DESTINATION TRAVEL - The Louvre - Paris France

The Louvre at Dusk

The Louvre 

The premiere art museum in the world.  You must allow yourself two days to see it all.  The Louvre is located in one of the busiest parts of the city, the first arrondissement. 

GETTING THERE:

By Métro:  Châtelet/Les Halles, the hub for the 1 and D lines is the largest and busiest of all Métro stations. There exists a total of seven entrances/exits scattered around the eastern end of the 1st Arrondissement, concentrated (not surprisingly) between Les Halles and Place du Châtelet, and also accessing the basement of the Les Halles shopping mall itself. If you are in a hurry—or have never used this station previously—it might be better to alight one Métro stop earlier or later. Of course, if you are transferring to or traveling on one of the RER lines, brace yourself. Châtelet/Les Halles is a French equivalent for New York City's Grand Central Station.   Line 1 stops at Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre.

Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre - From Line 1

INSIDERS TIP:  Pack lightly!  I made the mistake of transversing Châtelet/Les Halles with three large bags at rush hour.  I did gain some valuable insight as to how the French refer to big Americans that bump them and delay them during their daily commute.  Parisiennes in huge numbers pass thru the station (on the order of 800,000 unique visitors per day according to the Mayor's office).

Line 1 line crosses travels the length of the arrondissement, arriving from Chateau de Vincinnesin the east via Gare de Lyon, and La Défence in the west. Most of the stations are fairly easy to use with the exception of Châtelet/Les-Halles. Your station will be Palais-Royal/Musée-du-Louvre.

By Air
According to Kayak, these are some flight pricing from various spots around the world.
New York: $743
Chicago: $798
Los Angeles: $810
Tokyo: $914
Hong Kong: $944
Singapore: $998

The Museum:

Exhibits:
The place is very large and to see it all allow 2 days to tour.  I recommend reading up on the histroy and exhibits.  This way you will have a "must see" list and you will increase your overall enjoyment.  For example, The below list is a great starting place:

The Mona Lisa on Display at the Louvre

1. Mona Lisa
2. The Virgin and Child with St Anne
3. Raft of the Medusa
4. Nike of Samothrace ("winged victory")
5. Oath of the Horatii
6. Portrait of Madame Récamier
7. La maja desnuda
8. The Aphrodite of Milos
9. The Death of Socrates
10. The Death of Marat
11. The Coronation of Napoleon in Notre Dame
12. Baldassare Castiglione (Raphael)
13. The Death of the Virgin (Caravaggio)
14. Pierrot (Jean-Antoine Watteau)
15. The Wedding at Cana

Do some basic background reading on wikipedia, and then go see for yourself.

Charles and Pearl

History:
The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city's western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of François I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV.

The Facility and Access:
Metro Station: Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre
Telephone:  +33 1 40 20 53 17
Times:  Open daily except Tuesdays and certain public holidays. Permanent collections 9 am to 6 pm (Wed and Fri til 10 pm). Under the pyramid is open 9 am to 10 pm.
Fees: Approx. $13 for a day pass.  Various specials are here.


Controversy: 
There are several disputes over the ownership of some of the works.  The Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 and briefly returned to Italy, later returned to France in 1913.  Also, several cultural properties siezed by Napoleon and later the Nazis are being resolved by the UN with the cooperation of the Louvre.

Thoroughly French McDonalds

The McDonalds under the entrance in the carrousel de Louvre has been the source of some complaints and isolated anti-American rudeness.  Insider Tip:  Try not to dress as if you are on a tour bus to Disney, be proud of America but don't draw undue attention.
Despite the complaints, the McDonalds food in France is far superior than the USA counterpart.  Also, much less expensive than other options in Paris.




Insider Tips:

Far from the madding crowd - BUY ONLINE!

_ Avoid the mid-day and afternoon crowds by taking a break in the Jardin opposite the entrance; far from the maddening crowds.
If you are lucky, police on horses ride by and you get to stroke the horses!
Make a picnic of it.
- Travel light or join long lines at security check on entry.
- Eat in advance and preferable, elsewhere. Saves having to line up at the Louvre's eatteries.
- Buy tickets in advance. Saves having to line up to buy tickets from the machines. Machines are easy to use and equiped for the non-French reading visitor.
- Try the sweet shop in the Lourve. Great fudge. Sugar needed to keep you going.
- The Mona Lisa: Pay your respects but respect the crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of her and move on (asap).
- Take a break: grab the interpretation cards and a seat or simply, pause, look up (great decor) or out (great views).
- Use the short cuts: stairs and staff offer helpful advise.
- Make the most of extended opening hours and visit in the evening. Less crowds!

