Post Number 5 - Paris

I did my first official ballet class in 18 days. That sounds so bad, and I feel like such a slacker.

Last night I set up a plan for the next 3 days before Noodle arrives. Firstly, so that I would have something to do and I also wanted to do some dancing and go to a few of the museums here. There are over 60 places to visit, so I thought I should start with the more important ones. 

Number 1: The Louvre

I left the house at about 9:30am and took the Metro to Hotel de Ville. I walked to the Centre de Danse du Marais, to do a ballet class at 11am. Unfortunately there was no class because the teacher was still on holiday. I decided to come back at 7pm for another ballet class, which would then give me more time to spend at the Louvre.

Naturally, I chose the wrong time to go to the Louvre. When I walked out of the Metro station, I stood aghast for about 20 seconds. The line leading up to the famous Pyramide was about 5000 people long. It wasn't one of those polite, patient lines either. It was a pushy (mostly Italians, I noticed, as I walked down the line) and a rather impatient line. For a moment, I was contemplating running away or striking a grenade; then I remembered that there is an easier way to get into the museum. If you go downstairs to the Carousel du Louvre, you can buy a Museum & Monuments Pass which gives you easy access into over 60 places in and outside Paris. I highly recommend it, especially if you are willing to dash from one museum to another. I am probably paying more than I would if I just bought regular tickets, but it saves me about... let's see... 3 hours?

As I strolled (it took me about 2 minutes to buy my Museum Pass and enter the museum) into the Louvre, once again I stared in amazement and the amount of people inside already. There were thousands. I pushed my way through the crowds (I felt a bit rude, but you gotta do what you gotta do) and entered via the Devon galleries. Wrong move. You know why? That's where the 13th-18th century Italian paintings are. Yup, the friggin' Mona Lisa.

As I grew more and more angry about my day, I thought that I might as well go and look at the woman. Personally, she's okay. Her smile failed to intrigue me. It's pretty much the same as looking at it on your computer on Google, only you don't have to look over a million heads trying to catch a glance and the overrated painting. Seriously overrated. I could hardly see it with all the camera flashes (which you are not supposed to use). I saw some stunning paintings in that museum, twice as beautiful, just less publicised. Don't get me wrong, I think Mr. Da Vinci is a genius, but I guess I'm not like the other tourists. I don't have to prove I was there.

After a while I got tired of pushing past hundreds of people, so I went to the less popular galleries, which still displayed the most amazing collection of paintings and sculptures I have ever seen. Just to think that I was walking among works by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Monet, Reubens, Vermeer and other really cool people just thrilled me. I loved the Cour Puget and the Cour Marly the most. It was once a courtyard, but now it is covered by a massive glass dome so the courts are filled with natural light. Being there among the French sculptures put me at ease. There is something about museums that I love. I know I may sound like an old man, but I love the calmness (except for the room with you-know-who) and the serenity of just sitting and looking at art and trying to work out a story to the work or getting inside the artists' heads. If you are ever in Paris, this is one place you must visit.

After about 4 hours, I couldn't take any more paintings or statues so I left. The next time I go there, I will get an audio guide. The people I saw with them looked like they were having more fun. I didn't get one because it cost 6 euros and there was a long line. I walked along the River Seine until I got to Hotel de Ville and had a look inside. It is now a huge shopping centre that sells pretty much everything for the home.

I arrived back at the dance school for the 7pm class. My body was in no shape to dance, so I made sure I had a thorough warm up before class started. Naturally, I chose the wrong class to attend. It was quite awkward and very school-like. Very much like the first ballet class I did in London. It was taken by Frederic Lazzarelli, who was a nice but eccentric character. He shouted a lot; not in anger but just to push us. He shouted until his face turned red. I had no idea what was going on and had to work out what he was saying by his gestures. He pushed me really hard, telling me to lift my leg higher and turn out more. The floor was also very hard, so when it came to jumps I found it almost impossible. I also probably lacked the stamina because I haven't lifted a finger for almost three weeks. I've been doing sit-ups and push ups every day, but I just haven't done any cardiovascular exercise. 

He spoke to me after class and said that I did very well and wished me luck with my career. He asked me which company I was from, so I was quite flattered. Does this mean I am company standard?

Pina Bausch starts on Monday! Well, it might be Tuesday because I may have to collect a tired little girl from the airport.