Bridges of Paris

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ7ihTmfbg5XsDtpyD1NNcaZxN4U1c8dTfeJ8GmiAGhzs56VCoB5weqlT6oBJFZK2kqywI1oq43eDg9M4D2kL_y1CFZTzngDKfeyBgi1_pA3i5d9bhTyIK584q5LfRCboX54rCUPpiNE/s1600/Pont+Neuf.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939330580699234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ7ihTmfbg5XsDtpyD1NNcaZxN4U1c8dTfeJ8GmiAGhzs56VCoB5weqlT6oBJFZK2kqywI1oq43eDg9M4D2kL_y1CFZTzngDKfeyBgi1_pA3i5d9bhTyIK584q5LfRCboX54rCUPpiNE/s400/Pont+Neuf.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Paris may be the city of lights but is also a city of bridges.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoNeIGTF33E703uB4f4LxiGFNltquqGzeaClOQBF6IMvqDm42y2vYzzZl_tmdh_DUpF64iV-bRncN8eDxfXGOGIrCLz50G8caoDSvEoBCZW8RS7Ff7GE_WQX8_JOiz0eYEV3kEKtLAe4/s1600/lit+behind.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939333669031810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoNeIGTF33E703uB4f4LxiGFNltquqGzeaClOQBF6IMvqDm42y2vYzzZl_tmdh_DUpF64iV-bRncN8eDxfXGOGIrCLz50G8caoDSvEoBCZW8RS7Ff7GE_WQX8_JOiz0eYEV3kEKtLAe4/s400/lit+behind.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> One of the best ways to explore the city is to walk along the river. The bridges provide excellent viewpoints to see the monuments of the town.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcLdLuuvMPFX0cEktiqN8BhUv-ufBZdBqf_mjctPD-fOABsb43OEgb5VD1e2tLFcGb1h5-AdEbSKEVSYpy2-c9q59yUkioyGOvEhJZtRPdxo9Nhx-uC89I913YCT221EYUF9Vom4mQXs/s1600/iron+bridge.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939325111259490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcLdLuuvMPFX0cEktiqN8BhUv-ufBZdBqf_mjctPD-fOABsb43OEgb5VD1e2tLFcGb1h5-AdEbSKEVSYpy2-c9q59yUkioyGOvEhJZtRPdxo9Nhx-uC89I913YCT221EYUF9Vom4mQXs/s400/iron+bridge.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Some of the bridges themselves have become tourist attractions!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPVoF1IjOn4jdCnLU0n2lB4XPestDtg9HrpkZE4NzS21E2cV4qbmFeFn20fnSiojVBQ8Kk3rxl5XOr70BfKdEI_bbrZR0f8e-lSIr_saI__aSsAXtg-rDCRvpuV3mIgpfmTUQ8R8fBOw/s1600/gilded+bronze.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939323002733778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPVoF1IjOn4jdCnLU0n2lB4XPestDtg9HrpkZE4NzS21E2cV4qbmFeFn20fnSiojVBQ8Kk3rxl5XOr70BfKdEI_bbrZR0f8e-lSIr_saI__aSsAXtg-rDCRvpuV3mIgpfmTUQ8R8fBOw/s400/gilded+bronze.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I guess this makes the bridges happy? This statues smile is broader than a mile.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyccbZs25ImamXFI1CC_4w2clxPvltMKoyyGBeEWmwT7vgaaG-iK8oOFhaletg4Z4ifUOzBmpQ9j-1VsSnOuN9KHOncq9w6UJHR182LpnjoJhszFaXe83qLyL1pd-7QWxvHpO3dY0nHaQ/s1600/eiffell+tower.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939124764260482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyccbZs25ImamXFI1CC_4w2clxPvltMKoyyGBeEWmwT7vgaaG-iK8oOFhaletg4Z4ifUOzBmpQ9j-1VsSnOuN9KHOncq9w6UJHR182LpnjoJhszFaXe83qLyL1pd-7QWxvHpO3dY0nHaQ/s400/eiffell+tower.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I'm heading to Barcelona later this week with friends for a wedding so travel has been on my mind lately. I've been revisiting my photos from Paris last year; So much beauty that I had to share it with you here today.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ2JpCJ9I8MH3p9Hz6xYqSDgy_zwzBpGiUkq0DWEn7ljXDoOTlWK_Rx55h-W45o_avBOVduIXDPlTyFJT2UUAyLuNu5GxKrF69lUTqf1eSv9XxWunxn20SDpzGDqLG9QBEJQv_Av6SQs/s1600/decorative+lights.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939120042493346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ2JpCJ9I8MH3p9Hz6xYqSDgy_zwzBpGiUkq0DWEn7ljXDoOTlWK_Rx55h-W45o_avBOVduIXDPlTyFJT2UUAyLuNu5GxKrF69lUTqf1eSv9XxWunxn20SDpzGDqLG9QBEJQv_Av6SQs/s400/decorative+lights.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Even something as simple as a light post can become a work of art.<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939112183509442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBc83lp_1Ln6iWF8qYktq31tU7B4HQsvBsRT1ZxnRA6_iH5iKEQi0vsTlcnp0NvOILYtWCLVazo8hscWpBbdaBuGFFiXsU-WfUMga0HlO72LWpNS27HfHdBH7aboaOoGKlxqqec5SOwU/s400/bridge.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939115592063570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MVkJp7fwm3BrKsQD6ZW69UCwqn73TVCceAVgXCSBZZoMzK8xws2eSAIdLd7M8t8BisCdLwHKHsAJfv4Y0spJQcrDOUQomh9_VrBoSCoq2U1D690u5oPyuJo2Jz1woZflVCN4vcoTweg/s400/bridge+stairs.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Enjoy your Halloween weekend, everyone!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthM7ClmrdaaAPhc-UjoIobSu6T9ROBrEB9Bzo3zqNLNWQBT85-azEXHRNJihEAdeGNt9lqPZTG6o4kagXkHPXCXlWF1VsCfW62mQIyj-CKg68JEi4BJRxJhb8M2tqJLFMftzYtcQn-B4/s1600/broad+sidewalk.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533939116858370850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthM7ClmrdaaAPhc-UjoIobSu6T9ROBrEB9Bzo3zqNLNWQBT85-azEXHRNJihEAdeGNt9lqPZTG6o4kagXkHPXCXlWF1VsCfW62mQIyj-CKg68JEi4BJRxJhb8M2tqJLFMftzYtcQn-B4/s400/broad+sidewalk.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div>

