It was the best of times; it was the worst of times!

This is one of those days that started with the highest of expectations. I was going to visit the Louvre – arguably one of the finest museums in the world. I knew that it would be crowded – having seen the queues yesterday afternoon, I had purchased a priority entrance ticket at the Paris tourism Bureau.  But nothing prepared me for the sheer ignorance of many of the people at the Louvre.

And here's my rant: if you have no knowledge of the Bible, if you have no knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology, if you have no knowledge of Mediterranean antiquity, if you are bringing children, if you do not understand nudity, if you do not understand the ancient world, then please forgo the Louvre. There are lots of things in Paris that will amuse you without seeing the art. This was one of the most rewarding, and frustrating, days that I have experienced.  I heard grown-ups questioning Roman numerals; I saw bored children being dragged through galleries, I saw families trying to distract their children from the abundant nudity of Greek and Roman mythology, I was embarrassed by the number of people who were taking selfie's in front of pictures.  And then there were the crowds around the Mona Lisa. I know I have no taste, but there were even better da Vinci's in the neighboring gallery as well as Tintoretto's, and Canaletto's, the same gallery.

But it is the Louvre, and every significant genre of art before 1850 was present. I did see the Goyas; I did see the Delacroix; I did see the Hals.  Tomorrow, the Orsay.  I am so in need of impressionism!

Today's Music:   Marche Funebre (Chopin). Reflects my mood. 

Today's Paces:  11,919

Tomorrow's Prayer Intentions:  all souls, because I missed it today. Many people have inspired us in faith. I think my parents, my mother's mother Edna, and many friends who have opened my eyes to the light of faith.