Paris 5
Trip Start
Nov 14, 2008
1
17
102
Trip End
Feb 26, 2009
Paris,
France
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Deutsch, Tow and I decided to check out Napoleon's Tomb, this time when it was actually open, and also the Army Museum recommended by Tow's parents. As a history buff, particularly war history, this was a must-see for me. Napoleon's Tomb is the centrepiece of a large gold-domed building, and I couldn't help but think that if the Germans erected such a monument to their Europe-conqueror, there would be an international outcry. Around the tomb was a list of battles he won (omitting those he was defeated in, like Waterloo and Trafalar), including one in Moscow. This stood in stark contrast to the 1812 Overture I heard a few nights ago, where Tchaikovsky portrayed this battle, through music, as a victory to the RUSSIANS! I suppose when the Russians decided to burn down their capital in 1812, leaving the French with no city to actually conquer, NEITHER side can declare a real victory, but it seems European propaganda is still alive and well. There were a few cool wall-statues displaying Napoleon as a modern Caesar, all of which were described in our audio guide.
I found the army museum much more interesting, but I don't think the boys liked it as much. After seeing displays on the 1871 Franco-Prussian War (the Germans and French really hate each other), the museum focussed on World War I and World War II, with detailed descriptions in English, and a LOT of wartime memorabilia - propaganda posters, army outfits, and war footage. It also focussed heavily on the French Resistance during WWII, including the role of Charles de Gaulle, who, unlike Napoleon, has an actual reason to be revered by the French. Very interesting exhibition. I could have spent far longer here but the other 2 weren't as keen. At the end of the exhibition was a series of soldiers, about 6 inches high each, chronologically depicting hundreds of French army outfits in use since 1066. If I had the money to maintain a collection, it would be of something like this.
Musee d'Orsay
This massive art museum, inside a former railway station, was also recommended to me by Nathan and Lauren, and was fantastic. I took photos galore of sculptures, French artists, and many impressionist paintings. To actually see Renoir, Monet and Van Gogh's famous paintings in person was something special. The impressionists really stood out, including Camille Pissarro who I hadn't really appreciated before. I spent about 2 hours here and would have spent longer if more time was available.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Nothing special to me. Just another grand church, a bit like Westminster Abbey in its gothic style, I arrived when it was dark and too late to climb to the top. The one thing I liked was the service, with a male and female singer who had very operatic voices. I probably won't visit many more churches from now.
Dessert
The 4 of us checked out a fruit cafe/bar not far from the Eiffel Tower called Le Paradis de Fruit. I would call it the Max Brenner of fruit - with fruit cocktails, fruit fondue, fruit platters, you name it. Somebody has to open one back home (and I'll claim royalties for the idea). We shared two fruit fondues between us - loads of fresh fruit dipped in whipped cream and chocolate. I was still hungry so ordered huge pineapple skewers covered in berry sauce, which also came with a mini pineapple cocktail. Delicious!
I still haven't bought a new camera, because Paris is extremely expensive, as will be Switzerland. I may have to hold out until Madrid in 5 days time, which will be a shame because we arrive in Switzerland tomorrow, one of the most scenic countries in the world.
