"Impressions" of Paris
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"Impression" from our Hotel Room |
Paris, Style, Art. I wonder if the words are synonyms. As soon
as we landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the graceful architectural lines of
the mega-terminal astounded me. Even the public restrooms had a simple but
elegant design.Our small, charming hotel touts the design of its rooms, and it
was striking, although I’m not sure black and orange stripes and over-sized
insects would have been my choice for a sleeping room.
French support of the arts is pervasive. Yes, there are
museums and our days were filled with art: the
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Louvre from Musée d'Orsay |
Louvre with such vast halls we
literally lost our way; the Musée d’Orsay where impressionism moves through its
myriad phases; and the l’Orangerie, where two elliptical rooms with curved walls
display interpretations by Monet of his water lilies. A visit to Giverny to see
the water lilies that inspired Monet’s work made us wish we had another day to
return and visit the paintings in l’Orangerie once again.
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Theatre at Versailles |
But, it isn’t only the museums that demonstrate Paris’ love
for the arts. The government supports ongoing restoration of historic
buildings. The city of Paris, for the 850
th anniversary of the
Cathedral of Notre Dame, is paying to restore its bells. They are actually
restoring the gold trim at Versailles and on statues around the city.
Television channels support concerts of classical music.
Everywhere there is graceful art, wide tree-lined boulevards,
and elegant food. It is fortunate the food is so good because the menu varies
little in the tourist areas.
The French also have a deep respect for history. How surprised
we were to learn that, in spite of their opposition to a monarchy, new
governments are formed at Versailles because this is still perceived as the
seat of power.
We were blessed with beautiful weather in Paris, much like
Seattle’s summer this past year. Temperatures were comfortable and, unlike
Seattle, while the sun kisses your face, breezes from the Seine brush your
hair.
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Gary's Lily Pads |
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Michele's Lily Pads |
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