tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76515176501705080172007-11-14T08:06:48.278-08:00cristinaBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651517650170508017.post-40921128395929880312007-09-28T12:37:00.001-07:002007-11-14T08:06:48.308-08:00<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.travel-muse.com/uploaded_images/blog_1-736822.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><p>On a recent trip to Paris, I was happily walking along the Left Bank of the Seine with my nephew Nicholas, taking in every sight and sound as we slowly made our way towards Notre Dame de Paris. The day had gotten off to an unexpected start when we arrived at the gates of the Rodin Museum to find it closed. It was a Monday and I should have checked the museum's hours ahead of time. No matter, we would come back the next day to visit this wonderful place which was Auguste Rodin's home and studio, and now houses most of his sculpture including The Thinker, and The Kiss. </p> There are treasures around every corner in Paris. Magnificent private homes from centuries past have been transformed into small and fascinating museums, which are easily accessible and where you rarely compete for viewing space. The Carnavalet Museum, which displays the history of Paris in works of art, and the Jacquemart Andr&eacute; Museum, which was the private 19^th century mansion of a Parisian banker and art collector, are just two of the city's many gems.<br /><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.travel-muse.com/uploaded_images/blog_2-736828.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><p>We took refuge from a brief summer shower in a caf&eacute; near the museum and headed off towards Notre Dame. We could have easily taken the metro, but walking was so much more enjoyable.</p> <p>Some of the booksellers along the Seine were open for business, but few in comparison to the lively and colorful market that unfolds every Sunday. Along the river we passed some fortunate houseboat dwellers, and facing us on the Right Bank the long galleries of the Louvre welcomed a never-ending stream of art lovers and tourists. The Louvre is open every day except Tuesday. </p> <img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.travel-muse.com/uploaded_images/blog_3-750806.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><p><o:p> </o:p>Reaching the square in front of the cathedral and looking up at Notre Dame's Gothic twin towers was simply the icing on the cake. A 386-step climb to the gallery at the base of the towers will reward those of strong knees and heart with a spectacular view of the city and the river<br />Seine.</p>This marvelous structure, breathtaking in its simplicity and power, is just one more reason to say "Je t'aime, Paris".cristina