How to describe the parade? Fun. Loud. Insane. Total chaos. Moving mosh pit. Giant dance party. I don't know that there is anything in New York quite like it. The procession was divided into quarters, each fourth following a techno float blaring its music as loud as possible, and the techno was really good! Everyone around us was screaming, and drinking, and smoking, and passed out on the streets, and dancing on top of bus stops, climbing trees, publicly urinating, apparently there was a gunshot (?), and the gendarmes ruled the sidewalks. Guys ran around kissing everything and everyone they saw. I still can't tell if I actually enjoyed it, or if I'm still in shock that I actually had a blast partaking in this city-wide event and was still living by the time we got to the Bastille! If nothing else can be said, the French know how to rave and it was truly memorable. Not going to lie - this was a little outside my comfort zone but that's what this experience is about right? And from now on, we're going to the techno clubs because the music is actually good!
We went to Versailles today! But, before I go on with Versailles, there is a very important topic we must cover. I learned the true meaning of the word MUSTACHIO. Not just mustache. But mustachio, because as you will see, there is a difference. Waiting on the never-ending, freezing cold, line to enter, I turned around, and there was the largest mustache-man I've ever seen! There he is! My new best friend who promoted me to the status of best creeper in the world. I hope he never finds my blog. Or my facebook. Because he is my picture.
Today we went to Versailles! It is imperative I find myself a prince! Or a king would be fine too.. I love chateaus, and am desperate to learn all the secret passageways within the castle! I walked through with my good friend Liz, who, unlike SOME people (Sabrina), actually begged me to keep lecturing about Louis XIV, Revolution, etc...and analyzing all the art. What a pleasure to do such a thing - and she was worried about annoying me! If only others loved that just as much. "The Coronation of Josephine," by David, is one of my favorite paintings I thought I would find in the louvre. Imagine my ecstasy when I walked into the room exiting the Hall of Mirrors and saw a full-wall of that very painting! My Christmas-break-2009-puzzle!!! Right in front of me! It felt like une petite heart attack! I love art. I could live amongst these artists forever.
My only issue with Versailles is that there is presently a modern Japanese exhibit throughout the chateau. I think the purpose is to blend the old with the new, and you can call me an art snob, a purist, whatever need be, but I think it ruined everything. When I walk down the Hall of Mirrors, something I imagined doing since I first read about it in 3rd grade, I don't want a modern, anime styled, vibrantly colored ball waiting for me. I'm just saying...
Having said that, it was truly beautiful. Unlike many other chateaus and royal homes, Versailles was homey. The walls were all warm colored fabrics and nothing was sparse. I loved every second! I bought myself another mug for my collection. It's the classical shape from the time of Versailles and is a beautiful azure blue with a gold fleur-de-lis on either side (the symbol of France). Now I have a royal mug! This whole day was just a constant reminder that I was born into the wrong time period...
Seeing my puzzle in the real flesh painting inspired me to speed on ahead with my puzzle at home! Tonight I didn't have much homework so I worked on my puzzle of the Unicorn Tapestries. I can't wait to finish it so I can go buy a new one from the Louvre!
Going to the doctor in the morning because I keep waking up wheezing and I have a wicked cough still :(
its more than just the mustache.
ReplyDeleteits the attitude.
Hi Hill! Happy to read your blog!! I am so glad you are enjoying Paris so much. Lots of love!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
cousin Amy