North Carolina Beaches - Brunswick County

Bald Head Island:

Light House on Bald Head Island

Once a hideout for notorious pirates like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet, Bald Head Island offers a different kind of refuge for those seeking asylum from the everyday. This no-cars-allowed island can be your family’s vacation hideaway secluded from commercialism and touristy distractions. Reachable only by ferry, Bald Head is Brunswick’s most resort-styled island. Here, as you explore the island by bike, boat or golf cart you’ll be treated to varied natural landscapes, including pristine sand dunes, beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes. Bald Head Island is an eco-lovers paradise, so preserved and conservation friendly that 50% of North Carolina’s sea-turtle nesting takes place on its shores. Slightly up-scale, and always inviting, Bald Head Island is as unspoiled as it is charming.

Calabash:

Seafood Capital

First thing you’ll notice as you arrive in Calabash is its vast variety of seafood restaurants. In fact, the town proudly holds the title of “Seafood Capital of the World” due to the town’s national famed signature seafood preparation—Calabash style. Shrimp, clams, fish and oysters are coated in a light batter and quickly fried to lock in their freshness. Which of the family restaurants in Calabash holds the original recipe? No one truly knows—but all taste equally authentic and delicious. If you prefer, reel in your own catch on a deep-sea fishing adventure, or simply watch the fishing boats come to dock. An abundance of unique shops—including a Christmas Shop—golf courses, close proximity to Myrtle Beach and a charming small-town feel complete the picture for a vacation that’s full of savory experiences.

Caswell Beach:

Oak Island - Holiday Weekend

This section of Oak Island is a place you can truly unwind in classic beach-vacationing style. Spend a day visiting the lighthouse—one of the brightest in the United States with a beacon that reaches about 24 nautical miles offshore. Do some surf-casting and reel in a fresh catch for dinner, or simply relax on the beach and stroll at low tide to search out fine shell specimens. You and your family may find yourselves with the beach all your own as Caswell is the least populated of all our Island beaches. In fact, the only commercial establishment here is the Oak Island Golf Country Club. But as remote as Caswell may sound, it’s really only a mile or so from all the shops and restaurants of Oak Island. So, if your perfect vacation is a quiet, secluded beach that’s only a minute or two from all the conveniences, Caswell Beach is calling your name.

Holden Beach:

Holden Beach Sunset

Named one of the best family beaches in the country by National Geographic Traveler magazine, Holden Beach offers small-town charm and unspoiled beauty. Navigate a kayak or canoe along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway, and keep watch, for you may glimpse endangered loggerhead sea turtles as they surface for air. In this naturalist’s—and wildlife—haven, you’re sure to find something to delight your whole family— from spotting dolphins in the surf to playfully chasing ghost crabs with flashlights during an evening stroll. Have lunch on-the-deck at one of several restaurants that sit beside the Intracoastal Waterway. Here, you can watch shrimp boats cruise by as they make their way to and from the ocean. And, don’t miss the North Carolina Festival by the Sea, a celebration with arts, crafts and seafood that draws people from all over.

Ocean Isle Beach:

Ocean Reef at Museum of Coastal Carolina

Ocean Isle combines low-key relaxation and family adventures at every turn. Venture along the shore, and scan for signs of sea turtles and hatchlings journeying to the ocean. Or catch a wave just beyond the pier—one of Brunswick surfer’s favorite spots. Visit The Museum of Coastal Carolina to experience more sea life, with a life-size diorama and touch tanks. Around town, you’ll find lots of things that make a beach vacation great, such as restaurants and hangouts with outdoor decks. If you time your visit right, take part in the North Carolina Oyster Festival, where you can shuck a bucket or two and take part in judging the Oyster Stew Cook-Off. Enjoy the award-winning Silver Coast winery, specialty shops, and more. Bring your family for a refreshing vacation, and discover what awaits on Ocean Isle Beach.

Sunset Beach:

Sunrise at Sunset Beach

At the tail end of the Brunswick Island chain, Sunset Beach has the distinction of being the Southern-most surf in North Carolina. But while it may be last in geography, many find it a the top-of-the-list for a quiet, old-fashioned, retro, beach vacation. A walk to Bird Island is always a family favorite. For almost a mile, the beach houses give way to one of the most untouched shorelines in Brunswick where all that separates you from the surf and marsh is a wide stretch of beach and dunes. Discover sun, moon and stars at the Ingram Planetarium, or by simply taking in the sunrise or sunset, both of which can be seen over the water several months of the year due to the island’s unique positioning. Come to Sunset Beach to reconnect with nature— and with your family as well.

