Au revoir

I'm currently sitting in my room on my final night in Paris.

 

I have a little bit to cover in this blog update: The photography museum, Eiffel Tower, and our visit to the Palace of Versailles.

 

Yesterday (July 4th) the group did our last activity for the tour: a trip to the contemporary photography museum.

I liked a lot of the work. Particularly all the portraiture that was featured.

There was an amazing collection of work from a familiar photographer, Philip Halsman.

 One of my favourites.

 An awesome collection of Salivdor Dali Portraits.

 

 Getting excited over Halsman's famous portrait of Dali.

 

 

Other work, who I didn't take note of the artist, wasn't as inspiring for me (the photojournalism work, as I felt it was very mundane/lacking depth).
Afterwards, we explored the Jewish quarter a little.

 

Because we planned to see the Eiffel tower at night, we figured it would be nice to get some day shots too (in case we ran a little late in the evening and missed the light).

Also stopped by the arch de triumph (which wasn't too exciting for me personally).

 

 

 

 

The evening the whole group gathered together for a 'clean out the fridge get together' because some of us were leaving early today (our last day, a free day).

There was a lot of food, and the Eiffel tower group of us were able to bond a little before setting off.

 

Arriving at the Eiffel tower the time we did was perfect. Right during golden hour, with some nice clouds for a textural sky. Bob Marley music played in the background as we looked in awe and excitement.

 

 

 Kelvin with the Eiffel behind.

 Kelvin and I

 Michelle dancing to Bob Marley

 

We got a few group shots (not on my camera though), and then set off to climb.

It was 10.30pm by the time we arrive up the top (well second level, we didn't take the lift to the actual top). It was quite a kick climb. We powered up it (with a result of being quite sweaty, but satisfied to work off the crepes we would have afterwards).

 

 

It became dark, and we looked at the views a little longer, before walking back down.

We had crepes (in a long queue, and people kept cutting in front of us!). I had a simple Lemon and Sugar, not wanting anything too sweet and overwhelming at the time of night.

 

Here are some (average) shots of the view:

 

 

 

 

Looking out over the city.

 

After, we hurried to the metro to ensure the way home.

Less than halfway on the metro, our friend Louise felt quite sick and jumped off, looking very ill.

Considering we were now off the last train, the metro officials came over to see the commotion and helped us call doctors. Louise went to hospital with Brie's dad (with medical background) for a general checkup.

Luckily, we had a large group (with men), to figure out the way home.

It was an adventure.

 

No available bus that we could find, and millions of already occupied taxis prevented a quick departure. Luckily, Ethan had done the walk (from one side of the river, near the Orsay Museum to our hotel in Montmartre) several times, and knew the exact route home. We stuck in a tight-knit group, and headed in the direction of home, keeping our eyes peeled for a taxi.

There was no trouble at all, and eventually we found one (in Saint Lazar or some such place).

 

Arriving home weary, and slightly irritated at the two-hour journey home, we all hurried to bed.

 

Today, 5th July, a group of 5 of us went to the Palace of Versailles.

It was an early start, and we were weary. Luckily we had pre-booked our tickets to avoid the extra queue.

 

The palace was quite spectacular. It was pretty amazing to walk the corridors of the royals from the past.

I would have liked it to be less commercialised. In an ideal world, I believe the palace would be much more interesting to visit if it was more preserved (or re-created) to its original state. I sometimes think all the multi-media videos, and the glass cases, and re-decorated interiors spoil the history a little. I guess it would be a little difficult to preserve the history at such a popular tourist destination.

 

 

 

 A view from the windows overlooking the gardens.

 

 A terrible quality photo of the group in the mirror.

 

 Me, in the Hall of Mirrors.

 

Outside the Palace.

 

The gardens were also beautiful and relaxing. It would have been amazing to live there. (They were probably unnecessarily big, but so amazing!).

 

 

 

Now, we are back and resting tired feet, legs and bodies. Accordion music drifting through out open window on a sunny Paris day, and last packing of bags has been completed.

(I managed to pack easily, even with new purchases).

 

Tomorrow, Stephanie and I will spend the day together, relaxing until checkout at 12pm, and exploring Montmartre and having lunch until we leave at 6pm for the airport, and 10pm flight departure).

