Day Six: Lost in the Louvre

Man oh Man, my feet hurt!!!
This may seem like a negative way to start the blog since it was a friggin' fantastic day - including the indescrible Louvre and the majestic Norte Dame. However, we have been apparently walking our way across Northern France - according to Sandy's app. We set our steps record today at 24, 470, translating into 18. 5 km and 33 flights of stairs! For a group of middle age pluses, that is not too shabby!

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OK, there is absolutely no way I can even attempt to capture what we saw today in a few words. We were up and on the bus/ train combo early (feeling like old pros already), and hit the sidewalks to the Louvre by 10:15 am. Let me just say that the size and scope of this museum just blew me away. It sprawls across endless blocks of prime Paris real estate, the bustling Rue de Rivoli on its north side,  and the Seine on its south. I think it might be impossible to keep your directional head about you on your first visit to the Louvre - or at least that is what I am telling myself. I felt overwhelmed the entire time I was there - - by the endless choices of stairways, halls and rooms, and by the assault to the senses in the form of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities that in our world belong in the pages of coffee table books, not around every corner you turn.

We separated into twosomes in the lobby, each couple heading off to hunt down their priority art - like a scavenger hunt of beauty! Wes and I got off to a rough start when he felt compelled to inform the security folks that the Louvre ticket rules were "stupid" ... oh no! Oh yes. But, they let us stay anyway, and Wes remains convinced that now that they know the error of their ways, those rules will change within the next week. Let me remind you this is THE LOUVRE!

Below see a few shots of the treasures of the Louvre. I found myself reluctant to photograph much  of what we saw. There is just something sacred about the atmosphere, even with the crowds of people endlessly moving through the spaces, selfie sticks in hand, audio guides in ears, maps folded and flapping as they hurry from the Greeks to the Italians to the Dutch.

Winged Victory!

From The Louvre we made our way to Notre Dame via The Great Canadian Pub. As everywhere else we have visited this week, the cathedral enchanted us - but with a sombre, dark elegance all her own. The ceilings, arches and windows are amazing, but the real impact comes from the sense of spirit in the space. Sitting in the prayer section, feeling the heaviness and reverance in the air, and watching so many people appreciating what Notre Dame has to offer, reminded me how much we have as humans that binds us together. My heart felt full with hope! 💛

French Crown Jewels - a 140 carat diamond!

Nancy, Sandy, Pam and Dave opted for a second round at the Louvre in the late afternoon, while Wes and I chose a stroll to a great little bar🍸 - priorities! 

We returned to the Marriot a little earlier tonight, time for a late snack, a little wine and rum ... and a  Trump.update for Dave.

A very Happy Birthday tomorrow to Brendan!! 🎂🎊🎈

And for now, Bon nuit from Paris. 

xoxo

MORE PHOTOS TO FOLLOW...TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. grrr