I'm a Mormon

Here lies part III of the travel log, the focus of which will be museums and churches. 

In talking with the other students I realized that I came on this trip supposing myself to love museums.  You see, I have however come to discover that I am a believer in, "all things in moderation."  After experiencing miles and miles artwork and artifacts I am a little museum-ed out.  The man's voice on the audio-guide is forever engrained in my brain, and I have only seen a small sliver of what Paris has to offer.  

It's not everyday the chance comes up to see the worlds most famous works of art, so I do consider myself fortunate to be taking advantage of the opportunity.  I have been here for 20 days so far, and the majority of the time has been spent on the metro, in museums and in Catholic churches.  

Note to readers and photo skimmers alike- I have discovered that it is impossible to make it through a Parisian museum without seeing a nude portrait or sculpture.  Please be aware and understand that some photos in this post will include these nude images.

The following are highlights from the places photos were allowed to be taken:

Chartres

 

 Our tour here, led by Malcom Miller, made me feel just like I was at Hogwarts, he had a brilliant British accent, but was in dire need of a cough drop, as he was clearing his throat every few words.

 Musee d'Art Moderne

  

 Typical of modern art.

 

Musee Rodin

 "The Thinker"-- I couldn't help myself.

Balzac-- not the most attractive of men. 

Memorial de la Shoah

(Holocaust Memorial) 

Photos were not allowed here, so the following are courtesy of Google images.  

This was one of my favorite places we have visited so far.  As it has always been a point of interest for me, I was very moved to have a small glimpse into the memory of the French Jews that fell victim to the Holocaust. 

 

Upon arrival at the concentration camps, it was customary to write on the walls the date of arrival and if fortunate enough, the date of departure.  Within the memorial they have segments of the walls.  I was touched by two of the messages left by individuals and families in particular.

"Eskenazi Famille- Tres bon moral"

(Eskenazi Family- Very good morale)

and 

"Je veux garder tout mon espoir"

(I want to keep all my hope)

It was a very somber visit, but most definitely worth it, and a very good reminder to keep hope even in the most dismal experiences.  I can only hope one day I can have a family of such high morale as the Eskenazi family. 

Musee Carnivalet

 

I think this little boy will grow up to be the man below. 

  

Musee du Louvre

 

Who wants to go walk a few miles of the worlds largest art museum? 

    Left: "St. Mary Magdelene"                                      Right: "Venus de Milo"

"

 "Winged Victory"

 This one is called "The Turkish Bath..." Here's to you Shelby, hoping your bathing conditions are more conducive to privacy. 

Michealangelo's "The Dying Slave"

 "Napoleon III Apartment"

 

 "Psyche and Cupid"

Which was one of my favorite of the limited works we saw here, being pre-persuaded by Anne-Charlotte as something we HAD to see.

And of course "Mona Lisa."  Appreciate this, because I fought through a mosh pit to take this photo.  Just as a heads up to anyone dying to see the Mona Lisa, she is much smaller in format than you would expect. 

Pantheon 

 

The crypts below the pantheon are the burial place of several very famous and historical french figures such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie, but the crypts were poorly lit and thus the pictures didn't turn out so well.

Vaulted ceilings with incredible large scale paintings are everywhere here!

Centre Pompidou 

 What the Pompidou?  Possibly Paris' weirdest building, housing another modern and contemporary art museum.

Like this sculpture, for example.

Sacre Coeur 

A Cardinal church (which means a miracle happened here, info thanks to Ariel).  Known as the most romantic place in Paris, and a popular place for street artists to hang out.

 St. Germain des Pres 

 The oldest Church in Paris

 

 

 Saint Sulpice 

 

 Apparently this one is mentioned in "The Divinci Code," which is cool, if you've read the book... which I haven't.  But, still cool.

Ap

Famous for their organ concerts, but Shannon and I gave up the chance to go to one tonight so we could eat frog legs instead.  Good trade?  I'll be sure to let you know.  

To Be Determined Church

For whatever reason I can't recall what this one was called... but, nonetheless it is beautiful inside!

After visiting so many of these Catholic churches I have a deeper appreciation for religion in my life.  The depictions of Christ in these cathedrals and churches are stunning.  I am grateful, to belong to the a church that celebrates His life along with His death, for I know both to be crucial to my personal salvation. 

"I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

I know who I am. 

I know God's Plan. 

I'll follow Him in Faith." 

-Children's Hymn #77

Last of All

In the comments of my last blog post a good friend posted that her mother-in-law was in Paris on study abroad with BYU.  I figured she and I would be in the same ward, so I scouted her out this past Sunday.  We had a very pleasant conversation and the world shrunk a little.  It was nice to run into somebody that knew my grandparents and had connections to other people I love. 

My name is Sydnie Landeen.  I'm a student currently studying abroad in France.  I'm a museum goer, sight seer, and food critic.  I believe life is best lived happily, and that's why I'm a Mormon.