Today was our visit to the Louvre. Again, advance tickets had us through security and into the exhibits in a matter of minutes! The Louvre is one of those places that needs a week long pass (or more!) to fully appreciate the vast collections! The building alone could take several days to fully digest - such magnificent ceilings and architecture!
There were a lot of other people there too (nothing like Tom Hank's experience in "The Da Vinci Code"!!)
- school groups, tour groups and ordinary tourists - and it was difficult at times to get to some of the more "famous" pieces...especially when so many people wanted to pose and have their photos taken with these works?! I have a hard time understanding that. Why would one try to compete with the works of the masters by putting themselves into a photograph in front of them? To me, it trivializes these amazing artworks...not to mention that the art piece was often partially obscured in order to get everyone into the photo?!!
Photography is allowed in the gallery but it is clearly marked that no flash photography is to be used. This was not enforced and there were flashes going off everywhere - with the occasional "no flash!" from the staff monitoring the rooms. This was disturbing to us. Again, there didn't seem to be an understanding of the value of these collections and the potential loss of years and years of beauty and brilliance.
But...we were able see the works ourselves and enjoy a few moments of peaceful awe. To be standing in front of Venus de Milo 
or to see the brush strokes on a Rubens or imagine Botticelli creating is an indescribable feeling. The salons with the enormous canvases were particularly amazing - making the scene almost lifelike! I can't even comprehend the time and talent it took to complete some of these.
It was an incredible day and one that we won't soon forget. Tomorrow is Musee d'Orsay and more "greatness"!
