The Louvre

Yes, we saw the Louvre today. And here is my sister, standing next to the statue she posed for; it's now in the garden area next to the Decorative Arts building. I think the likeness is quite good.

When we were walking down our first hallway this morning, Charlotte said, "Oh my God you guys, we are in the Louvre!" And it should have that kind of effect on people; the building itself is a work of art, and then there are the thousands of paintings, sculptures and objets d'art, including furniture and jewelry. The sheer volume of items can be overwhelming so you have to decide what you want to see, and then stick to it. We decided on European painters, which of course is way too broad a category, because there are several floors in several buildings dedicated to paintings. I think Charlotte would have gone on forever if Beth and I hadn't begged for a lunch break. While we bought lunch, Charlotte went to see the Mona Lisa. Beth and I didn't want to fight the crowds.

Refreshed after lunch, we did a little shopping in the museum shops, then went to the main entrance to see I.M. Pei's masterpiece glass pyramid. It still manages to delight and amaze me after all these years. Then followed a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens, stopping to admire the beautiful purple iris in full bloom, Parisians and tourists sunning themselves on chairs by the pond, and children riding the merry-go-round. I think summer has arrived in Paris.

Back in the Marais, we shopped at BHV for an hour. Have to get those last-minute gifts, or remembrances of Paris. In my case, I had to get some short-sleeved tops; it's suddenly gotten very hot! Tomorrow Beth and Charlotte fly back to Copenhagen, for their flight to America on Sunday morning. And I will move in with Matt and Jeanne for two and a half days, before my flight early on Tuesday morning. It's been a great trip so far, and I'm looking forward to spending time with my granddaughter this weekend. Poor Juliet isn't feeling well due to immunizations she had last week; today she had a fever and wasn't eating or sleeping well. I so hope she'll be much better tomorrow. My sweet Juliet; my beautiful, hold her head up, talk, talk, talk, help Grandma turn the pages of the book, splash in her bath, sweet Juliet.