Bridges of Paris

Paris may be the city of lights but is also a city of bridges. One of the best ways to explore the city is to walk along the river. The br...

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Max Ernst lived here

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYhlxPPAZyBHNPJLJEii6BEJz3lGeLMTQuQ4ZUQK0w9sMmLpog4EZFVne4xypoQXWDyCSTPir9Po9RDdl1hs4XIejKcITjw2TRVR92h7ltzjpyZLDjuXPF-PG-aQGdpH-fDmBtOSx2xo/s1600/lantern.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533302939181969586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYhlxPPAZyBHNPJLJEii6BEJz3lGeLMTQuQ4ZUQK0w9sMmLpog4EZFVne4xypoQXWDyCSTPir9Po9RDdl1hs4XIejKcITjw2TRVR92h7ltzjpyZLDjuXPF-PG-aQGdpH-fDmBtOSx2xo/s400/lantern.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Paris is a city of history. Plaques on nearly every house list famous occupants and you obtain quite the lesson just walking down the street. I wonder if anyone but tourists pay any attention to these signs.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekxVAGhoctUbchBRL1xgUdzUj2-pWAu5SMGtjpNi_uuOgDauLAphvWfVlIPqtOVnu9VjUC-KLq9FclSxnO635VSikN6GBW2OtUiBakm3GlNYC5KaCO9i6tiirxf0itoF7QAHhRsmHYmc/s1600/max+ernst.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533302931465697778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekxVAGhoctUbchBRL1xgUdzUj2-pWAu5SMGtjpNi_uuOgDauLAphvWfVlIPqtOVnu9VjUC-KLq9FclSxnO635VSikN6GBW2OtUiBakm3GlNYC5KaCO9i6tiirxf0itoF7QAHhRsmHYmc/s400/max+ernst.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> One day while sightseeing we came upon this very grand house with lovely wooden gates and a plaque bearing the name of the artist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Ernst">Max Ernst</a>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWySu6PlymdOZsCB4Ch6rtvW6J3tRaXUWaVvH0FnZs2ehDljQcVsyQCoPDc5MLliSrlHHC3L14vd7gPDDZH6lbGehJiBAACpwqqhzIxmZjbvspWSY1amOvR9kd86QdSdllGXbJAJjhUA/s1600/wood+gates.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533302914330943586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWySu6PlymdOZsCB4Ch6rtvW6J3tRaXUWaVvH0FnZs2ehDljQcVsyQCoPDc5MLliSrlHHC3L14vd7gPDDZH6lbGehJiBAACpwqqhzIxmZjbvspWSY1amOvR9kd86QdSdllGXbJAJjhUA/s400/wood+gates.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> It was in this house in Paris that he lived the remainder of his life after returning to France and where he passed away in 1976.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4f9oMZQlVNkxGbcaGgAerdyy49MaO7HWtQd0lIjinlyHZIM_jWcjhpURulQcnxlukdJ6OdOhUjjzHCfONs0mP57_zv3jKyy4y8VnRr33TD1K8-3ItydMEXSf_0Q31UZI4G1j2Pq6OZU/s1600/conservatory+on+roof.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533302908558156866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4f9oMZQlVNkxGbcaGgAerdyy49MaO7HWtQd0lIjinlyHZIM_jWcjhpURulQcnxlukdJ6OdOhUjjzHCfONs0mP57_zv3jKyy4y8VnRr33TD1K8-3ItydMEXSf_0Q31UZI4G1j2Pq6OZU/s400/conservatory+on+roof.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I love these courtyard type houses which are found all throughout the city. Gates and walls provide an outdoor room to seperate their occupants from the city, sort of like a foyer in an apartment.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmTTIdwkLgS-o6IF-xnnFqERkB9snLeGbwiVKYeyzKEIT7utiQ4xcFf6sLT90ys-9G6zYMU3ZokD_dWTprT0QXDW6loyJkDv0R8LzgKcqquOb_wAX-xWf8l9tGQ_EESKoMCWyKx3ctCM/s1600/side+of+house.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533302900498563650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmTTIdwkLgS-o6IF-xnnFqERkB9snLeGbwiVKYeyzKEIT7utiQ4xcFf6sLT90ys-9G6zYMU3ZokD_dWTprT0QXDW6loyJkDv0R8LzgKcqquOb_wAX-xWf8l9tGQ_EESKoMCWyKx3ctCM/s400/side+of+house.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>There are many ways to live comfortably in the midst of a city through good planning and this just is one of them!</div></div></div></div>

