The Louvre

My time here in Paris is rushing by... so much to see and do but so little time. This is becoming a huge theme of this RTW trip and I cringe when I read that other RTW planners are planning to see 50 cities in 52 weeks. If I did this trip again, I would streamline it considerably... maybe to two continents as well (Asia and South America). You need at least 3 months to do Europe properly. Even though I'm glad I did the British Isles, I can't see myself doing them again (except London). I will return to Europe... but will do it in a season either side of Summer.

A future school project?

These French keyboards are awful. Much worse than the Chinese. Getting around on the underground is awful as it takes so long. Each trip is taking up to an hour. I'm completely undecided as to whether I like Paris or London more... the French have been OK but the language barrier is making communication difficult. For that reason, as well as the nightlife, I think London is much better. But Paris has an amazing feel to it, the French people have been good, but the tourists and crowds are proving to be very difficult to deal with. I WILL NOT do Europe again in the Summer and advise readers reading this to do likewise. I have found the crowds, lack of accommodation and high prices a major turn off. But I've still enjoyed my time here and will leave with amazing memories and images of the region. I do hope the photos are doing the region justice.

Amazing Fixtures

I spent over 6 hours at the Louvre today which proved not long enough as I only got to see about 60% of the collection... totally missed out on the top floor and adjacent rooms including the Asian and Australasian collections. Museum evacuations and lock outs didn't help matters much. I was in the actual room when a fire broke out but it was only small so nothing to rave about... just attracted a lot of attention. I don't think it justified a whole evacuation. The museum is huge and definitely rates as the best museum I've been to. If you only ever go to one museum in your life, this one is it.

The collection was massive and included Arts of Islam; Sculptures; Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities; History of the Louvre; the Medieval Louvre (a huge castle at the base of the museum); Oriental Antiquities; Paintings including the very famous Leonardo De Vinci's Mona Lisa); and prints and drawings. I especially loved the mosaics on display and have taken photos with the view to doing my own small round table. Next time I will spend at least 10 hours at the museum for there is so much to see and learn.

Ancient Egyptian Writing

Apartment Carpet on Wall

Close Up Inside Sculpture Head

Concorde Area of Paris

Dining Area and Chandelier

Dining Table

Egyptian Art

Egyptian Art Carriage Horse

Face Sculptures

Four Men at Pillar Sculpture

Front of Louvre Glass Pyramid and Crowd

Inside Napolean's Apartment

Lone Bird and Border Mosaic

Magnificent Chandelier

Mossaic Deer

Mossaic Lettering

Mossaic Ram

Mossaic Swirly Design

My inspiration.

One of my favourite Sculptures

Outside Sculpture Three Men

Outside Sculptures

Sculpture Family

Sculpture Man Holding Banner

Sculpture Room and Bloody Tourists

Scultpure Man and Woman

Tojan Horse