The weather was not too pleasant and once off the train I could not decide what I wanted to do first, I prevaricated for way too long, bumped and jostled by a sea of tourists, if most of Paris is in London this Easter all of England seemed to be in Paris.
I decided to save myself for lunch, the biggest mistake of the day, I was so thirsty I queued for 20 min's in a Carre Fore whilst one dazed and confused shop assistant slept walked processing the shopping of others, making sure that each and every customer waited an eternity whilst she called for a key to rectify her mistakes, all the while checking for texts on her phone.
I finally made it to the Musee de l'Orangerie where my mood elevated a little, the park was glorious and the sun came out and the very nice lady on the till explained that my duel ticket would get me past the queues at the D'Orsay
The trip was booked so I could see some of Manet late flower paintings, but a fringe benefit was the newly revamped Musee de l'Orangerie and the added bonus was an amazing exhibition of paintings from the collection of Paul Guillaume, there was even a little doll's house facsimile of what his display must have looked like, it was adorable.
It was only when I went to the toilet that all became clear, my period had started it suddenly explained the intense lethargy and why since returning from Norfolk I felt so bleak and miserable.
Worst of all my hands were swollen to the point that I could barley make a fist and this of course meant my whole body felt bloated and tired.
I rarely get to see the work of Utrillo so this was a treat, as was being allowed to take photographs. Sadly having saved my money and my appetite for something special, I went to a cafe just around the corner from where this was painted only to be served cold mashed potato and some dried up chicken, truly the worst meal I ever ate anywhere, and the wine was so expensive. I hate wasting money on poor food and this came to 20 euros! I had been so spoilt in Norfolk and Madrid that the shock of being taken for a fool ruined the day, and so tired and bruised I returned home vowing that this time was the last time I come here.
You could argue that I achieved what I set out to, but there was something very unpleasant about this visit that had I not felt so miserable I would barley have noticed, even the journey home was grim, sat next to a squirming young girl unable to sit still she all but sat on my lap at one point, it was a joy to get home.
3 comments:
I can relate to this feeling of feeling disoriented and just plain uncomfortable while travelling - a pity but your trip to Norfolk looks amazing. I love the calm that came across in your pictures.
Oh, those charming surprises of womanhood! Sorry your day in Paris was so rudely intruded upon. Sounds as if you have a history of being oddly jinxed in your art jaunts to the city -- but that it's also taught you something about the power of art to lift us out of a miserable present.
Can you believe we haven't got to the l'Orangerie? We've been up to Giverny many, many years ago and I do have a vague recollection of viewing the water-lilies in a room like that described by so many, but if we ever did go, it was with the kids, 20+ years ago. I'm determined to get there this time. . . . Always loving viewing galleries with you here, thanks. . .
ii've had day trips to NY like that but it does sound like the art was inspiring. I've not been to l'Orangerie either and would love to go. MY last trip to Paris, G was in one of his "if you've seen one painting you've seen them all " moods which was maddening and inexplicable. It was before I had full mental grasp of the dementia that was taking hold of him.
Post a Comment