Max Ernst lived here

Paris is a city of history. Plaques on nearly every house list famous occupants and you obtain quite the lesson just walking down the stree...

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A spot to hang your hat

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2KPDfjJegxC3rU6uFuj_K1IHB4R3S4jpjxlSQsGVYkLdJcWYbhXBBDQqOCQfCDxyM5Yzc0l5guOueXxsF5dVZsyPRaQfuLkI6bzSquJnxfkjdfapaDXxMdfu7KHEtF21oVowAbISi_w/s1600/Geraniums.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521800060353727186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2KPDfjJegxC3rU6uFuj_K1IHB4R3S4jpjxlSQsGVYkLdJcWYbhXBBDQqOCQfCDxyM5Yzc0l5guOueXxsF5dVZsyPRaQfuLkI6bzSquJnxfkjdfapaDXxMdfu7KHEtF21oVowAbISi_w/s400/Geraniums.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Don't we all wish for a little place to hang our hat and get away from it all? This charming dormer window in Paris looks to me to fit the bill. The ubiquitous geraniums in pots on a Juliet balcony really are so welcoming and homey. You know behind this facade is a little garret bedroom covered in toile de jouy with stacks of books and a cozy daybed with velvet covers and pots of tea with shortbread(at least in my daydream). Is it me or does fall have everyone longing for a nest of their own? Where would yours be?

A spot to hang your hat

Don't we all wish for a little place to hang our hat and get away from it all? This charming dormer window in Paris looks to me to fit ...

