Un grand jour...tout comme un touriste

Today was full of icons and, you know what, they're always fabulous...maybe you don't see them every year but, when you do, in the words of Oscar Wilde, it makes you happy "like red and mellow wine".

Early start at the Louvre for photographs.  By night or day, the I.M. Pei pyramids are incredible.  This morning we were early enough to see the cleaners brushing clean the glass pieces.  It reminded me of a past visit, witnessing two Louvre staff on smoke break, sitting at the foot of a lion statue at the bottom of a marble staircase.  What a workplace!

Then on to the Grand Palais for the Hergé exposition - the author and illustrator of Tintin.  The exhibition was a study of Hergé's personality:  his early days as a boy scout where his totem was 'Curious Fox', the basis for Tintin; his love of story-telling by illustration, from early days, usually in maths class; his affectionate connection to the Tintin characters that were a reflection of self; his pride in everything he created.

A break for lunch on the Champs-Élysées - reminding us why we don't come here very often! - but worth it for the view of the Arc de Triomphe.  I have a wonderful Air France advertising poster from the 50s, illustrating the roads radiating from the Arc - and it absolutely captures the chaotic sense of the traffic and the grandeur of the Arc.

Then to the Petit Palais for the Oscar Wilde exposition - "L'impertinent absolu".  Loved it!  The door to the first room was framed with a quote, "One should never make one's debut in a scandal.  One should reserve that to give interest to one's old age."  So, my friends, watch out, I'm not done yet!!  The exposition was a wonderful collection of work by artists Oscar admired; letters to his mother, his brother, his wife, his lover; photographs; his books.  I loved the dedications in the books:  he wrote one to a friend, noting "Place: London, Time: June (a June of rain and roses)".  For a lover of words comme moi, the exhibition was inspiring, and now I need to know more of this man.