Lessons from The Louvre.

 

Anyone will tell you, a stop at La Louvre is “Visiting Paris 101″. As we had planned our trip in what was called the “off season”, we were quite looking forward to strolling its’ hallowed halls. Where we thought the “strolling” part would come from is beyond me.

When we showed up 30 minutes after the official opening to find the admission line was over 2 hours long, we knew our visit was less about strolling and more about strategic planning. Which is why we proceeded to buy reserved tickets for another day, which would allow us to skip the general admission line. (there’s a hint in that for everyone).

Now, the thing to me that is most amazing about The Louvre is the notion is used to be someone’s home. A house; rather like a large townhouse complex? Were there not a stick of art in the place I would be amazed at the building itself. Then again, I tend to like architecture.

Anyway… I digress. When we did make it in, we made a clever  plan of attack based upon what we wanted to see (which oddly me feel like my father when we used to go to Disneyland growing up!).  Once we realized the experience was more “duck and dive” and less “strolling” the game of it all became much more fun!

That having been said, it was QUITE an educational day. Let me share what we learned:

We learned that Asian tour groups are to be avoided at all costs. That small lady with a flag leading the line? She is a drill master and will walk over you without even a second glance. No lie. Personally, I also think she speaks perfect English and pretends not to.  We also learned that fighting fire with fire is an effective counter tool. Apparently, forgetting all rules of politeness and manners is the most effective way to actually SEE anything.

We learned the Mona Lisa is VERY, VERY, VERY popular. We also learned we aren’t really sure why. She is rather like Kim Kardashian: does anyone know what she did other than being famous for being famous? As such, the paparazzi like insane crowd around her very much resembled Miss K. arriving at Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party, which became more fun to watch then the art itself. For the record, we were unable to get closer than 40 feet away from the barricades.

We learned that some of the most interesting art in The Louvre is above. That’s right people, look up. The ceilings and frescos are insanely beautiful and an excellent way to make it through the sections that don’t appeal to you much – which you will need to go through when ducking and avoiding insane Asian tour groups marching to see Mona.

Most importantly, Hal and I  learned we actually enjoy one anthers company 13 years later. This, kind people may vey well be the best lesson of all.