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Paris Opera House

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506194243414527698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTo377SIK4xYg8pL35U5BI4Mrx8AvlLrQknF8_qR40PMXH1GqC7RqRBvhSsSWC5ym0xC2XEtfHR1I3ETexk1D5pcAqjJZlD-yyalYQ9xZy4IOPgixGvuqJ6QPos69j9RxPmZGQIhAFD0/s400/mural.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />"<em>It was a singularly mixed world composed of all the talents and tarnished by all the vices; a world where the same fatigue and the same fever appeared in every face</em>" Emile Zola in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nana-Oxford-Worlds-Classics-%C3%89mile/dp/0199538697/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282008117&sr=8-1">Nana</a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506194248665123042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2MdOvwqiDU54ySL_Q2MS3S46cAV8GGQj6LURUky5G88Xlcz000vz72uteO_sleW5DNSPwHHYTruLWvl4Mbg_5gtoR3KHtsfwhls4uz9xpe9jmpJCFk3jHFXsF-9-8ZrVtMfi82_3gyI/s400/roofline.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />While reading these lines on the beach last week, I immediately thought of the Palais Garnier in Paris, otherwise known as the Paris Opera House. Indeed, the whole book has me thinking of the age of opulence.<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506194244731960322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSiCeiPcri0Rmy9aOD6jgLBZPxfIISN7WsHPL7jmlnQ7mPLKD5pbEbSYA55xTM_FO4TyfDLf1HIXjencXExXpt4S00sCcGW4SUYwrTOGXUr66qPGNKFN9cTRzSJHu3TUoNpdTtuBdVrg/s400/paris+opera+house.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div><div><div>One can still hear the rustle of silk from the courtesans that once wandered its' halls.<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193777934135522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GnWYJYVStYz7mDBDhMyOfRpztczQrtcVPkqf8ljEYwMq9VdkZmRp7j2iqR8wBWCQcMFpYT_fGc0fxKQjd0QrCKVVqB8Mpae1kSoT756XsDOsdckWw_1M-dBzzKg06AO-aWQEkxjslYc/s400/Gumery.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Rather than talk about the ornate-ness of the building, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193781937368770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-3B8N3-CrsXqE5wMnKypS9xcusllTRhJ_eDu_c1Dtopjpx14luv7iS48vbRSbQuhAYAvCEODkB2Se1YJf4cZCYKhDcBJSq1TXDTFOAot-BzdbWMguP-hH7p-aauGMh6xqE7Gc0X2rdY/s400/loggia+detail.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 322px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193116330300274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6ANhqpptdKrBEH0qcNFW6Vwa3RmKg8RJxcUbBAKO7fPKXJNOrbSNX8anEVR7Y_qOgXoEPutyN2foKifXvkES8rL7m0j0bnv_xjA4S4eHIqzFY9HzwgoLfIj2hxRTDtCN7YjJpWsTsms/s400/Aime+Millet.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193125390688754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYAJJ2gyVgbnbZYR3EEwdFzjKLxJRXKmnAnEv-g4Kx3dTl83j6GDJaFbJaNqyldYK9J9sP1OkuReMiy03AxhK1kANjObaQaO1Uo8iCSa9Rp41jDmlg_xyHqpKW6p0mEORSHDVpPgn9BQ/s400/caryatid.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The famous grand staircase, rather dimly lit and hard to capture with my little camera.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193494182322546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnZq_7cd9hfqW8K1bqsF0UW8DXunlzu047eYgWO4MgSpZjKX18Q-zEwW14q83pJl53VVCrRaurtnti5hf8ckok02w5VvBSdecrNjd59rhpPj6BHSUm9aUtMl0cHD_mBca48bAtAnQKvc/s400/grand+stair.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193774317997858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrGXKYldpAwUyYTy89gWmDD9HFoCMkXK6wseM0Nf-ONnb3eggDT2UJItqS_D70bqKSG5RvJfEUAywalwgb9g10ArVJcbPm8POk2vVQ3hLE9whQBVf9CDi4cJk7WAGq32SL75IrnzJPVw/s400/grand+staircase.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />One of many hallways meant to contain crowds gathered here to socialize; love the oak chevron patterned floors.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193785420353010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBy-TFXZlojAUBXcNdcnk1umrj8ByOW3zAqfkZMR-YDG8bMoSt-CgjWBXB_bLHpUXZa7WYRuZeGb5TW490UeDzy_sGtswirvygm10odfvY6dIHA_ikw78M8Ai8jRcBocmZgYxxmrrLjg/s400/long+hall.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193136697308930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DM5-Udxhh7Vmj915cH8Q5-etLq1KMzWA935GvOLeWRLwJB2bZ26l2ylq9prC_1tg0Tna18qKrLEgPyuk2HRr2P7ASnn8Zg0GoC89FI8gmZw3T-5ekJY7GOAPpEVOd61IFdqjQ_kPbnE/s400/entry.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The grand foyer, possibly the most over-the-top room I've ever set foot in; it took my breath away.<br /><div><div><div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193477827381794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdB0FHhZFOi-TJKPMhTOWr73QI1BUdufIpeFBQ38mRbbHnDHU75495Ytx5GZnc92EfyzwFMqDLN5Z-FX_7mqvGrdS1shHFMfcbUmHTtbbEU2xFa8fG4T2RKKk59yP8NY6Jr-cXl1wgdE/s400/foyer.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ3SKQoynr1rs-Ig9GMJZpoSltigccqntAeW0F72K_bcnxwfd3aA8sYqKnZDEv92M6vGeVzjY__eRlFwdKePqzBU24K7Vo1FCgY7BcWF8E_Z8UOax53hq3F_y7Vu9L401qvKcmh1wOK0/s1600/grand+foyer.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193496294130802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ3SKQoynr1rs-Ig9GMJZpoSltigccqntAeW0F72K_bcnxwfd3aA8sYqKnZDEv92M6vGeVzjY__eRlFwdKePqzBU24K7Vo1FCgY7BcWF8E_Z8UOax53hq3F_y7Vu9L401qvKcmh1wOK0/s400/grand+foyer.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>So much intricate detail that the eye simply cannot focus; so much gold and shine that light is not needed.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxOGZV-Q2aMmioRNZyhcm1Gm2LpCesvAXiWDES9928j6NemHfoWDKqSS54ldbOV4FtXBqrKuhh9-n8DuAqWI9C3wTTE6RqdKTAXTVkYMzGUCRHq5Zp23jtXMjvQUJfun-uToyMMsJ9i4/s1600/grand+bust.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193485823237890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxOGZV-Q2aMmioRNZyhcm1Gm2LpCesvAXiWDES9928j6NemHfoWDKqSS54ldbOV4FtXBqrKuhh9-n8DuAqWI9C3wTTE6RqdKTAXTVkYMzGUCRHq5Zp23jtXMjvQUJfun-uToyMMsJ9i4/s400/grand+bust.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19iVWm1XkO6tSeHcsmdINlA5FEAKxfcBfYsk7xpvxFmOW3v78wumQRnkbiO9q5yfijFGibunTLsQ9FpDM0Zrb1-i4mDg07PknSDkNNjFNtYwlRa1d9gfLM55_BMeoAmUvhjMbV_h2C24/s1600/decorative+urn.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193130462665874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19iVWm1XkO6tSeHcsmdINlA5FEAKxfcBfYsk7xpvxFmOW3v78wumQRnkbiO9q5yfijFGibunTLsQ9FpDM0Zrb1-i4mDg07PknSDkNNjFNtYwlRa1d9gfLM55_BMeoAmUvhjMbV_h2C24/s400/decorative+urn.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> If you get the chance, make sure to visit the <a href="http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/live/onp/">Paris Opera House</a>!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgOFCra_SUUgwGM185R2fAtasvvol_NRWYebN7TIjSwH5VIm6RnD3kaFYgfnIUrWtbh2NT4H264qtCwP1PzECSiHwdbeaIJ1n5eEqaoZYp2z3Prp6_qRt2ihQ7rZap6x6IhHCgOd_3mk/s1600/bust.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506193119170419106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgOFCra_SUUgwGM185R2fAtasvvol_NRWYebN7TIjSwH5VIm6RnD3kaFYgfnIUrWtbh2NT4H264qtCwP1PzECSiHwdbeaIJ1n5eEqaoZYp2z3Prp6_qRt2ihQ7rZap6x6IhHCgOd_3mk/s400/bust.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Paris Opera House

