locate the Artists' Corner) and he approached us to help and spoke to us in English. So I reckon it's a myth and the French (most at least) are friendly and try to help if they can. Of course you might bump into one who has no patience for tourists but hey, those people exists everywhere.

Anyways, my friend and I spent another day at the Musee du Louvre. Our initial plan was to spend half a day there but that didn't work out. There's just too many things to see and although we had an early start (we were there when the Museum opened), we only left there about 4 plus in the afternoon and we have not seen everything either.

Had breakfast because we were there a little early. It's quite a common thing to sit at one of these street side cafe and watch the world go by. Just take note that it can get pretty pack rather quickly and people tend to smoke as they watch people go by so if you're sensitive to cigarette smoke, then take the seats inside. No view but no ciggie smoke either.

Don't rush in without taking a few minutes to enjoy the architecture on the outside. It's really beautiful and take note of the details (photo below) on the buildings.

We were really excited to enter that you didn't take any pictures of the glass pyramid. Plus the sun was out and it was too hot so we agreed to pose next to the pyramid later when we were done.

What you need for the Museum? When you get your tickets, get a map of the place too. The map is good and shows you the layout of the museum for the different levels (yes, lots of levels and wings to cover). They have a museum shop and you might be tempted to get a guide book to read and you stroll pass the pictures or artefact. Reality is this. Unless you're a HUGE art fan or an artist or somebody who doesn't need to work when you head home and have all the time in the world to read the book, don't bother getting the guidebook. A general guidebook on Paris is more useful and would be good to get it before your trip and read up before (even if you're going on a tour). Up to you to buy or borrow a copy from the library.

If you follow the crowd (and signages around to point you to the right direction), you will most likely head to see the famous Mona Lisa. Now, let me just manage your expectations. It's small. I was disappointed once when in Copenhagen when I went to check out the Little Mermaid. After reading about how awesome the statue is, I was so disappointed when it turned out to be a small little statue (hence the name Lil Mermaid I guess). And this happened again when I saw the Mona Lisa. I expected this HUGE painting but it turned out to be a small portrait. But I got to see her so that was a real treat. Just be prepared to push your way through a crowd and don't bother waiting for the crowd to ease because it doesn't happen. There's a constant flow of people. Instead, use the time to have a good look at Mona Lisa and be awed by her :o)

I took heaps of photos from the Louvre and I think that's what I appreciated, that they were not too anal about people taking pictures. But of course the pictures are protected with glass so some of the pictures won't turn out great because of the reflection but I am not complaining as I still managed to get some great pictures (by my standards that is).

These are just samples of what pictures I took. There are more but just not possible for me to put them all. I was amazed by the details on the paintings. And you really need to take your time to enjoy each painting. Like the one above, I spent some time looking at it and my eyes saw something and I had to lean forward to see it. I was like WOW. What do I mean? Well I zoomed and took a picture so that I can show you what I mean. From a far, you can't see it but take a look at the picture below. See it?

So you can either spend your time trying to read your Musee du Louvre guidebook and probably miss the little details or just enjoy the paintings.

From the museum looking out, this is what you can see (photo above). Unfortunately, the gate was locked and no way I could go out to take a picture of the glass pyramid from the top.

What my friend and I did were to rent them audio things that you can plug in and listen to descriptions of various paintings or artefacts. They also have audio tours that you can go on your own using it. My friend did that and found that useful.

As for myself, what I did was plan which areas I wanted to see. I knew the Egyptian Exhibit was one of the must see for me. So I looked at the floor plan and decided which areas I wanted to see even before I walked around. Spend sometime planning and this will save you time and you'll be able to see more. And yes, you can't see everything in a day so accept that fact and move on ...

Check out the details on the paintings. These are paintings yet I felt like I could have reached out and grabbed a fruit (photo above) for myself too! How did they do it? Talent. It's all about having the talent!

My friend and I agreed to split up because that's the best way to see the museum. I guess you can go about together but because we have our own preferences and pace, we decided that the best way for both of us was to go separately and meet for lunch at a specific time and place. That worked well for us and it may work for you too if you're travelling with a group.

Not only paintings, the Louvre also housed heaps of statues and I swear they must come alive at night after all the visitors have gone home. They look so real. I saw gorgeous ones when I was in Italy last December and these are equally grand.

The photograph that I took above is one of my favourites. It was hard taking it because there were constant flow of people around and I wanted a shot with just the two. I mean, it's such a romantic art work and I decided to wait patiently (and trust me when you don't have much time and too many other things to see, it was hard for me to wait but I did). And there was that window period which lasted a few seconds when a tour group left and I could see another group heading this way but I was ready and took this shot. It could have been better but with the time I had, it's good enough for me :o)

Like the paintings, take your time with the statues and sculptures. Walk around and check out the details. It's truly amazing and I kept wondering in my head how they did it back then....

