PARIS
My brother David chunneled on down from London to spend the weekend with me. We bummed around Paris, and went out to Versailles. If you've seen one gaudy, gilt-encrusted chateau, you've see them all, but Versailles' grounds are truly amazing, even on a grey, icy March afternoon.
Sunday, which we had set aside for the museums (since nothin' else is open in Paris on Sundays) turned out to be "free museum day." This was a blessing to our wallets, but a curse to our intentions. Everything was packed, and the line outside the d'Orsay was ridiculous. If you really want to enjoy the art (and not just check it off your list in a "been there, done that" sort of way), then the free museum day really isn't worth the effort--unless you like the less popular things--like "pre-historical" artifacts. (How can anything be "pre-historical"?)
The bottom line: go to London where the National Gallery and British Museum are ALWAYS FREE.
HOL VAGYOK?
annie: Hey D, I don't think we're where we want to be.
david: Yeah, we're too far north.
annie: Which way's north?
david: I don't know.
LA GIOCONDA
Will someone please explain to me why the Mona Lisa is so famous and popular? It's a nice little painting, but I greatly prefer some of Leonardo's other works, such as Virgin of the Rocks. If someone could explain why she reached iconic status, please let me know.
WHO'S THIRD?
Today I learned that both Kirby Puckett and Dana Reeve have died recently. Both were young (in their 40's). "They" say that famous people die in 3's. Who's next (or who haven't I heard of yet?).
9 years ago
3 comments:
There are two responses for why "la Jaconde" is famous.
1. As my son says, "her enigmatic smile. . . what does enigmatic mean?"
2. It's famous for being famous.
Ali Farka Toure died too. he is considered the godfather of the desert blues. (afican blues with arabic influence).
Dont feel bad, i didnt know about him either. just saw his obituary in THe Guardian. so maybe he isnt famous.
You know, you're not very anonymous when you mention reading The Guardian and post a comment at this time of day. Nancy just mentioned Gordon Parks as a 3rd. He was a photographer and director of several movies, including SHAFT.
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