" It was a singularly mixed world composed of all the talents and tarnished by all the vices; a world where the same fatigue and the sa...

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More treasures

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4gU-gVMjnVK05m7liRq9U79o_63MyTpErqAr7Umwz0a3O5qhcYHvluNIzGF4xsd4LCyDsM9NZtq_98jyzjS0-3fBKLGptHmTgCnbreO_J7KOuF_rlwOVYGvQv9Qm4Q08roBAMIpscyE/s1600/bed.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498107398699149298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4gU-gVMjnVK05m7liRq9U79o_63MyTpErqAr7Umwz0a3O5qhcYHvluNIzGF4xsd4LCyDsM9NZtq_98jyzjS0-3fBKLGptHmTgCnbreO_J7KOuF_rlwOVYGvQv9Qm4Q08roBAMIpscyE/s400/bed.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> While I further indulge myself in a much needed little blogger break (please excuse me!) let me share with you some more treasures from the musee des arts decoratifs at the Louvre in Paris.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoV4ynUQsE0InolzKBP8_55awYEum1EzIktOZbfAoVurpsuArurYQIJY27-p35rKoZeUjZQMfuoNzScd_8_bNsbpzTLXRDR7k1H-CiRY2ztFGWOnR57_dxYOzd6u3eKT58V2lqBCln5k/s1600/clock.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498107392304192642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoV4ynUQsE0InolzKBP8_55awYEum1EzIktOZbfAoVurpsuArurYQIJY27-p35rKoZeUjZQMfuoNzScd_8_bNsbpzTLXRDR7k1H-CiRY2ztFGWOnR57_dxYOzd6u3eKT58V2lqBCln5k/s400/clock.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I loved these items best for the contrast they provided to the stark black background. Very modern, don't you think? The sumptuous bed, the ornate clock and the beautiful painting all in a dark, dramatically lit room on the 18th century floor.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LDwWoUQSouEzgXcURhqbRc5fTw4pdjjZHu3Umj8Sv2NI_QwKTkEgXjKF7z-R7kWrCQDukfgD4rh97PYKQ6PSX26UpFfQ0ZNV3J-9-mj4ws00DD_F6gJqj9lUSHKTVvIsgX_5mucCyKg/s1600/painting.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498107384291459650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LDwWoUQSouEzgXcURhqbRc5fTw4pdjjZHu3Umj8Sv2NI_QwKTkEgXjKF7z-R7kWrCQDukfgD4rh97PYKQ6PSX26UpFfQ0ZNV3J-9-mj4ws00DD_F6gJqj9lUSHKTVvIsgX_5mucCyKg/s400/painting.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Like so many places, it's all about the lighting.</div></div>

More treasures

While I further indulge myself in a much needed little blogger break (please excuse me!) let me share with you some more treasures from the...

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Practicality

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZWfernAZhoVU7AnkQsb0BvUkNnaS46eQGR3S4EIjXxt-JFkkK09HNUzEdWY7PRacZEKeoLG2_E2RjfYpHVVY0d0FGGpwRTI2BXvJX-MHJfNFmmqj4nxon7j8YDLq1DArpB5G2FBae0j7/s1600/umbrella+stand.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479146053118024258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZWfernAZhoVU7AnkQsb0BvUkNnaS46eQGR3S4EIjXxt-JFkkK09HNUzEdWY7PRacZEKeoLG2_E2RjfYpHVVY0d0FGGpwRTI2BXvJX-MHJfNFmmqj4nxon7j8YDLq1DArpB5G2FBae0j7/s400/umbrella+stand.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>While on the train to Versailles, <a href="http://www.habituallychic.blogspot.com/">Heather</a> pointed out the umbrella holders between the benches. Isn't this just great design at work, I was smitten! Be back soon.

