Monday, October 19, 2009

non-touristy tourism

On Saturday, we wanted to do something, but we didn't want to go anywhere too touristy because tourist sites on Saturdays are too much for me to handle. Marc suggested we go to the Palais Chaillot, a smallish museum with architecural facades. As it is up at Trocadéro, a place I knew I wanted to take Jill, it seemed like a good idea.

When we first arrived, we stopped to watch some guys break-dancing in front of the museum. I should probably say that they were learning to break dance. Break dancers in training, if you will. They had the desire, but they had a ways to go. (I am totally spoiled by having seen amazing breaking on So You Think You Can Dance and America's Best Dance Crew.)

How in the world did they get these things in here??

A girl sketching. I wish I could do this!

Possibly my favorite part of the museum (you know how I love text). Just lists of things that people like about living in Paris. I was inspired.

The funniest gargoyle I've ever seen. Jill named it "jet lag".


As always, when I look at sculpture, I am just amazed. I cannot fathom how anyone can start with stone and get things that look like draping fabric, hands, faces, lace. How do they do it??

Jill felt a blister coming on, but fortunately she had brought her blister band-aids with her, and so could do some preventive covering. So smart.

As we strolled up to this, I said, "oh look, a skeleton holding an apple." Then we got closer, and Max said, "Mom, the skeleton is actually holding a heart." Oops. That's so much creepier.

Museum study.

Museum fatigue.

It seems you can't go anywhere that has wide open spaces without seeing displays like this. One man kept coming up to us and saying, "Bling, bling, 1 euro." It's hard to believe, but I was somehow able to resist his sales pitch.

We took Eva down to the carousel, it was her promised reward for being good in the museum.

Then we bought more churros. Jill got one that looks like a J!

We got a late start and didn't leave until 2:30 or so. When we got back, it was 7:00 and I had to go to the grocery store, make dinner, give Eva a bath and get her to bed, and then plan sharing time for the next day. I was a mess. I do so much better when we get out earlier in the day and then come home earlier. I need to remember that.

19 comments:

Michelle said...

The jet lag gargoyle may be about the funniest thing I have seen in a while. I think I want to frame it and put it in my office!

Natasha said...

That skeleton gives me the creeps but the other sculpture is beautiful!

As always I love seeing your Paris pics.

Gail said...

When I was teaching an art class last spring I had the kids make gargoyles. It was lots of fun. You almost never get to see gargoyles up close. How I wish they had cool exhibits like that here in Utah.

Rebekah said...

What an interesting idea for an exhibit. I'd really like to see that one day.

I always wish I could draw or paint when there are art students set up at the National Gallery.

jenn said...

Sharing time?!! They're putting you to work huh?! Hope that went well. Looks like a delightful day even if you got a late start.

Charlotte said...

I love the jet-lag gargoyle and the text art! And I find the skeleton sculpture fascinating. How much fun to have Jill in Paris with you!

Melinda said...

Wow, do you know french well enough to teach sharing time? That is awesome if you do.

I feel the same way with sculptures. How do they do it? Just amazing.

Elizabeth said...

I am just in awe over sculptures also. That one in the Louvre with the lace veil over her face. and you can see her face beneath the lace. Amazing!

crystal said...

Ohhhh, you have given me a GOOD idea: Wouldn't it be cool to put on a big blank wall in your home a spattering of phrases that your FAMILY loves about living in your HOME??? You could brainstorm the phrases in Family Home Evening. And put them on the wall in vinyl.

Generally speaking, I am not a fan of the vinyl lettering, but in this case I think it would be amazing-looking.

I am so doing this.

(and on the opposite wall will be the 205 Paris photos I have thus far swiped from your blog & plan to frame!)

crystal said...

When I saw the skeleton I thought, "Skeleton Self-Portrait!"

hahahahaha! Mr. Skeleton is totally doing an SP. He's even smiling.

crystal said...

I learned from reading "The Lost Symbol" that there is a Darth Vadar gargoyle atop the National Cathedral in D.C.

What the hell?! Darth Vadar???

crystal said...

Okay, I'll leave now.

Susan said...

Oh my! What a full day!

Odd gargoyle, for sure...spooky skeleton (the kids should have rejoiced to have something akin to Halloween!), and WAY too much at the end of the day for sanity.

All is all, looks like it was a fun but exhausting day. It must be fun to have Jill there. Enjoy!

Bond Girl 007 said...

gorgeous photos, wonderful company. amazing experiences. I thank you again, for such a treat especially with the sculptures....

Shawna B. said...

Michelle, it is so fun to read about where you are and what you are doing. You are living in a place I have dreamed of visiting and I really enjoy seeing it all through your words and lens. I love all your chair pictures ... I think the orange table and chairs in London are my favorite so far.

Have fun with Jill. I bet her visit is the highlight of your stay!

Jill said...

You didn't mention that I only become studious in museums when there's a place for me to sit down; then I'm very happy to sit and ponder the relief my feet are feeling!

April said...

Your comment on my blog made my day.

Do you know how much I like you?


P.S. I have the same feelings about sculpture...absolute awe.

Miranda said...

I absolutely love the sculpture of the skeleton w/ the hear. Like, LOVE IT.

amy gretchen said...

I too wish I could sketch. I often get very jealous of those who can create with pen and paper (including writing).

French looks so cool written down.

That gargoyle cracks me up. Jill's name was perfect...jet lag. I've definitely looked like that.

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