So…the Louvre. Which is pronounced Loov. Unless your name is Walter Hollander, and then it’s pronounced Loovray (little theater joke there). I gave myself about 2 hours to see what the Louvre had to offer. It took me 2 hours to get inside.
Outside, there are amazing mazes of fountains (which would have been even more amazing if it wasn’t pouring rain when I was there). Once I got through the line and got inside, it was pretty incredible. First of all…it is HUGE. I spent about 5 hours inside. I didn’t necessarily take photos of famous things, but more of the things I thought were the most interesting. I’m assuming there are books and websites about the Louvre with photos from professional photographers for things like that.
My favorite part of the entire museum was the hall of statues. It was incredible! Just to imagine that these famous works of art I learned about in school were sitting right there in front of me! There was so much to see, it was pretty daunting. After a while, it got to be like “Oh, that’s just sort of famous, whatever. Next!” Like working in a donut shop where you are forced to eat one of each kind, it gets pretty crazy after walking through there for hours.
Besides the sculptures hall, there are a couple of things I wanted to point out. First of all, there is a Colbert Pavilion. Which I know, is sort of tacky and disrespectful of history that I find that so funny…but I do. Also, one of the statues looks like Weird Al. And before you ask, yes, I did see the Mona Lisa. It was a very odd experience. There is no line to see it…it’s just a giant room full of people in a circular mosh pit (similar to Mecca) pushing and jostling to get to the front. I thought the spectacle was more interesting than the Mona Lisa itself. I am not impressed too much by the Mona Lisa. It’s ok…but there are SO many other works of art that I find more beautiful or inspiring. I think there is something wrong with me.
After 2 hours in line and 5 hours mosh pitting with people inside, I was very happy to get out of there and get some fresh air. I still don’t think I saw everything there was to see…but I came close.
I’m now in Kiev, which has been one CRAZY adventure! You DO NOT want to miss that story! Until then…
Jeff: Aug 19th, 2017
*This title was a lie. There is actually no way to find your way out once inside. It’s like a casino.
jeffinukraine2016 
When we were in Paris, we missed the Louvre. I have to agree with you about the Mona Lisa. I’ve seen many paintings I liked much more and personally, I don’t think the Mona Lisa is that beautiful. I’ve seen many many women that were more attractive. I’d find it hard to stand in line for two hours. You must have more stamina than I. But there are a few things which I may be willing to stand in that long or longer for, but I would have probably given up and went on to see something else. What you saw would be amazing though and something you wouldn’t forget. Curious to hear what you have to say about Kiev. Won’t be long before you be meetin’ up with Prospector Pete. 🙂 Take care and keep on having a blast. Wish Zabor was there. More than that, wish I was, but to think about it, if Zabor was there, I’m sure he’d have a spell to get me there. 🙂
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Thanks, Jim! I think the Mona Lisa was the original “Boy Band.” Someone sad it should be famous, so it was. And people flock to it because it’s now famous. The first 2 days in Kiev have been CRAZY stories…but I’ll write them up as time permits. I wish you were here too! Dr. Zabor can send some potions (although I don’t know if they will pass through airport security). Tom should be here tomorrow morning, and then we can both be in touch!
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