Some of the sculptures were in its natural tone and others painted. Quite amazing how good the conditions of the pieces as you can still see the colours. The one below is of a noblewoman and don't you just love how dolled up she is and how her hair has been done up ala the 'cinnamon rolls' style at the sides. Walked around that bust several times ...

The portrait below is under one of the masterpieces that made it on the 'must see' list at the Louvre and this one is by Albrecht Dürer's who did several self-portraits when he was only 29.

Though it's not possible to see from the photograhs here, the next two paintings are really huge ones. And I can't help going wow each time I walk by them all ....

And yes, I loved looking at what was deemed fashionable by the women back then. They must take hours to get dressed and I have no idea how they actually walk with all the clothings and accessories.
And nudity is something that you will see pretty often in the paintings and yes, it's usually the women who are painted nude. I guess it's cuz the artists were mainly men so they would better appreciate the female form.

Another masterpiece (photo above) is the Lacemaker by Jan Vermeer who was a Dutch Baroque painter who specialized in domestic interior scenes of ordinary life. Another small piece but you can see the details on her. Awesome or what!

Yeah, finally had an opening from inside the museum that allowed me to take a picture of the glass pyramid :o) Yay!

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS PAINTING IS ALL ABOUT (see above). Had some weird looks from people as they saw me taking this painting. Gave them my 'WHAT??' look and walked away. Unfortunately the write up about this painting was in French and my audio thingey had nothing about it. So please go ahead and make a guess *laughs*

Managed to get to the Egyptian Exhibits eventually and I had to stop when I came across this guy, who was probably a scribe for somebody important. Gave him a good stare too but he won in our staring game. A close up of him below.

Below is pretty cool and if you want to see more of these mummies, the best ones I have seen are kept in the Cairo Museum in Egypt, which is where I think they belong and those taken by others, should be returned to the Egyptians.

Nothing beats the real Sphinx but I guess, can't be too fussy. I remember we were pretty lucky when Jas and I was in Egypt, we managed to pose next to the Sphinx before the crowd came in. That's the best way to travel, go early before the crowd/tours get there!

Also had a chance to go 'underground' at the Louvre and there was a moment where I was in there alone and it was really spooky!

Another must see masterpiece of the Louvre. - a wooden sarcophagus that is still in very good condition. Time was running out for me so what I decided to for the last 30-45 minutes I had, to cover the must see masterpieces recommended for the Louvre. It was ala Amazing Race I swear as I rushed from one wing to another and this is when being familiar with the map and how things are displayed came in super useful.

We were also trying to recall the Da Vinci Code Trail and looked for the Inverted Pyramid and stumbled upon it by chance when we were trying to find our way out. There's a shopping mall next to the Louvre but we didn't check it out. Our feet were aching by then cuz we walked for a total of 8 hours (with 30 minutes lunch break)!

A photograph of the glass pyramid as we bid it farewell. My thoughts as I walked away was when I would be able to come back :o)

Guess we were in the mood to torture ourselves cuz instead of taking the Metro back, we walked to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (photo below) that was nearby.

And we continued walking through the Tuileries. It was a lovely day so there were many people out enjoying the sun and having ice-cream. And yes, we had one each. Wondering what's the spider below? It's one of the sculptures or art pieces found throughout the Tuileries for the people to enjoy. Nice :o)

Seems like this is a favourite pastime for the kids when the sun is out in Paris. A guy will come around with these sail boats (see photo below) made from recycled materials and kids will use a long stick to push their sail boats. And adults watch as they sit and relax around the foundation, usually eating ice-cream to keep cool.

I was intrigued when I saw these cool urban cabs that run on leg power. Very environmentally friendly and the guys get a great workout and sexy legs after a while!

We ended our walk at Place de la Concorde (photo below) and took the Metro back. We slept well that night after all that walking. And that's the best way to see Paris so bring along your pair of comfy walking shoes.

I was glad I went to see the Louvre. I do have more photographs but these few that I have posted are meant to be appetisers, and I hope I have not spoilt it for anyone who is going to Louvre soon. Trust me, these photographs are nothing compared to the real paintings or sculptures.

Anyways, what did we do next? We decided to do our own Da Vinci Code walk and that's what we did the next day. You could also pay to go on a tour but where is the fun in that? What you would want to do is just walk around and if you do get lost, that's fine because you'll get to see things which you probably didn't plan to so just enjoy it. We got a bit religious the next day so that should give you a clue as to where we went :o) Till then, au revoir!