Napoleon's Crib

So, my favorite part of the Louvre was Napoleon's apartments. I don't know why this kind of architecture ever went out of style. I want no less than 5 huge chandeliers in my house. Also, if you ever get bored with the conversation at the dinner table you can just look at all the pictures on the ceiling. Perfect! Luckily I dressed up for the occasion of leaving my room. I went perfectly with the decor.

Love,

Violet

So, on Sunday my friend Alexis and I went to the Louvre. In order to properly celebrate our lack of work we showered (finally) and had a good night's sleep (finally) and were off. The weather was absolutely horrendous, but I was so happy to actually be enjoying Paris and cross something off my list, that I didn't mind. Plus, I couldn't get away with being in Paris again and not seeing the Louvre, I mean really, that's all people are going to ask me when I get back. So, I was happy, despite the weather, until I saw the line, only about a sixth of which was pictured above. I went up to the security guard and in my best french explained that we were students with student cards and asked if there was a different entrance for us. He said no, but that the line was only about an hour and a half wait (ONLY?!). We waited in line for a bit, but I was sure that there had to be another way. So after a bit of research and a bit of exploring we found the super secret no line entrance! We flashed our student cards and we were in 2 minutes later. Thank you University of Chicago. You see, we have laminated cards that say we are art history students which get us in everywhere. I'm so glad that my couple thousand dollar program fee went to a laminating machine (only semi-sarcastic). Ok, you'll have to wait for tomorrow for art. It will be worth it, I promise.

Love,

Violet

Paris, Je t'aime?

So, I went to the Louvre, finally. Before I do a whole post, or multiple on that (lots of pictures, obvs), I thought I'd do one that was more indicative of my mood. So... there are things that I like about Paris and things I don't, they are as follows:

I like 40 minute long conversations with African security guards at the Louvre in which they say you speak French very well.

I don't like that they add "for an American".

I don't like the rain and the cold.. but I love the color the sky turns afterwards.

I don't like French people on the Metro. They have no subway etiquette. It makes me furious.

I love that little kids speak French. It's an obvious thing, but it is still so adorable.

I hate middle school kids. That's pretty much universal, even when I was one of them (ok, especially when I was one of them), but for some reason here I always think they are about to attack me.

I don't like the amount of PDA here, which is tons! GET A ROOM (obtenez une chambre, maintenant!)

I love the idea that dogs here speak French. Especially because French dogs are highly mischievous.

Ok that's all.

Love,

Violet

PS I feel better.

"Primitive Art" Museum

So, for one of my class trips I went to the Quai Branly Museum which has African, Oceanic, Asian and Indigenous Australian Art. We had to read a whole book about it before we visited, so we were ready to see how racist and awful it was. Some parts were definitely not PC. The windows were printed with pictures of the jungle, which gave the whole thing a very Heart of Darkness feel, and honestly I just felt like the whole building was cramped, dark and poorly designed. Some parts were cool, but on the whole I thought it was problematic. On the plus side, it had some really nice napping areas (probably not the original function). Oh and also some really beautiful pieces.

Love,

Violet

Response to Halloween Comments

There was just a Halloween party in my dorm. It got shut down before the costume contest. For the record, I made the hood with 8 safety pins and a pillow case. I'm that good.

It's funny that my costume seemed American. Le petit chaperon rouge exists in France, also the dress is straight from Oktoberfest in Germany.

The costume definitely would have won though, for the record. French people can't think of anything more creative to be than a mime (regular french clothes with facepaint).

Halloween

Despite my paper due on Monday and the rapidly approaching for my scholarship to go to India again, I managed to dress-up for Halloween (I know no one is really shocked). I was little red riding hood using my friend's dirndl (yes, she really did just have this lying around) and a hood that I made. This just reaffirms that I can do anything with a pair of scissors, some safety pins and a pillowcase (just one, at that!).

Love,
Violet

Arcades

In an effort to actually see Paris, despite the ridiculous work schedule that I have, I went exploring in the arcades. The sun was just setting while I was walking around which gave the tunnels a perfectly romantic and slightly eerie bluish glow that made the walls look golden. This was the first time that I brought out my real camera. That's right, I sucked it up and became a tourist. When I'm not in class or reading or working, I get my small doses of joy by being asked for directions (because I look like a local, obviously), actually knowing where the thing is, and responding (in french!). I was willing to give that up to take pictures and explore a tourist locale. My new goal is to figure out how to look like the camera is for art school, therefore giving me even more street cred.

Love,
Violet

P.S. Writing a paper that's due at 5pm (3hrs and 15 mins from now). Wish me luck!