Practicality

While on the train to Versailles, Heather pointed out the umbrella holders between the benches. Isn't this just great design at work, I...

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Temples

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Np0Jiksxj0u6FxoniFSyHa_JEQ945_RcAfDyQGvzXjMU5zBc6uOiz8nOsyFHe82jwgWdYBL5WP6OtojOvGayleBAhdu64wIJ09plGkr2IT1CL1t-bWzq6i4kxqtuqGQh5dh9fgnNuFwq/s1600/La+Madeleine.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479144881649475970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Np0Jiksxj0u6FxoniFSyHa_JEQ945_RcAfDyQGvzXjMU5zBc6uOiz8nOsyFHe82jwgWdYBL5WP6OtojOvGayleBAhdu64wIJ09plGkr2IT1CL1t-bWzq6i4kxqtuqGQh5dh9fgnNuFwq/s400/La+Madeleine.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Consecrated in 1845, La Madeleine is dedicated to Mary Magdalene and is one of the most famous churches in Paris. The Corinthian columns are each 64 feet tall: just immense!

Temples

Consecrated in 1845, La Madeleine is dedicated to Mary Magdalene and is one of the most famous churches in Paris. The Corinthian columns ar...

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Luxe

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QfWYXzKZmJ5KaibOgGQyr1HOLgiUZAuCT1C5XiAABd76VquM-bM5HtnzVzN-_KiQlMGC_S85P5kPemhdp16lKPx8pDMUXmcaWfHJY9CUTl33sm5zhFNp88kuJ7OlaQr_QhTR5G02wgON/s1600/place+vendome+7.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479144702251521266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QfWYXzKZmJ5KaibOgGQyr1HOLgiUZAuCT1C5XiAABd76VquM-bM5HtnzVzN-_KiQlMGC_S85P5kPemhdp16lKPx8pDMUXmcaWfHJY9CUTl33sm5zhFNp88kuJ7OlaQr_QhTR5G02wgON/s400/place+vendome+7.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><em>Place Vendome</em>: home to the Ritz and numerous exlusive jewelers. Designed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1698 to house embassies, it was soon taken over by bankers creating their own homes. Who could blame them?

Luxe

Place Vendome : home to the Ritz and numerous exlusive jewelers. Designed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1698 to house embassies...

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Pont Alexandre III

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju383F0x1F9U1hffkMH2dqBXUsDlGJ-jJ3w-5uHYZCKTbZb3SHimBZe7BKPygkw1to3fsHeaTBB9gahqvkAOqoIUELGKcCtzBDZXU_KYVtlscFmY4_CkQKqOTBMMU0iVWyNg0tnDyY8Isk/s1600/paris+bridge.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479142793693530354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju383F0x1F9U1hffkMH2dqBXUsDlGJ-jJ3w-5uHYZCKTbZb3SHimBZe7BKPygkw1to3fsHeaTBB9gahqvkAOqoIUELGKcCtzBDZXU_KYVtlscFmY4_CkQKqOTBMMU0iVWyNg0tnDyY8Isk/s400/paris+bridge.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The gorgeous Pont Alexandre III. Probably the most touristy location in Paris as the Eiffel Tower serves as the backdrop. I know we both took our pictures with it in the background: who could resist?<br /><div></div>

Pont Alexandre III

The gorgeous Pont Alexandre III. Probably the most touristy location in Paris as the Eiffel Tower serves as the backdrop. I know we both to...

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The Seine

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xLSeNlXQwWlKv_aJfMiHAp8dZn5QsIoJc8w45PvU4Mjsr-Y4uDh2zCOABTTXvH42jXSvmp-c9jvi8dmwpXj7N9HTH_EdIO79PK-_ELU9-8tEjgdklJf1aV1yQuDPzutbAJ9D841-DdGB/s1600/seine.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479141908263404738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xLSeNlXQwWlKv_aJfMiHAp8dZn5QsIoJc8w45PvU4Mjsr-Y4uDh2zCOABTTXvH42jXSvmp-c9jvi8dmwpXj7N9HTH_EdIO79PK-_ELU9-8tEjgdklJf1aV1yQuDPzutbAJ9D841-DdGB/s400/seine.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> My first moment in Paris was so special but admittedly uber touristy. I popped up out of the metro right on the Seine across from Notre Dame. THAT was my first impression of Paris (ok and since I was alone at 7am maybe I did a little dance right there)! Who could ask for a better memory? Throughout the trip, this lovely river was our pathway around the city.

The Seine

My first moment in Paris was so special but admittedly uber touristy. I popped up out of the metro right on the Seine across from Notre Dam...