 

I am very excited to arrive back in Melbourne.

I have missed everyone, and the comfort at home.

 

In reflection of the trip, I am so so incredibly grateful that I have this opportunity.

All three countries I have been to have given me unique and memorable experiences. The good mixed with the negative have helped me grow and become more independent (I hope), and really show me new parts of the world.

 

I'm happy to have met some beautiful new friends (those in fleeting moments and those to stay forever) and learn so much in my first overseas adventure.
I'm so lucky I have had this opportunity and grasped it, and will forever be grateful for the support of my friends with me in Europe, Alex and his beautiful family, and those precious people at home.
What an experience to remember :)

 

 

Pompedou Centre - modern art in Paris

Today is our second last day of the Impressionist study tour in Paris.

Tomorrow (Thursday), we will be visiting a photography museum, and on Friday we have a free day to do as we please (Versailles for a few of us).

I never ended up going to the Eiffel Tower on Monday (which is a shame, because I was well rested and it was a perfect evening, and since then the weather has turned sour again).

So tomorrow night is the night we'll be going. Fingers crossed that the weather holds out.

Today, the group went to the Pompedou Museum, which is full of modern art.

The Roy Lichtenstein temporary exhibition began at the museum today, which was really good to see.

 

It was a good day to be inside, as it was cold and raining all day.

The museum had some good views of the city though.

 

 

A lot of the permanent collection was work that I didn't like, or really appreciate. There were some odd things, claiming to be art, yet it did give me a glimmer of hope of a potential career as an artist (haha).

 

I've recorded a few works that I did like from the day:

 

 We Rose Up Slowly - Roy Lichtenstein 1964

 

 Interior with painting of reclining nude -  Roy Lichtenstein 1997

 

 Landscape with Philosopher -  Roy Lichtenstein 1996 

 Portrait de Greta Prozor - Henri Matisse, 1916

 

 Deux Hirondelles - Robert Doisneau 1944

 

 

 

Van Gogh day - Auvers-sur-Oise

 

Yesterday the group travelled out of Paris to where Van Gogh lived.

We took two trains, and ended up at Auvers-sur-Oise, a lovely quiet country town, location to many of his paintings.

 

We began with a picnic (I bought a quiche and chocolate croissant - yum), then went on a walk around the area. There were some children in the park painting, which was pretty cute.

 

 

Unfortunately, Van Gogh's old room, that you can visit, was closed so we were unable to see it.

We did however see some of the streets, a church, and wheat fields that he painted, as well as visiting the two graves (Vincent and his brother Theo).

 

 

 Street that Van Gogh painted.

 

 

 Jean-Luc filming.

 

 

 Brie, photographing the wheat fields.

 

 

 I made Jacinta a love-heart leaf!

 

 And Jacinta snapped this moment of Steph and I dozing (so tired).

 

 Ethan, Photographing. He is in third year of my photography class.

 

 Little Ladybug!

 Kelvin!

 Me and Jean-Luc.

 Alex!

 Steph at the wheat fields.

 

 

It was a really beautiful day, and I was so glad to get into the fresh country.

I would love to really explore the country areas of Europe.

Particularly Scotland and Ireland and Italy. One day hopefully I can do an entire trip out in these types of areas and small towns.

 

 

 

Catacombs, Monets Garden and Pere La Chaise cemetery

29th and 30th of June, and the 1st July

 

I haven't updated for a couple of days, so here is a brief outline and a few photos regarding what I've missed.

 

On Saturday, it was a 'free day' of the tour, and so a few of us got up early and ventured to the catacombs. The Catacombs were pretty fascinating.

They were built due to the plague, when they ran out of room in the cemeteries.

The walk was only one section of the tunnels, but had a lot to expose.

 

Upon talking to a security guard, who has been working in the catacombs for 15 years, we were shown around a few of the sections with the bones and skulls.

He pointed out areas where the sculls had been arranged into shapes (there was a section where a love heart was formed with skulls amongst the bones).

He also showed us the teeth in some sculls, as well as a particular skull which had evidence of a bullet - which was so perfectly round, it was amazing.

