After our usual breakfast, we headed out on the Metro for the
Louvre.
We found a LONG line waiting for the security check. When we finally
got through this, we came up to another super-long line to enter the museum.
Despite our arrival at the time of museum opening, we spent nearly an hour
waiting in line. Our passes helped, but the wait was exceptionally long. Once
again, we felt the increased security impact.
Welcome to France with
enhanced security—and LONG lines.
We went through several galleries. Lots to see, but the
whole museum is a maze of convoluted routes and dead-ends with up and down
stairways.
By 11:45, we were tired and hungry. We were near the museum
restaurant and decided to stop here for lunch. As we were waiting for a table,
I suddenly felt light headed. Fortunately, I didn’t pass out. They didn’t have
a table for four available, but we were able to get two tables for two. Ours
was near the dessert display, so Larry selected his before he even started his
meal.
Bob and Bernie were seated near the window with a nice view.
Even though we weren’t sitting together, we all ordered Caesar salads. Larry
had a terrific Napoleon for dessert, and I had a wonderful lemon tart.
After lunch, we set out again. We realized we hadn’t seen
the Mona Lisa. So, down hallways, up stairs, down stairs, around corners, into
another building, we encountered more and more people. We finally reached the gallery
which housed Da Vinci’s masterpiece. Just as four years before, we couldn’t get
to within twenty feet of the painting. She is now behind two layers of glass,
and railings keep visitors several feet away.
After spending hours walking through the museum, we were
ready to head back. We enjoyed the day, but none of us felt the need to return.
We had enjoyed a great lunch, so we went to the store and
bought apples, cheese, crackers, Sun Chips, and tea. The lighter repast hit the
spot.
We went to bed early because we had another busy day planned
for the following day.
Next post: Musee d’Orsay and Larry’s birthday.