Anyway - we went to the Louvre today and saw the newest wing (not a temporary exhibition, but a new addition!), which is on Islamic decorative arts. What a fabulous exhibit. They built a "building within a building" by closing one of the internal courtyards of the Louvre, as well as digging down a couple of stories.
There are carvings, glass, mosaics carpets, woodwork, metalwork, calligraphy, you name it! I took tons of pics and will put them in a facebook photo album as soon as I'm done this posting.
I have to admit that I rolled over and shut off the alarm this morning and it was going on 9am before I ever rolled out of bed, but we did manage to be to the Louvre by noon - and the line ups weren't horrendous. It is actually a really good deal for Paris - if you're 18 or under admission is FREE (Remember they charge you to use the toilet here, so free is a big deal), and admission to the permanent exhibits (including the new Islamic wing) is only11E. Think of all that you can see at the Louvre... the largest museum in the world, for only 11E!
We didn't do the whole gallery (it has a very complicated floor plan). After doing the wing we actually cut through the Tuilleries to Angelina's (to see more check out their website by clicking here) for a bite of sophisticated lunch. We must have looked good, as the Mâitre D' gave us a front and center table (or they weren't expecting Princess Stephanie of Monaco, which is probably the more accurate picture). I now regret not getting the Mont Blanc, because the chestnuts are in season, so I think we'll have to go back (believe it or not, time's running out!).
After an afternoon of enjoying this lovely Parisian day, we came home and I made us a delicious supper of beef fillet with a red wine & mushroom demi-glace, lentils du Puy classically cooked with bay, carrots & onions, and a green salad - plus we have vanilla-strawberry crepes for dessert that Paul expertly made for us! YUM! Anyway - have to tell you that I picked up an outstanding 8 YEAR OLD bottle (well, half bottle, actually) - 2004 Château Peyrat-Fourthon Haut-Médoc, which is 60% CabSav, 36% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot - and it's FABULOUS - and I don't even really drink all that much red. The colour is so exquisitely dark that when you hold a glass up to the light you can barely see through it - yet it is smooth, mellow and gutsy!
Anyway, tomorrow's another day. Chat with you all then!
Remember, you can blow up the photos by clicking on them.
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| Amazing rock crystal ewer - made from 1 piece of crystal! |
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| Decorative Islamic panels & stained glass |
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| Beautiful fragment of porcelain from Anatolia |
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| Oh the Humanity - crowds in the Tuilleries on a Sunday aft - looking from the Louvre down the Champs-Elysee |
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| Waiting for our lunch at Angelina's |
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| The elegant décor at Angelina's on the Rue du Rivoli |
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| Gorgeous fountains in the Place de la Concorde |
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