New York - Museum Guide

NEW YORK:  Museums and Galleries

No visit to New York City would be complete without visiting the museums, and New York has some of the finest museums in the world. All the public museums (notably including the Metropolitan Museum), which are run by the city, accept donations for an entrance fee, but private museums (especially the Museum of Modern Art) can be very expensive. In addition to the major museums, hundreds of small galleries are spread throughout the city, notably in neighborhoods like Chelsea and Williamsburg. Many galleries and museums in New York close on Mondays, so be sure to check hours before visiting. The following is just a list of highlights.  

    Arts and Culture

Brooklyn Museum of Art

Brooklyn Museum of Art on Eastern Parkway (Eastern Parkway stop on the 2 or 3 train) is a large museum which contains excellent collections of Egyptian art, Assyrian reliefs, 19th-century American art, and art from Africa and Oceania, among other things. Right past the museum are the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens (separate admission charge), so you can easily visit both in one pleasant afternoon. 

Cloisters Located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, the building incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters—quadrangles enclosed by a roofed or vaulted passageway, or arcade—and from other monastic sites in southern France. Its gardens are a great way to spend a nice afternoon. Pay for the Cloisters or the Metropolitan Museum and see both for the price of one (although note that payment at both places is by donation, in any case). (Take the A to Inwood-207th Street for the M4 bus)

Guggenheim The architecture is more interesting than the collection it hosts, although the spiraling galleries are ideal for exhibiting art works. It was designed by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was built in 1959. TIP: Take the elevator to the top and view the exhibits by walking down hill.

International Center of Photography 1133 Sixth Avenue (at 43rd Street). Devoted solely to photography, this museum a block from Times Square always has interesting exhibits running. Take the B, D, F or V trains to Bryant Park-42nd Street.

Museum of Sex 233 Fifth Avenue (at 27th Street), A museum which relates to the evolution of sex. It features images, films, and sex devices being used. They also sell some adult collections. Take the N (weekends only), R, or W (weekdays only) to 28th Street.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), 11 West 53 St (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Subway: E or V to Fifth Ave/53 St; B, D, or F to 47–50 Streets/Rockefeller Center), This is the most comprehensive collection of modern art in the world, and is so large as to require multiple visits to see all of the works on display. If you are in a hurry and want to see only the crowd-pleasers, head to the fifth floor, where you'll find works like Van Gogh's Starry Night and Picasso's Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Also make sure to take time to visit the extensive (and sometimes whimsical) industrial design collection.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum is in New York City's Central Park along Fifth Avenue. The Museum's two-million-square-foot building has vast holdings that represent a series of collections, each of which ranks in its category among the finest in the world. The American Wing, for example, houses the world's most comprehensive collection of American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, presently including 24 period rooms that offer an unparalleled view of American history and domestic life. The Museum's approximately 2,500 European paintings form one of the greatest such collections in the world's Rembrandts and Vermeers alone are among the choicest, not to mention the collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist canvases. Virtually all of the 36,000 objects constituting the greatest collection of Egyptian art outside Cairo are on display, while the Islamic art collection is one of the world's finest. Other major collections belonging to the Museum include arms and armor, Asian art, costumes, European sculpture and decorative arts, medieval and Renaissance art, musical instruments, drawings, prints, antiquities from around the ancient world, photography, and modern art.

Madame Tussauds New York City's branch of the famous London wax museum. Features over 200 detailed life-like wax models of celebrities, politicians, athletes and historical icons in the heart of Times Square.

PS1 Contemporary Art Center, 22–25 Jackson Avenue (Queens). An affiliate of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Whitney Museum of American Art Contemporary American art, permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. The Whitney is associated with Fisher-Landau Center in Queens, and the Whitney Museum at Altria, a smaller exhibition space in midtown.

The New Museum of Contemporary Art Contemporary art exhibitions with no permanent collection.

Science and Technology

Hayden Planetarium

American Museum of Natural History in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Contains the Hayden Planetarium, immediately to its north on 81st St. Take the B (weekdays only) or C train to 81st Street-
Museum of Natural History or the 1 train to 79th Street (a few blocks further away than the B or C)

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 12th Ave & 46th St, Subway: A, B, C, D, E, F, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 to 42nd Street (either Port Authority Bus terminal, Times Square, Bryant Park, or Grand Central, depending on the line you take) and then take a westbound M42 bus. (Times Square and Port Authority Bus Terminal are the closest stops to the museum, if you plan on walking directly from the train to avoid waiting for the bus.

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (Museum at FIT), 7th Avenue at 27th St. Subway: 1 train to 28th Street.

New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th Street in Queens located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, On the grounds of the former World's Fair, and incorporates one of the buildings of the Fair, now known as the Great Hall. Subway: 7 train to 111th Street