Bomb Scare!

Thursday, June 4, we had a lesson on how to use the métro.  We didn’t have far to go but did have to make a change in order to reach the Musée Rodin.  The museum has a beautiful rose garden in and around Rodin’s well-known sculptures. 

Fortunately and unfortunately, the main museum, Rodin’s Hôtel Biron, is undergoing renovation, so much of the collection usually on display was not available.  I was very disappointed because I love Camille Claudel’s sculptures.  Camille Claudel had a tempestuous relationship with Rodin.  Rather than detail her tragic story here, let me recommend a biography, Camille: The Life of Camille Claudel, Rodin's Muse and Mistress by Reine-Marie Paris and translated by Liliane Emery Tuck.  Paris is Claudel’s great-niece. 

We purchased 6-day museum passes that would allow us entry not only to the Rodin, but the Louvre, Orangerie, d’Orsay, Sainte Chapelle, and even Versailles.  The roses in the Rodin garden were in full bloom, and we had a very nice morning strolling among the sculptures. 

Our next objective was lunch then the Musée d’Orsay.  The only way I knew to go to the d’Orsay was by métro; however, we had to change to the RER (train) for our final destination.  We tried a nearby Tabac for lunch where the food was good, but the service was pitiful.  I have not had this type of experience in Paris or anywhere else in France before.  We did pose a challenge when we asked for 3 separate bills.  The waiter had his manager bring us one bill, and he did not even say that they wouldn’t do that for us.  Humpphh.

Meanwhile, Michael was to meet us for a tour of the d’Orsay.  I told him we were having lunch and would meet him at the museum, but I neglected to say which one!  He had gone to the Rodin.  Désolée!

Michael said to go ahead in, and he would find us.  My beginning as tour guide, and at the beginning of the museum, was to tell a story Michael told before about this sculpture, Woman Bitten by a Serpent.  The sculptor, Auguste Clésinger, was married Solange Sand, Georges Sand's daughter.  Georges Sand, the French writer, had a tumultuous affair with the composer Frédéric Chopin  (among others).

Clésinger also made the funerary monument for Chopin's grave in  Père Lachaise Cemetery.

The Musée d’Orsay is known primarily for its collection of Impressionists’ work and has recently been renovated.  Jane, who is working toward her BFA in art, was blown away by the works on display.  Michael and I text back and forth until I turn a corner, and there he is!  Michael took over as tour director, and I felt free just to enjoy the paintings for a bit. 

There is currently a special exhibit of the artist Pierre Bonnard.  Here are some of my favorites, a few for which I got in trouble for taking pictures—when paintings are on lone from private collections and/or other museums, apparently there is some stricture on taking photos of them.  Michael says its because they want you to buy the post cards and prints that accompany the exhibit.  

During our sojourn in the Bonnard exhibit, a museum spokesperson starts an announcement regarding an unattended package.  This message repeats for quite a while, asking that whomever should come to retrieve the package.

Right after we make our way to the 5^th floor for the Impressionist paintings, my camera battery dies!  I brought a backup camera, but where is it?  You guessed it—back at the apartment!  Thankfully, I did have my phone as a substitute.  We decided to try to walk through the Impressionists room with blinders on (Ha!) and get a drink at the café.  The café was not seating anyone because they were waiting for further instructions regarding the unattended package situation.  I started back through the rooms, phone in hand, to take as many pictures as I could.  

Sure enough, everyone was asked to evacuate.  I had chosen this day to visit the d’Orsay because it stays open on Thursdays until 9:30 pm.  It’s about 4:30 pm when we evacuate.

The evacuation was very orderly, and it was strange not to see people in the main area of the museum. 

Michael took us to a local bar where we commiserated. 

Michael had to leave for a dinner, and we looked for transportation back to rue Cler.  We board the 69 bus after crossing a bridge near the Louvre/d’Orsay for early evening pictures. 

Jour 6—Le lift ne marche pas!