France: Part 3 of 3

Here's the final edition of my Paris; unfortunately you may be disappointed. My camera batteries (yes, both of them) died on me at the last day. Tragic, I know. However, I managed to snag some good photos with my camera and iPad before my camera's batteries' tragic end.

Last, but certainly not least, we decided to visit the Louvre. Much like Versailles, this is an all day affair. I was almost disappointed because we only had a couple hours and I could not take my time and look at everything (which I would need a solid week for in that place alone). For those of you who know me best, you know that I can spend endless hours at museums (too bad you weren't there to join me on this one, Jewelle). The highlights at the museum were as follows:

This is the outside of the Louvre, which is a masterpiece in itself. Established in 1792, the Louvre attracts millions of people each year. It holds thousands of world renowned masterpieces and is considered by many to be the greatest museum in the world.

This piece is called the WInged Victory of Samothrace. This piece, created in the 2nd century, represents the Goddess Nike (Victory). Unfortunately this masterpiece, created by Pythokritos of Lindos, lost her arms and head, both of which have never been fully recovered.

 Now I'm 100% positive I do not need to identify this painting for you, but I will all the same. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is widely considered the most famous paining in all of history. It's not as big as one would think; it is about 30 x 21 in. (Don't be that impressed I looked up the dimensions). Regardless of its disappointing size, millions of people have travelled across the globe to see this masterpiece. I had to shimmy my way to the front, like I would at a club. My spectacular dance moves worked out in my favor and I got this snap right before my camera battery died.

Now this one was nothing short of spectacular. The Coronation of Napoleon, created by Jacques-Louis David from 1805-1807, depicts Napoleon I being crowned the Emperor of France. He controversially holds the crown above his head as if placing it on his head himself. Napoleon I was crowned in Notre Dame. This painting's official home lies in the Louvre and a replica exists in the Palace of Versailles. Now, the picture I took of this painting may look small, but don't be fooled. This painting is enormous, with its dimensions being 10 meters wide and 6 meters tall (yes I looked that up as well). It is one of the most beautiful paintings I've ever seen, and was by far my favorite painting in the Louvre (even beat out the Mona Lisa--sorry da Vinci). Napoleon I, although notorious, is in my opinion one of the most fascinating characters in history, and this painting is an excellent symbol of his ego and influence he had over France.

Now this guy I searched over hell and highwater for. For those of you who have never been to the Louvre, the place is a maze. Each corner you turn there is more to explore, which can be difficult when you are searching for one specific thing. I had limited time until I had to leave for the airport, and I was not leaving until I saw this thing. This, people, is the Code of Hammurabi, which is a well preserved law code of ancient Mesopotamia which dates back to 1772 BC. YES. BC. Even those of you who are not History geeks like myself can surely appreciate that. The code states crimes and punishments, one of them being the famous "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" ideology. This "stone" is one of the first examples of a unified law regulated by a government, and is a huge influence of the laws and freedoms you have today. APPRECIATE THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF HISTORY PEOPLE. 

Ps. This picture is also deceiving of its size. The tablet rises over 7 feet tall. 

Pps. Forgive me it was taken with my iPad. A girl can only do so much when her camera dies. (Still bitter about it--rookie mistake). 

In between the Louvre at the airport, we made a pit stop to the Arc de Triomphe. Now unfortunately I do not have a good picture of it; if you do not know what the real thing looks like, google it. This monument honors those who lost their lives during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Beneath the monument lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI. The monument had the first eternal flame lit in Western and Eastern Europe since the 4th century. Today you can climb to the top of the monument and take in the sights of Paris, which is shown below. 

And thus concludes my Paris adventures. I got to check off some serious items on my bucket list. Although incredibly expensive, it was a trip of a lifetime and I am sure I will talk about it for years to come (sorry friends). 

As an added bonus here are some black and white photos of the Eiffel tower that I have been messing with. 

Until Next Time, Paris! With love, Taylor.