 

 looking down into a well of water.

 Elena, one of my roommates.

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards, we went home and had some lunch of a freshly warm baked baguette and brie cheese before we headed out again to Galerie Lafayette - a huge shopping centre... which was packed.

 

I didn't buy anything when I went shopping. I don't do well in crowds and I was getting a little frustrated. Not to mention a lot of the items exceeded my budget!

 

On Sunday, my favourite day of the Paris tour so far, the large group ventured to Claude Monet's house and gardens, a little way out of Paris in Giverny.

It was a 45 minute high speed train and 15 minute bus to get there.

We brought our lunch with us, and ate it before entering the gardens.

 

The day was beautiful, sunny, and 28degrees.

Perfect.

 

The gardens were full of life and rich, rich colour - a strong contrast to the grey cobblestones of busy Paris.

 

 

 

 

The famous waterlily pond was also beautiful. Outlined with trees and flowers, willow branches and accompanied by several sweet little bridges over the water.

It was pure magic and serenity.

That's my type of garden!

After seeing his huge waterlily paintings, it was really nice to see the scene itself.

 

 On the way to the waterlily pond, there were lots of little streams lined with paths and gardens.

 

 

 On one of the little bridges!

 

 

The famous pond, and willows!

 

Monet's house (where no photos were allowed), was also magnificent. It was thoroughly decorated with art, many of his own pieces in the living room, and was strongly colour coordinated. He had whole rooms painted entirely with bright colours (like blue, and a kitchen/eating area decked out in yellow!). It was quite nice, but a little much for me.

 

The day was really lovely as a whole.

It was quite busy, but quietened down. I can only imagine how magical it would be to be amongst the gardens alone. Monet was lucky. Its beauty is captured in his paintings.

 

To finish the day, once arriving home, we celebrated one of our new friends' (Louise) 21st birthday with some delicious tarts (one apple, one pear). I was absolutely exhausted!

 

Today, the 1st of July (Monday), it is beginning to dawn on me how quickly this trip is approaching the end.

I have the next three days of guided tour by Alex, then one more free day (we will be going to Versailles Palace and gardens), and then I depart on Saturday night.

It was a quiet day for me today.

We visited a cemetery today:  Pere La chaise.

There are many famous people buried here (of course because I am not familiar with many famous people at all, I didn't recognise many names on the extensive list). They include Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison, and Pissarro (and I have forgotten the others).

 

 

 I was interested in the idea of life and death/old and young in these few shots.

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't stay at the cemetery for long.

I appreciate the interest and beauty in the unique memorial gravestones and plaques, and the history of the cemetery; however, personally I wasn't very intrigued by the sites of the famous people buried.

 

Personally, I feel that visiting a gravesite is a respectful thing for a person you have loved and known.

Due to not knowing, and in most cases having never heard of some of the people, I felt wrong to be visiting their gravesites as a tourist.

 

One gravestone can be so significant to someone, but can be considered completely insignificant to another (if that makes sense).

What happened to all the sites walked past by thousands of tourists as they made their way to kiss Oscar Wilde's?

How are they any less significant? They may have been just as incredible as those famous, but never seen that way by the public eye.

 

I just feel odd about the whole experience, and I wasn't overly interested.

I respect it all, and I respect the interest that others have in it.

But being overly tired, I made an early departure from the cemetery (No, I didn't kiss nor see Oscar Wilde's grave), and made my way back to my room in Montmartre, where I have been recharging and relaxing.

 

I feel a little guilty for doing so. I feel I should be interested and that I should spend the whole day exploring Paris. Seeing things. Doing things.

I should frolic in the sun, and eat crepes, and listen to accordions.

Today, I guess, I feel like I should make the most of the little time I have left. Yet, at the same time I am using the day to sit back and try to re-energise instead.

 

I hope to make the most of the next 5 days I have here.

But, I would like to return to Paris. I think its a beautiful city. I think by the time I leave I will have missed a lot (still haven't done Notre Dam... and not sure if I will get around to it either. Is that bad?)

Tonight, I'm going to visit and climb the Eiffel tower.

I've heard its magical. At least I will go with rested feet and a clear mind.