Today was a special day as Lisa, Erika's best friend, visited us in Paris for a day of spectacular fun! Lisa is working in Geneva for the summer for the Global Fund to Fight AIDs, malaria, and TB and we are so excited she was able to come stay with us for a weekend in Paris (especially since Erika's birthday is tomorrow....hint! hint!)
We went through the Louvre in record time this morning, just over 2 hours! Arriving around opening time proved to be incredibly beneficial as you will see with some of the fantastic photos we got of some of the most popular artworks in the world. Seeing the glass pyramid outside of the Louvre made us really feel like we are in Paris.
This is the Louvre and is most impressive both in size and reputation. It houses a ridiculous amount of pictures that would take you a long time to actually look through. We actually met a girl from MSU who got separated from her group in line for tickets. It really is a small world!
The one on the left is Lisa, Erika's friend who enjoyed the beautiful sights with us today.
The Roman statue Victory stands atop the stairs leading to the majority of the Louvre.
Us in front of the Mona Lisa.
One of all of our personal favorites, a sculpture of a gladiatore in a perfect pose. You can even see the sense of anticipation and concentration in his face as he is about to make his next move.
This is the infamous Venus de Milo that is considered one of the greatest sculptures ever created. It was created around 100 B.C. and portrays the Greek image of beauty.
This is us in front of the Pantheon which, we did not go into because it cost a lot, but also because the real one, that is located in Rome, is exponentially greater in both size and magnificence. It still was a massive building that is impressive today! Several famous Parisians are buried there such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Marie and Pierre Curie and Louis Braille.
Lisa has not yet seen the Notre Dame in Paris so it was a great opportunity to show her the cathedral and take another picture from the Seine.
While shopping around, we noticed a large hullaballoo and lots andd lots of police around the streets. As we aproached a major intersection, there was a gay rights parade that featured many balloon floats and even a walking penis. Overall a fun and quite interesting day in Paris. Wish you all could be here,
AJ and Erika
We went through the Louvre in record time this morning, just over 2 hours! Arriving around opening time proved to be incredibly beneficial as you will see with some of the fantastic photos we got of some of the most popular artworks in the world. Seeing the glass pyramid outside of the Louvre made us really feel like we are in Paris.
This is the Louvre and is most impressive both in size and reputation. It houses a ridiculous amount of pictures that would take you a long time to actually look through. We actually met a girl from MSU who got separated from her group in line for tickets. It really is a small world! 
The one on the left is Lisa, Erika's friend who enjoyed the beautiful sights with us today.
The Roman statue Victory stands atop the stairs leading to the majority of the Louvre.
Us in front of the Mona Lisa.
One of all of our personal favorites, a sculpture of a gladiatore in a perfect pose. You can even see the sense of anticipation and concentration in his face as he is about to make his next move.
This is the infamous Venus de Milo that is considered one of the greatest sculptures ever created. It was created around 100 B.C. and portrays the Greek image of beauty.
This is us in front of the Pantheon which, we did not go into because it cost a lot, but also because the real one, that is located in Rome, is exponentially greater in both size and magnificence. It still was a massive building that is impressive today! Several famous Parisians are buried there such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Marie and Pierre Curie and Louis Braille.
Lisa has not yet seen the Notre Dame in Paris so it was a great opportunity to show her the cathedral and take another picture from the Seine.While shopping around, we noticed a large hullaballoo and lots andd lots of police around the streets. As we aproached a major intersection, there was a gay rights parade that featured many balloon floats and even a walking penis. Overall a fun and quite interesting day in Paris. Wish you all could be here,
AJ and Erika
Well, I just spend 5 minutes typing a long comment only to have the internet aborted when I tried to save. Obviously our "problem" has not been completly corrected. It looks like you are having a wonderful time. And I love the picture although I'm very surprised they allowed it in the Louve.
ReplyDeleteHow is your money holding out? Is it more or less expensive that you thought. And how is the tax-free shopping in Paris? I'd also like to hear more about your Craigs List housing.
It is very hot and humid here. Feels more like August than June. I saw the Dr. about my not sleeping but we haven't correct the situation.
We all miss you and love you!
MOM
Wow - the Louvre - how phenomenal is that! I would love to see all the artwork. Have you been to the Eiffel tower yet or just seen it from a distance? Hope Erika's feet are feeling better since your last posting. Since you will get this comment on 6/28, I want to wish Erika a 'Happy Birthday'. France certainly is a great way to celebrate it. Kira thinks you are still coming to her party like always. She doesn't quite comprehend how far away you are. I think she figures you can come to the party and then just hop back on over to France. Miss you very much. Stay safe. Love you, Mom
ReplyDeleteDear Erika,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very happy Birthday all the way from Gemini Drive. Traveling along with you sure is an interesting and educational treat !! Both of you make great tour guides.
Stay safe, healthy and happy.
Love you,
Grandpa & Grandma B. XOXO
Happy birthday, Erika!
ReplyDeleteIt is 10:29am here! Happy Birthday love! Have a wonderful time today! We miss you!
ReplyDeleteWow I just spent the entire morning catching up with you guys in Europe.
ReplyDeleteYour guys pictures are so much cooler than mine from when i went haha.
Im glad you guys are having fun and get to have such an experience.
Happy Birthday Erika.
Much Love
from Seabass
Hey you two! Happy Birthday Erika. Not a bad way to kick off your birthday with a gay parade the day before, right? Glad you guys made it to the Louvre. And was I right or wrong in that I think the Mona Lisa is waaay overrated??? Anyways, love you guys and glad to hear the trip is awesome so far. Take care of yourselves.
ReplyDeleteChristian
The Mona Lisa is totally lame, although I'm sure Erika would disagree because she knows the history of it. We leave tomorrow for our first couchsurfing experience in Dijon so we will hopefully have access to the computer while we travel the south of France. Love the comments and thanks for staying updasted with us!
ReplyDeleteAJ and Erika