Friday, July 31, 2009

Out and About in Paris

Word of mouth that this is the best crepe place in Paris... So of course we went!

Alyssa and Me at Laduree--A very fancy place famous for their macaroons.

Here I am at Champs-Elysees! Oh, it is lovely!

I have fallen in love with Paris. It makes you want to be in love.


Eiffel Tower

This was my first stop as soon as I arrived in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is amazing and there is something magical about it. The moment I turned the corner and saw it with my own eyes, I fell in LOVE!

View from the top

We walked the 700 steps to the top! It was awesome!


Me, Sarah Mabey, Mary Williams

Taking in the beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower for the first time!

Breathtaking

The city of Love. I don't know what it is, but I just fell in Love with Paris!

Eiffel Tower light show
Me, Sarah, Erin, Alyssa, Chelsea

Sparkle light show!

Ana, Jenna, Alyssa, Me, Sarah, Erin, Abby, Molly

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a monument in Paris. It is the second largest triumphal arch in existence. The triumphal arch honors those who fought for France. Underneath is the tomb of the unknown soldier for World War I.
We stopped in the middle of the crosswalk to get this great shot!


We climbed to the top of the arc to watch the Eiffel Tower light show.
Mary Williams, Chelsea Price, Me, Erin Wetzel, Alyssa Esmond, Sarah Mabey

Oh the fun we have with cameras! In the stairwell to the top.

At the top with Erin Wetzel, Sarah Mabey, Me, Alyssa Esmond, Chelsea Price

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Musee d'Orsay

The d'Orsay. I was very excited to visit this museum, because they have many pieces by Van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Renoir, and Monet. I was shocked that we were able to take pictures of these amazing pieces of art and history.
Me, Alyssa Esmond, Mary Williams

Renoir-Dance at eh Moulin de La Galett. Renoir captured sunny, “carefree” Parisian life with the happy “smiling” faces of his dancers.

Monet- Notre Dame. Monet would go sit outside the front of Notre Dame and paint the church exactly how it was at that time of day. They displayed 4 of these paintings, each with difference in sunlight, color and shadow. It was really cool to see these side by side and to know Monte's purpose for these paintings.

Van Gogh- Noon rest from work. I am amazed by almost every Van Gogh I see. I feel lucky to have seen so many with my own eyes. He is truly one of my favorite artists. Most of his paintings are so consistent with his style. More often than not you know when you're viewing a Van Gogh.

Van Gogh- The Bedroom. This is the painting I was so excited to see. I couldn't believe that I was standing right in front of this famous painting. Also, this is one of Andrew's (my brother) favorite paintings too. I couldn't wait to show him. This is Van Gogh's bedroom in the year 1888 in Arles. I love the detail of the portraits above his bed.

Pantheon

The Pantheon was originally a grand church but is no longer a house of worship but a public temple. Sarah Mabey and I headed to visit this large building together. We had a little trouble finding its location, but as soon as we turned a corner, BAM its right there.


The Crypt, where Victor Hugo (writer of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame) is buried.

Pendulum