Louvre visit
I have always wanted to visit the Louvre. It seemed like an odd dream—one that was too far away to reach. But who is God? I got the opportunity to be in France recently.
After running the day’s errands, I proceeded to look for the infamous Louvre. I used the CityMapper App (recommended by my friend, Bertyl), which gives point-to-point directions and the best way to reach your destination. Whether you want to use the Subway, walk, use the bus, bike.. whichever form of transportation, it will show you the fastest and most efficient way to get there.
Walking was a lie…
I opted for the subway, and within minutes I was at the Museum’s stop. The train stopped next to the entrance, which was perfect.
The next part was somewhat likened to a daydream. I was giddy with excitement as the building unraveled as I approached it from the entrance. The middle pyramid looked exactly as it was depicted in movies. I was ecstatic. I did not know where to start, so I just wandered around the main court for a while before getting a bearing.
I got some water as I knew the lines to get inside would be long( we were told it would take 3 hours, but it was more like an hour). Luckily, the weather was not too hot, and there were places to sit as you waited. I also carried a book to while the time away.
My excitement made the hour pass very fast. Once inside the main pyramid, I headed to the cafe and got lunch. A sandwich and a soda. I then proceeded to the France sculptures and art section. I knew beforehand that I would not be able to traverse the entirety of the museum. So, my strategy was to visit the museum on different days and see section after section.
This proved futile as the sections were very dense with artwork, and I was soon overwhelmed. Everything looked so fine and polished. It was like walking into the minds of art masters. Seeing what each piece of art looks like in its purest form. The details in the sculptures were awesome. The anatomy was fashioned so well that you could feel as if the sculpture was real and the subject was right there with you, striking a pose. The emotions and the tension were moving. But I had to keep moving if I was to make much ground that day.
I proceeded on to the Napoleon III apartment display(?) Where they showcased the larger-than-life rooms that depicted how the once mighty ruler of Europe lived. The walls were ornate with beautifully carved frames, adorned with magnificent paintings, and elegant, massive chandeliers that hung from the high ceilings. I think the rooms or salons were designed to give that feeling of awe and power, making the viewer feel how small they were. There was a lot of opulence…a lot, which did not make sense. Like why? But maybe it was important to the owner.
I then moved swiftly to the painting sections where I gleamed at every painting. They were intricate brush details and spectacular depictions of landscapes, portraits, and religious scenes. The variety of styles was also inspiring. It was overwhelmingly uplifting. I had come across some images online of the paintings but beholding them right there an infant of me was amazing.
I felt a surge of inspiration to push my own craft to the higher levels possible because if they could do this in the 1500s what can we do now with all the technology we have? Look for mastery in whatever I do. Laziness all of a sudden became a foe and practice became a target for a way of life in the next stage of my career. I then moved, more like floating through the rooms admiring and gazing at the paintings; small and enormous until I was tired both mentally and physically and couldn’t walk anymore.
With the strength left, I searched for the next exit and left the section. I had only covered about 1/4 of the museum. I shall be back soon, I told myself, as I moved towards the subway to head home. It was a good day!
sirnare 