July 8: Vilnius to Paris
Dear Friends and Relatives,
I am not sure how much good sense this blog will make today, as I am very tired after a long day that began at 2:00 a.m.. It is now 7:10 p.m., and I am in Paris and at my friend Paula’s apartment. It’s quite busy outside, as Rue du Faubourg St. Denis, where Paula lives with her lawyer husband Jean (children Eric and Lucille are out of the country right now), is a lively part of Paris populated mostly by Indians and Sri Lankans.
But to back up a bit...I woke at the ungodly hour of 2:00 a.m., and our taxi came for us at 3:30 p.m. (there were 7 of us flying to Frankfurt ). Once we reached Frankfurt, we dispersed and the others made their way to the Z gates for North American departures, while I made my way down 10 gates to reach my plane to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The flight was about 45 minutes in length, and once I had picked up my piece of luggage, I made my way to the Arrivals Hall and there was faithfully Paula, who had already bought my metro pass for the week. All I needed was a photo as ID, and I had that made at the airport. I was set to go, and we took the metro to the Gare du Nord station, where we walked home to Paula’s apartment. I met Paula’s maid; Kay, Paula’s son’s girlfriend, who is staying with Paula for a few days, and Kay’s labrador retriever and Paula’s two cats, all of whom were friendly. I was pretty bushed by then, so they gave me sparkling water with mint, and we all ate several different fruits, baguettes, cheeses, and hummus for lunch—all of which worked the necessary wonders and got me back on my feet.
Our first, timed visit was at the Atelier des Lumieres, a former foundry in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. It holds monumental immersive exhibitions, using 140 video projectors and a specialized sound system. The highly unique multimedia equipment covers a large area and extends from the floors to the ceilings and over walls up to 10 meters high. It includes two areas for visitors: la halle and le studio. In la halle, a continuous cycle of digital exhibitions is projected, alternating between a long program devoted to the great figures in the history of art, and a short, more contemporary program. The long program, which we saw, focused on Vincent van Gogh, and we were immersed in the work of this artist. This digital exhibit projected numerous masterpieces onto the walls in a themed itinerary retracing important stages in the life of van Gogh, who transformed the art of painting. After the van Gogh show there was also a show on Japanese paintings —all amazing, stunning, and accompanied by music by Vivaldi, Brahms, Debussy, Lully, Ravel, and even Janis Joplin and stunning jazz offerings as well. A real treat of a show.
Our next venue before going home was Pere Lachaise Cemetery, one of the world’s most famous cemeteries, drawing about 200,000 visitors a year. It is sited on a hill, commanding great views of Paris, and it is one of the world’s largest cemeteries. Terraced slopes and magnificent old trees (around 6000) make this a haven of rest.
Pere Lachaise was opened in 1804. A man named Frochot, the urban planner who bought the land, persuaded the authorities to have Moliere, La Fontaine, Abelard and Heloise reburied at Pere Lachaise. The cemetery became even more popular when Balzac set the last scene of his 1835 novel, “Le Pere Goriot,” here. We did not see every grave we wanted to see, but did see those of Alfred de Musset (poet); the composers Rossini and Chausson; and Abelard and Heloise.
After those forays I could barely drag one foot after another. I am currently writing this after a little rest and a samosa brought in from one of the shops downstairs by Paula. She and Kay have gone to Vespers while I sit here at work. Jean, Paula’s husband, will be back from work at 8:30 p.m. A nap has somewhat restored my equilibrium, but I need a full night’s sleep to be functioning on all cylinders tomorrow. So I will bid all of you a fond adieu from Paris! As ever, Sylvia
I am not sure how much good sense this blog will make today, as I am very tired after a long day that began at 2:00 a.m.. It is now 7:10 p.m., and I am in Paris and at my friend Paula’s apartment. It’s quite busy outside, as Rue du Faubourg St. Denis, where Paula lives with her lawyer husband Jean (children Eric and Lucille are out of the country right now), is a lively part of Paris populated mostly by Indians and Sri Lankans.
But to back up a bit...I woke at the ungodly hour of 2:00 a.m., and our taxi came for us at 3:30 p.m. (there were 7 of us flying to Frankfurt ). Once we reached Frankfurt, we dispersed and the others made their way to the Z gates for North American departures, while I made my way down 10 gates to reach my plane to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The flight was about 45 minutes in length, and once I had picked up my piece of luggage, I made my way to the Arrivals Hall and there was faithfully Paula, who had already bought my metro pass for the week. All I needed was a photo as ID, and I had that made at the airport. I was set to go, and we took the metro to the Gare du Nord station, where we walked home to Paula’s apartment. I met Paula’s maid; Kay, Paula’s son’s girlfriend, who is staying with Paula for a few days, and Kay’s labrador retriever and Paula’s two cats, all of whom were friendly. I was pretty bushed by then, so they gave me sparkling water with mint, and we all ate several different fruits, baguettes, cheeses, and hummus for lunch—all of which worked the necessary wonders and got me back on my feet.
Our first, timed visit was at the Atelier des Lumieres, a former foundry in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. It holds monumental immersive exhibitions, using 140 video projectors and a specialized sound system. The highly unique multimedia equipment covers a large area and extends from the floors to the ceilings and over walls up to 10 meters high. It includes two areas for visitors: la halle and le studio. In la halle, a continuous cycle of digital exhibitions is projected, alternating between a long program devoted to the great figures in the history of art, and a short, more contemporary program. The long program, which we saw, focused on Vincent van Gogh, and we were immersed in the work of this artist. This digital exhibit projected numerous masterpieces onto the walls in a themed itinerary retracing important stages in the life of van Gogh, who transformed the art of painting. After the van Gogh show there was also a show on Japanese paintings —all amazing, stunning, and accompanied by music by Vivaldi, Brahms, Debussy, Lully, Ravel, and even Janis Joplin and stunning jazz offerings as well. A real treat of a show.
Our next venue before going home was Pere Lachaise Cemetery, one of the world’s most famous cemeteries, drawing about 200,000 visitors a year. It is sited on a hill, commanding great views of Paris, and it is one of the world’s largest cemeteries. Terraced slopes and magnificent old trees (around 6000) make this a haven of rest.
Pere Lachaise was opened in 1804. A man named Frochot, the urban planner who bought the land, persuaded the authorities to have Moliere, La Fontaine, Abelard and Heloise reburied at Pere Lachaise. The cemetery became even more popular when Balzac set the last scene of his 1835 novel, “Le Pere Goriot,” here. We did not see every grave we wanted to see, but did see those of Alfred de Musset (poet); the composers Rossini and Chausson; and Abelard and Heloise.
After those forays I could barely drag one foot after another. I am currently writing this after a little rest and a samosa brought in from one of the shops downstairs by Paula. She and Kay have gone to Vespers while I sit here at work. Jean, Paula’s husband, will be back from work at 8:30 p.m. A nap has somewhat restored my equilibrium, but I need a full night’s sleep to be functioning on all cylinders tomorrow. So I will bid all of you a fond adieu from Paris! As ever, Sylvia
Glad you arrived in Paris safely, although a bit over-tired. It sounds like you were rejuvenated, thanks to Pauls's efforts. I am sure, that after a good sleep, you will be on the go and enjoying your visit with the friends in Paris. I will be sending you a private email.
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