12: Musée, Musée, Museum.

Morning consisted of grocery shopping at the local market shop and got fresh baguette, croissants and crepes. Learned that many French like the notion of eating Sweets in the morning and salty in the afternoon, evening. So that can explain the Nutella, Jams, and buttery goodness of their pastries always glazed with sugar. Without a doubt, that is their typical breakfast.



Staying with TN means that we get to ride the RER more often that last August where we became very familiar with Gare de L’est. Made our way to the first museum!

Musée d’Orsay. I love this museum. It’s not as crowded as the Louvre, not as huge and just a great layout. They showcase many paints along with sculptures from famous artists. The main draws would include Monet, and Rembrandt, along with others of the impressionist era. The muse was once a main train hub in the 19th, to early 20th C. As transportation via rail became more popular it outgrew the station, and moved to a much LARGER train station (Gare du Nord, or L’est). So the building became vacant for some time, until the government issued it as a muse to showcase some of Louise XIV, and Louis XV artwork. This building has a great golden clock at the entrance and the building itself is magnificent, but the line-up and security checks are long. Even so, the 30minute wait for Free entrance makes it worth wild.

After the muse, we made our way to the Government Funded Student Restaurant located at Pont-Royal, where a meal starts at 2.90 EURO. Cheap considering you have an entrée (salad), plat (main) and a dessert. Nurtous and cheap. Busy with students from all around Paris, it houses three other restaurants inside of the building. It’s similar to a main campus building, but with residences and offices located in the same location.



After lunch, we decided to go to Centre de George Pompidou. This is where the Musée national Modern Art makes its’ home and where they’ve created an atmosphere to inspire the youth to design, create and experiment with alternative aspects of the Arts. In the location consists of a glass escalator for 6 floors, library, 2 cinema screens and research site. While TN went to school, I was able to go around the gallery and take in the permanent exhibition. The theme for the gallery  women in arts and their influence of the medium. On the upper level was temporary exhibits, 5th floor (1900-1960; Modern Art), 4th floor was 1960-present; contemporary art. Many installations and amazing works on display. Some of the most memorable works included this one piece where they took chairs (made of Plexiglas) and enables the user to experience the whole realm of listening and search for other samples. All within the confines of the users comfort. Great way for the user to experience the whole of the music. Afterwards met back up with TN (at the Catacombs, but it was closed 17h…) so we decided to go around Bastille and walk around Place du Vosges. It was once a famous ground for the likes of Napoleon, and the aristocrats of France. Buildings surround the gardens, where kids play football and families come to experience the nature of their jardin. Caught a bit of some kids playing a quick match on the dirt ground. Everyday life of these children.

Went around the Place and then went to dinner at Leon de Bruxelles. A location where they serve Moules (mussels). Decided to try the white wine and fresh cream style to get the flavours of the meat. Unlimited frites, Bier and dessert to add. A great steal for 15.90 euro. Very busy at this location, but rightfully so, as the moules were cooked with perfection. Went back towards Palasis Royal and saw the grounds and went to the Louvre to get some night-time shots. Accomplished and back home.