perdu

I seem to be doing a good bit of wandering around Paris when I'm on my own to run errands. Today I went in search of the embassy, and successfully navigated three metros. I had a bit of trouble with the police - apparently the Prime Minster of Israel was here, so there was a lock down on all the embassies. I couldn't even enter my own embassy.


"Pardon Monsieur, je regarde por l'embassy de Etats Unis. Ou est cet?"
"Mademoiselle, it would be best if you came back tomorrow, there is much going on."
"Je suis Americainne. Je veux aller a l'embassy."

I think they got my point. I am an american, move. I'm going to my embassy. I didn't get in, I was turned away and told to come back tomororw. Apparently, the Israeli PM is more important than me.

After that, I walked a bit and found the Tullieries garden not far, which meant that the Louvre was not far off. I explored a bit, and was a bit disappointed. I've really fallen in love with Luxembourg....It's hard to let it's perfection go.

I 'm still a bit lost, looking for something I can't seem to find. I know it doesn't exist in reality anymore, but I'm still looking. tu me manques, et tu ne sais pas.

I knocked out another very important museum today - the Musee d'Orsay. AkA - the Louvre didn't want impressionist art, so this is where you can find Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Rodin, etc etc. Masterpieces. I was a little disappointed to not find a few key pieces (at least for me)...Sunflowers by Van Gogh, Starry Night, Dancers in Blue, and most disappointing, The Waterlilies.

It was astonishing though, at how much I did see. I realized that these artists are more than just their famous pieces - they are the pieces that no one really cares to regcognize. Those pieces are just as important. I loved taking pictures (i know - but I want to share too) - the museum was fantastic.

The highlight for me, was predictably the Degas room. I am a huge Degas fan. I remember almost 9 years ago, seeing the Little Dancer wax sculpture and just falling in love. I saw her today again. She hasn't changed, and she is beautiful. I loved that I could finally see (in full collection) all of Degas's statues. He was blind by the time he died, and moved from painting to sculpting so he could feel the product. Yet, in doing this, he seems to explore human motion. His sculptures are amazing - the horses and dancers especially. He really broke down what it means to move.

It has been a long day, and a well day spent. I'm pretty exhausted. I did have lunch with Allie Roisman, which was fantastic. Catching up , chatting, and finding strength for each other's uncertainties was a pleasant and very welcome surprise. It's been a long time since I've seen anyone (in person) that I know, and I've missed people. I miss you =)

Tomorrow, I'm taking a train to Chartres, and I'm overjoyed. Chartres is the most amazing gothic structure in France, and one of the most beautiful. We are also taking a tour with Malcom Miller - a famous authority on Gothic architechture. I'm not going to lie - I'm very excited. I'm also very excited to walk the maze that is hundreds of years old. Hey Josh - you have made a difference - I wouldn't know what to do, or how important this structure is in Christian practice if not for you =)

Much more tomorrow. Je suis tres fatiguee, et tres....