Paris - Musee D'Orsay

Wednesday 31 December

This morning it is off to a flying and early start – well early for us anyway – leave the apartment at 9.10 to beat the crowds at the Musee D’Orsay. Well that was the theory anyway – on arrival, yes the Paris holiday crowds had the same idea and we join the snaking queue. After an hour or so (and yes, it was cold) we finally make it in the front door and commence the discovery of the gems on offer at the D’Orsay. Admittedly the crowds took a bit of the gloss of the experience, but the life and colour offered by Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Renoir and co. is spectacular. Rosie is particularly taken with Degas’ Little Dancer. Several other exhibitions on show add to the experience, particularly an exhibition on ‘Masques’ and ‘Mystery and Glitter’ – the latter an especially good exhibition of pastels from the earliest drawings through to modern pieces – the Degas pieces again being exceptionally good.

Back to the apartment for a break – legs are very tired and sore not just from walking to and from the Musee D’Orsay, but also because of the kilometres we seemed to walk inside the museum. Tiredness sinks in but we summon the energy to catch the Metro up to the Arc de Triomphe and catch some of the atmosphere in the Champs Elysees for New Years Eve. A wander down this boulevard is special at any time, but the lights and festive atmosphere make this particularly enjoyable. Also interesting to watch all the shops have their windows boarded up in preparation for the new year’s celebrations – no vomit, smash and grabs, or grubby hand prints on those windows next morning!

We finish our walk at the Place de la Concorde and catch the Metro back home, a visit to a local brasserie for a very delicious New Years Eve dinner and then it is home to bed for these “go get ‘em”, “let’s party” animals – everyone asleep by 10 except Simon of course. Midnight comes and the explosions, cheers, horns, church bells, all ring out and Steve and Bronwen stir – Steve gets up, has a look out the window, wishes Simon a happy new year and then back to bed – Wow! Do we know how to bring in the new year!!