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While I'm away

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDKXDPQJ0uUdF_WArKVnEsxmiWMfTpJgRZuhelQVaH1a_c0-F-dDetWKARBlwm1uJeqPApbTB3zQrRHoDib-lwZipL3pi4DKFPQEo2_dQ_yHpQdw1hyikHwQT0cE-pzXRwa5v7INkFgMd/s1600/eiffel+tower.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479141138289554418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDKXDPQJ0uUdF_WArKVnEsxmiWMfTpJgRZuhelQVaH1a_c0-F-dDetWKARBlwm1uJeqPApbTB3zQrRHoDib-lwZipL3pi4DKFPQEo2_dQ_yHpQdw1hyikHwQT0cE-pzXRwa5v7INkFgMd/s400/eiffel+tower.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Planning for my current vacation has had me thinking of my last vacation with <a href="http://www.habituallychic.blogspot.com/">Heather</a> to Paris. So for the week, I'll be sharing some of my favorite views of the city with you. It's the vacation that keeps on giving!

While I'm away

Planning for my current vacation has had me thinking of my last vacation with Heather to Paris. So for the week, I'll be sharing some...

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Palais Royal garden

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX42zHocjqq98_ZfH6GjHxVWYa59TmjN0w9ZV3HmCpBrj6_0DetydgIsRbg0A3-fSK7ulICjPBZ-lWBud_fu5LwBkVziFCbVbbacj-hclnM6EFhDLCd9oLVei11PJfmyoxYLcGvDMRyWiO/s1600-h/palais+royal.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445531495639869714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX42zHocjqq98_ZfH6GjHxVWYa59TmjN0w9ZV3HmCpBrj6_0DetydgIsRbg0A3-fSK7ulICjPBZ-lWBud_fu5LwBkVziFCbVbbacj-hclnM6EFhDLCd9oLVei11PJfmyoxYLcGvDMRyWiO/s400/palais+royal.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Spring is in the air this morning. After a long hard winter, I can hardly wait for the first buds to flower here in DC.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu16ovemFtNQuBFLptS5HhSzu2fIX_WhxuCbZAx41npZ7hUn89q8byLv11lKpqiEVOu2DI3w_BNr9paIA8hv97xsdlsORXV_h7nwCDeZD4NHr2SeD8-2ysM88gATKYarK6RkQmqYqbzaTU/s1600-h/roses.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445531490448686290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu16ovemFtNQuBFLptS5HhSzu2fIX_WhxuCbZAx41npZ7hUn89q8byLv11lKpqiEVOu2DI3w_BNr9paIA8hv97xsdlsORXV_h7nwCDeZD4NHr2SeD8-2ysM88gATKYarK6RkQmqYqbzaTU/s400/roses.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> One of my favorite memories of Paris this past fall was having lunch at the Palais Royal in the gardens. The roses were the most fragrant I have ever smelled!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPey6YQh7S_2fe0RFGctxPh5R3tjAEscS-M1E143hMexsnAR-4paAIasjN1JfngcO0joflruF5ZZEL1okH_GhqhDlGV5Uu6DmnWF7fiTgE2Ae4GvgcL8F2iEkX0uo7fCS1W3Lv4yGnMb9k/s1600-h/palais+royal+garden.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445531485777003362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPey6YQh7S_2fe0RFGctxPh5R3tjAEscS-M1E143hMexsnAR-4paAIasjN1JfngcO0joflruF5ZZEL1okH_GhqhDlGV5Uu6DmnWF7fiTgE2Ae4GvgcL8F2iEkX0uo7fCS1W3Lv4yGnMb9k/s400/palais+royal+garden.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Spring, come quicker so I can take some time to smell the roses!</div></div>

Palais Royal garden

Spring is in the air this morning. After a long hard winter, I can hardly wait for the first buds to flower here in DC. One of my favorite ...

