Yesterday we visited the Louvre - along with a few thousand other tourists - and attempted to view some of the most important art collections in the world. The museum was very crowded and a lot of patience was required to get close to the artwork and spend a few minutes appreciating any masterpiece. A return visit to the museum is planned and we're hoping that the crowds have thinned down a bit after the New Year celebrations are over. The first Sunday of the month is a free admission day at the Louvre, and we're anticipating that many people, families in particular, will take advantage of saving the cost of admission (9 Euros).
I have to sort through about 100 photos that I took while visiting one small section of the museum. I'll post a selection of these photos soon, which will include some remarkable Italian artwork. Among them, an Annunciation and two Madonne with child, which I specifically photographed to share with Sandra and Annie.
Today was a slow day for us after two long days walking around Paris. Last night we arrived at midnight at our apartment after we checked-out one of the many companies that offer cruises on the River Seine, in our futile effort to find a New Year's Eve cruise. The idea of a river cruise sounded quite exciting until we found out that the rate for the cruise including dinner was 300 Euros per person. After a few seconds of sticker shock, we concluded that we would spend the last day of the year in our neighborhood, buying groceries for the rest of our stay, cooking dinner at the apartment. Then heading over after 10:00 pm to the Champs-Elysées or the Eiffel Tower for midnight celebrations.
We started our day at a local patisserie where we had breakfast. It is here where we stop everyday to buy the best baguette we have ever eaten.
Cafe au lait, a croissant, and a delicious and moist salmon quiche. We also had a pain raisin (danish with raisins) and a freshly squeezed orange juice.
Bread, pastries and cakes at the patisserie. A lot of self-control was needed to stop us from buying some of these delicacies.
After breakfast we stopped at the neighborhood's butcher to buy some already cooked meat and pate.
A stop at the local fish market for some fresh clams for tonight's dinner and a couple of dozen oysters from Bretagne.
At the fromagerie where we bought goat cheese and some fresh fruits.
Back at the apartment we sampled some of our delicious purchases.
Comments (10)
Hi Maria, everything looks so delicious and yummy. How great that you were able to visit the Lourve and I can only imagine the crowds there. I am really looking forward to seeing the photos of your visit there.
Meanwhile, I hope you had a wonderful dinner in the apartment and I'm not sure if it is already 2010 in Paris yet. If it is . . . Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for sharing your photos and New Year's experiences with all of us.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | December 31, 2009 3:24 PM
Posted on December 31, 2009 15:24
Maria,
Everything looks so amazing!
Posted by Candi | December 31, 2009 5:03 PM
Posted on December 31, 2009 17:03
I am drooling over all of your photos! How did you ever walk out of that patisserie without buying one of everything? I think your plans for New Year's Eve sound wonderful!
Posted by girasoli | January 1, 2010 12:52 AM
Posted on January 1, 2010 00:52
Lucky you sister, it's all about having the time of your life....I envy you!!!!
Keep trying the Louvre and the cruise @ the Seine.
Happy New Year
Love from Atlanta
Posted by Miguel | January 1, 2010 6:18 AM
Posted on January 1, 2010 06:18
All of that food! Bring some back, please.
Posted by Pablo | January 2, 2010 7:54 AM
Posted on January 2, 2010 07:54
Those photos of sweets are enough to make me go into a sugar coma. I would not have the self control you had... I would have bought and ATE a good sampling of those goodies...
I have always wanted a dinner cruise on the Siene but could never afford nor justify the price. So each time, I just took the little cruise off of Pont Neuf, I think. The evening one is fabulous!
Posted by Eden | January 2, 2010 9:58 AM
Posted on January 2, 2010 09:58
All I can say is YUM!!! Everything looks so delicious. Sounds like a marvellous way to spend New Year's Eve!
Posted by Anne | January 2, 2010 12:05 PM
Posted on January 2, 2010 12:05
Maria, I can't wait to see your photos from the Louvre -- it's a shame that it was so crowded for your visit but maybe it'll be quieter next time you're there!
Your food photos are fantastic, cheese to die for!
Posted by sandrac | January 2, 2010 4:31 PM
Posted on January 2, 2010 16:31
Oh wow - I'd have a very hard time there. I have to say that France is quickly moving up on my list!
Enjoy the rest of your trip - I can't wait to hear more about your adventures.
Have a wonderful 2010!
Posted by Jerry | January 2, 2010 7:53 PM
Posted on January 2, 2010 19:53
Hi Mom, please mail me a cake. You know the address. Thanks!
Posted by polaris | January 2, 2010 9:13 PM
Posted on January 2, 2010 21:13