Parisian Glass Pyramids!

All our lives, my brother Michael and I have been academically minded people, fascinated with learning about the world around us... what some people may call "geeks". Therefore it will not be surprising to any who know us that, on our four day trip to Paris, we spent an entire day at the Louvre.

On June the 4th we got to the museum approximately one hour before it opened its doors, with the intention that being one of the first through the doors we would be able to see the Mona Lisa before the crowd around her becomes so great that she is impossible to see. And I am happy to report that our plan was a success, as we were person number three and four in the room with this great work of art.

One of the great things about the Louvre as a museum is that not only does it house art, the museum itself is a piece of art. While display cases, and painting may line the walls, if you look up you will discover the art that has always been a part of this place that has come to hold many of the world's most valued treasures.

 (One of the ceilings int the Louvre)

To describe all that the Louvre contains would be impossible, for despite having spent an entire day there we still did not get to everything. Here are two of my favorite pieces.

 The above statue is the famous Winged Victory of Samothrace statue of the greek goddess Nike. Made sometime in the 2nd century BC this statue has been at the Louvre since the 1880s. The wear that time has had on the statue, in my opinion, adds to its general air of power and mystery. The statue, to me, represents perseverance despite the odds against you.

 Baboons in Egyptian times were well regarded for their intelligence, and the god Baba was well known for his wisdom. Baboons were also said to guard the first gate to the underworld. So, despite not knowing the finer details on the statue above, this statue is one of my favorites from the Louvre.

All in all, the Louvre is an incredible museum, and I would like to go back someday to see more of the items on exhibit.

With our plane to London early the next morning, our trip to the Louvre concluded our trip to Paris. So as I packed my bags once again I said, "Au Revoir" to Paris, and was looking forward to our time in London.