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.

Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens, Pantheon

On the third of June our goal was to see two of the well known Parisian tourist destinations, and two that are not as heavily visited. After our Parisian breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate we traveled by metro (which has been our main form of transportation) to Sacre Coeur.

This still active Catholic church is not only gorgeous inside and out but it has a spectacular view of Paris from the top tower.

(Please note the Eiffel Tower in the distance)

These magnificent views are due to Sacre Coeur or Sacred Heart being located on the summit of Montmartre, which is the highest point of elevation in the city of Paris.

After taking in the views before the Basilica was swarmed with tourists, we moved on to the next site, where we knew avoiding long lines of tourists would be simply impossible. I am referring, of course, to Notre Dame.

After waiting outside for almost an hour we did get to go into the church. Even from the outside one can tell why this cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Once in the cathedral you can not help but to feel in awe of the enormity of the structure which is seemingly in balance with the delicate, minute details in every pane of stained glass.

Despite the allure of the cathedral, we decided to leave it for a destination off the usual path for tourists in Paris. We headed, again by metro, to the Latin Quarter. Passing by the facilities of the Sorbonne we meandered into the lush Luxermbourg Gardens, where Parisians of all ages were taking advantage of the warm weather.

From picnics, to sunbathing, to sailing model boats the garden was quite full of life.

Resisting the temptation to spend the remainder of the day lounging with the locals, we headed off to our last stop for the day, the Panthéon.

Also located in the Latin Quarter the Panthéon was originally built in honor of St. Genevieve. Now it is a secular mausoleum. The Panthéon is the final resting place for French citizens who have made significant contributions to both French people and the people of the world. These people include Vistor Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, Lazare Carnot, Jean Monnet, René Cassin, as well as Marie, and Pierre Curie.

Though jam packed, our day was not only enjoyable but, as is always the case when you visit such historical places, we learned a lot. Experiencing these places, walking down the halls, breathing the same air as people before you, is quite humbling.

À tout à l'heure!

Le Tour des Fountaines - A day at Versailles

Despite only being in Paris for four complete days, Michael and I decided to dedicate one of the days to exploring Versailles. Commonly known for the extravagance of the sun king, and more fountains in the gardens than the local water supply can handle at the same time, we know Versailles as much more.

With questioned loyalties, and ploys of conspiracy Louis the fourteenth decided to move the court from Paris proper to an estate he had designed particularly for the purpose. This estate, Versailles, would host more than 5,000 people of significance at one time, plus their entourages. At least one significant member of every noble family was required to stay at Versailles, ensuring the family’s cooperation. Being on one estate, isolated from their former privacy, the King could ensure that no members of the court plotted against him. Perhaps this information puts the saying, stuck in a gilden cage, in a new light.

(The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles)

After touring the inside of the complex we walked for hours in the gardens.

 In addition to seeing Trianon, the castle used to house visitors of particular importance, we saw many of the countless fountains, as well as gorgeous statues that the garden has within its bounds.

Starting at 3:30 in the afternoon we completed a marathon of fountains, since between 3:30 and 5 the majority of working fountains in the gardens were turned on as a part of the Grandes Eaux Musicales.

At 5:30 the Neptune fountain was turned on and we were able to witness one of the sun king’s crowning glories in fountain design.

After a little over ten hours at Versailles we headed back to our hotel happy that we had taken the day to see this complex that we had heard so much about.

À tout à l’heure!!

Paris - A City Of Many Stairs!

On our descent to the Hotel lobby on the morning of the 1st of June to enjoy French breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate, Michael and I had to keep reminding ourselves that we were now in Paris. In a sense, traveling around Europe is a bit surreal. Growing up, you hear about all these places, and if you are a book enthusiast, such as myself, you have spent hours reading about life in faraway lands. So actually waking up in a place that is so distantly familiar is a bit surreal.

My brother Michael and I flew to Paris on the 31st in order to spend a few days in the city of lights before heading to London on our way back to the United States.

For our first day we both had the objective of being at the summit of the Eiffel tower. After climbing up well over a thousand stairs (the Tour Eiffel website says there are 1665) we were able to take in Paris from a bird's eye view. Despite the strenuous prospect of so many stairs, if you go to the Eiffel tower you Must go all the way up, for the view over Paris is quite incredible.

After making our way back down the tower, we decided to take advantage of the great weather and take a river boat tour. I have become quite a fan of taking river boat tours. As long as the weather is good, a boat tour gives one a whole different view of the city. And in Paris with the city island in the middle of the river (where Notre Dame is located) the tour helps you put the entire city in perspective.

Back on solid Parisian ground we headed to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees. Built between 1806-1836, the intention of the Arc was to glorify the French troops. Since we are so fond of stairs, Michael and I climbed around 284 steps to reach the top. With a round about surrounding the arc one feels as if you are in the beating heart of the city, and with the number of Parisian songs about the Champs-Elysees it does seem to be the case.

After having looked upon the Champs-Elysees from above, we descended to wander along the street, eventually getting to the Place de La Concorde.

For our first day in the city of Paris we were able to experience many of the must-see sights. Since on this trip we only have 4 days to experience this city, we will be trying to see major sites which we have heard so much about. Such as Versailles, Place de La Bastille, Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Garden/Palace, Sorbonne, and Panthéon.

Keep Checking for our Parisian adventures!

À Toute À L'Heure!!

Vi Ses København!

Today is the day that I must leave Copenhagen. I have racked my brain for weeks trying to think of an adequate summary, a perfect end to my experiences over the last year. Since I have fallen in love with Danmark, and love the life I have here, it is hard to simply bid it Farewell. Instead the message I will send is see you later, for I know I will not be able to long stay away from the city and nation that I love.

My experience in Danmark has been incredible, from Ole & Birgitte – my marvelous Danish family, to my various adventures, and all the friends I have made along the way. For every excitement and every moment I am extremely grateful. Danmark really is a fairytale land, at least in my fairytale. With such a rich culture, history, and amazing people, it would have been hard not to grow attached to this place. And yet I must go, back to reality, at least until I come again.

Everyone has been asking me what the best part of my experience was. That, for me, is an easy question. Being a part of the Svenningsen family has been priceless, spectacular and truly irreplaceable. I consider myself extremely lucky that I was paired up with Ole & Birgitte. The hardest part about leaving is that I will not be able to see them every day; exchanging bits of sarcasm with Ole and talking about life with Birgitte. But family is family, and that will not change despite my return to the United States.

The other question which has been asked of me is what I have learned during my time abroad. That is a more difficult question, which required quite a bit of thought before I found my answer. Balance. Not necessarily on a bicycle, but in life. One needs a balance of work, family, friends, and adventures. It is only in this way that true contentment can be found. I was stirred by the women in Kosovo to a point where I now better understand just how precious life can be. That one must make the most out of every moment. The Danes I have gotten to know and love have showed me that true balance can be achieved in life. That life is about more than fancy titles, and high stress careers. It is also about the ability to sit and just be, or to spend hours at the dinner table with those you care about.

It will feel strange going back to the United States. I will feel somewhat adrift in the stream of people going about their usual routines. I know that I will probably never been a true part of the stream again, but I am okey with that. My experiences are what has made and will make me who I am. I believe that I am stronger for every experience.

So with a breaking of my heart I must board this plane that takes me away. To Copenhagen, Ole & Birgitte and all my friends – Thank you for the Amazing year and I Will see you soon!

With my Love for Forever And Always,

Natasha Marie