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Petit Trianon: Boudoir

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443859337952886034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_TayiAdkJajIY5up-c05SLKiXstmZg9n6vDBWqVIwUTKSaHriRDIWpEAGt3PThRpTJk0xWd6xuyY1qEH8e5nUQAMZloj0a3035z8W5K73jE6ly9Px20rPS16VfVzxqajFv3YrxSOt-Ib/s400/chair+and+paneling.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Arguably, the most important room to the mistress of a 18th century house is her boudoir. The derivation of the word is from the French word <em>Bouder</em> or 'to pout' . Here she can unwind in her own personal space, far from the worries of her household (simliar to a 'mancave' today I think)! Technically, the boudoir is a private sitting or dressing area off of a bedroom. In the case of the Petit Trianon, this little room has some big impact, impressive features!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443859458550234034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XzWP6zIaCHz9syhko0_VN5HTows_IUUVQhK-c1sMM8enA8F1FsCYR5tcV1Anukq3kht50WykPoiX0uW4WpEetisEvtJ6ubLUWM3KtnvTyqb7xZQdwlFy-vRJiaNNcGxSq-Fw0E0BW6hp/s400/boudoir+plan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The room lies in the northeast corner of the first floor, in between the Salon (to which there is a jib or secret door) and Marie Antoinette's bedroom, marked in blue above.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQpCqAXaJlR8KeLBk5Y__6z6Lb4-kJ-bJyRZicbWUP-wLwH6ZAELJEEDrY8h7dxeHVFIpOyHuh1KXQ2Jz3ZEJf6p6kF-NhGFWSefr1RMeSOOo1zg29S_y0pPCXBFshXW2a-vMC1OXIa_j/s1600-h/full+room.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443858141504856178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQpCqAXaJlR8KeLBk5Y__6z6Lb4-kJ-bJyRZicbWUP-wLwH6ZAELJEEDrY8h7dxeHVFIpOyHuh1KXQ2Jz3ZEJf6p6kF-NhGFWSefr1RMeSOOo1zg29S_y0pPCXBFshXW2a-vMC1OXIa_j/s400/full+room.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Here in her private sanctuary, Marie Antoinette would entertain her closest friends (the bedroom was still a semi-public space at the time) and nap. Rather than draperies which posed a security risk, the room was lined with very simple boiseries with inset mirrors that at the turn of a crank in the room below, recede into the wall exposing the window on the east wall and the french doors to the terrace on the north wall.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443858945328901122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupQEu7DLQm4hF6j1jrRgQ9PdX_FBgq8VoI8gXzS7rkwY5F_I5EZMQmmjSr079PFiYoaAEtld5uijyB5kz6leTBGBYbQIL6Xg1Q70K4lsjhyx3GS4ErrsCh1djooxciiKENRD3ry2Gfkfy/s400/elevations.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Many of the details match that of the adjacent bedroom, including the pale blue color scheme. However, as this is a less public space, the boiseries are even simpler than in the bedroom. They saved the most showy spaces for the public, much as we do today in our own homes. The level of ornateness often would correspond to the level of privacy held by the space.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443859195619906802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECfpivEvO6y2iQEouH5wx3XnCeESmZygXGAIn9qPqQqDC81Gf4NQT_4q0SB_ev8DUndj3pTc4impjXLrJ2knWAFo6Fxz9S38rI3L5O4Ld7arUlP8SqN2zqaIC0IyJCxaThb1Am8Y25sF3/s400/mechanized+mirrors.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Above you can see the mirror half covering the window. While in the full height position, the mirrors act as part of the paneling and you can't even tell they are covering anything. A daybed (for naps or lounging) as well as a tea table with comfortable chairs furnish the room.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443858940152957474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE1jVNVThTqLUHCZ0wEi0tbEOjzxKlmdrHNtKqHgFf3UQ3MgHymantAt_B_hdvUhWx8z_DthyphenhyphenbQyDsX74EN8qdpBUCPcr_QLbvICEt_Fr8h0TS6UK1Hr7XcyIP1061Juzyakir5AONuOn/s400/entry.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> I wish I had a better photograph of the fireplace than the one above, but the drawing below shows it in detail. Beautiful white marble, delicate carvings and the diminutive scale emphasize the femininity of the small space.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443858942967285858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDtwld2_Bh7JTbQrx0UqwvnC_DOfrj1hkkU4atm5jAcEVVe1WK8snTAhzYJOZSKpG3la-cT4_aFY0M4inkV_StbALr37DuzXd8fqUlEBTmIFBFBoqchuEnSNbJ2kedFETmIlpaoi4VdAE/s400/mantel+drawing.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div><div><div><div>The room in the service quarters below houses the 2 mirrors when they are lowered, which then in turn cover their windows. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399709136000297794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVIpLFlUF2ePlZHaTO4whpbjaqLGUfn3rU5gOfNcqsok3uoQpfjK0kozRij9RGk-Rha6ZZb-JJIAYxlonilwJN-Oq7BtGUz5h-d2i61ET2a6yzBOTvI9Jfa1qf0_Fq1LdZ1emCyGZGSGn/s400/below.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Here you can see the mirror from above which is half covering the above window and starting to be visable in the servants quarters. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443859664787641218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5OGMkmi8dAtU-2mE1fux1B4hleMzmH-phXLZq2arGbCklTlIdblbAQTHk6uKbdQ5RTQngHNnCvWM31fdNNL8CM3uTeafc7M2wtnsR8Nz0aJuU4__Z3D0akQekLt4PBpNGFlLy1devomv/s400/mechanism.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTQt-CtDmgWCX9okSrA3ATJodUdZ5uQTDj0BWsRbeMU5our_pJUPf_THyaJzWC0OEbUeEqP3SH1_dTkZDrLuh7bszSc4hdRWVW2ARKbKQre9ut8gn-EsVniGEjHuNconRZ09lzF76VELI/s1600-h/mechanism.JPG"></a>Amazing 18th century technology that is still marvelous (and functioning)!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Petit Trianon: Boudoir

Arguably, the most important room to the mistress of a 18th century house is her boudoir. The derivation of the word is from the French word...

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