Today's adventures were full of emotions. We woke up early and strolled along the Seine until we reached a café near our destination: The Louvre. For some reason, people can tell we are American before we even say a word. Brunch consisted of coffee, croissant, and a croque poullet, then onward. As we approached the metro, a "deaf" woman approached us with what appeared to be a petition. She and her partners were like silent harpies, trying to get our signatures and 20 Euros. She was probably not deaf and we have since learned that this is a scam for Parisians to rob silly tourists. We were not robbed and are safe because we caught on in time. It is possible that this duo had the best of intent, but for all you other silly Americans, take care. Also, don't read the maps near the Metro. Ha.
Once we disengaged, we made our way to the Louvre. The courtyard was enclosed by the Palais (palace) adorned with sculptures of famous philosophers and thinkers. We entered through the glass pyramid atop the entrance and found ourselves in an underground enclave with signs declaring objects from all times and regions in the world. First stop: Mesopotamia to see the stele that is the Code of Hammurabi! The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest examples of written text, let alone cuneiform, and contains the laws of Mesopotamia, some of which are built into our democracy.
Other highlights: Venus de Milo, Niké statue, generally ancient Greece and Rome, so much Jesus and Mary paintings, the Mona Lisa.... we spent all morning/most of the afternoon there. Margot's new favorite hobby: watching people look at artwork, like standing behind the Venus de Milo and observing people observe the statue. The range in expressions!
Upon our walk back along the Seine, we encountered bouquinists (book vendors) and a light rain. Indecision prevailed as we tried to figure out what to eat so we bought grapes and Autumn's first Magnum ice cream bar from a market near our lodgings. Somehow we are managing to get by with very little French and though many Parisians almost immediately see we are American, they compliment us frequently on our accents. A nap was had. Planning occurred. Boring things.
We awoke from our jet lagged slumber in the middle of day and learned that the nap to ease jet lag is much desired, but totally futile. Then we had The Hunger. We tried to grab a spot at a cafe on the corner near our apartment and not only were we stared down, but found out that 6pm dinner is not a common thing at many cafes. To our dismay, the waiter recommended McDonald's or drinks at the cafe so we went on our merry way. We then found a delicious Italian inspired restaurant called Le Metro and ate there. Nom!
Many bridges were crossed, many handsome street musicians were gawked at and listened to. Finally we made our way back to what Fred and Georges call the Castro of Paris to see La Memorial de Shoah or the Holocaust Memorial. It was three stories and another unforgettable experience. We were greeted by four Murs de Noms (Walls of Names) of many of the French people who were murdered or relocated in the Holocaust. A dark room (crypt) beautifully lit with an "Eternal Flame" held a huge, ground level Star of David containing the ashes of many of the Holocaust victims and soil from Jerusalem. The third floor included a library, offices and a museum of film posters from movies made about the Holocaust. Most moving was the last permanent exhibit detailing the horrors of the Holocaust. We were inundated with hard-hitting facts, letters, photos and interviews from Concentration, Extermination and Labor camps. It was intense. Autumn was struck with sudden awareness of how genocide should never have happened and that there are still at least three going on in the world today. It's overwhelming and baffling to think that in this world full of so much beauty there can be so much hate and misunderstanding. Needless to say, we left very pensive and somewhat emotional.
To gather our thoughts and regroup we headed to a nearby Gothic Style, Catholic Church, strange as that seems. It was beautiful, but definitely too much after learning about the nonchalance of the Vichy French Reign during WWII towards the Holocaust. There is an upside to the story, I promise! We walked down the rue in search of desserts and drinks and found the adorable restaurant Philippe-Louise and had Creme-Brulee, Chocolate Mousse and kir! Delicious and happier times were had. We spent the rest of tonight walking the area around St. Michel and Notre Dame, being asked to be taken home by cute French boys and dancing through the streets exploring. Don't ask me why we came home to blog. Apparently we have responsibilities. ; )
In all today was a test of emotional and physical strength (walking f-ing everywhere, but we're getting stronger...YAY). Two museums, a thousand emotions! Tomorrow we see La Tour Eiffel and Musee D'Orsay.
The word of the day is: Navire -ship, vessel, boat
Bon soir avec reve sucree! Yes, that says good night with sugar dreams.
p.s. yesterday Margot found a bookshop that contained JUST books about archaeology and history. it was beautiful. Also, a librairie is actually a bookshop while the Library is called la bibliotheque!
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