We have had limited opportunities to share any of our experiences due to the long days and limited access to our computer. We will provide details when we return home, but for now we at least wanted to share a few photographs from some of the places that we’ve seen. After a couple of days in Hanoi, Vietnam, we flew to Vientiane, Laos where we spent an afternoon at Buddha Park, which was amazing. Needless to say, the pictures don’t truly do it justice, but here is a brief glimpse into this wonderful site.
Jaws of TeethDifferent Styles of Statues in the ParkA Sense of CalmLooking Over the ParkReclining Buddha
We are not art aficionados, but we do really enjoy and appreciate art. Needless to say, one should not go to Paris without visiting the Louvre. It is definitely a museum that you could visit a hundred times and always see and find something new. Of course there is the Mona Lisa, which draws huge lines to see, but there is so much more. Paintings, statues, and other works of art from all of the masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Giovanni Bellini, and Rembrandt, just to name a few.
The Mona LisaSaint Michael ArchangelUs Outside of the LouvreWinged Victory
Obviously, art museums should be visited whenever you go to any major city, they contain a rich heritage of our human existence. In some ways, looking at art is like drinking wine. It isn’t about who the artist is, what the subject is, whether it is traditional, modern, abstract, or how critically acclaimed a piece may be. What matters is in the eye of the beholder. As they say, drink a wine that you like, not one that is expensive or is “supposed” to go with a specific food, so should you treat your art experience, find what you like and devour that. Art should move you on the inside and the best art pieces will leave a lasting impression on your soul.
A Roman (or Greek, We’re Not Sure) BustPainting of Madonna and ChildChrist on the CrossDramatic Painting
Take time to take a look at the architecture of the Louvre. It is a former palace, before Louis XIV moved to the Palace of Versailles, and the buildings themselves are exquisite. If you’ve seen the movie, the Da Vinci Code, you’re very familiar with the Louvre Pyramid. It certainly stands in stark contrast to the Louvre itself with its modern feel, but we didn’t find it to be “a scar on the face of Paris”, but again, we’re not Parisian. It is part of the whole experience, so take time to stand in the courtyard and enjoy the grandeur of it all.
The Louvre ExteriorLouvre EntranceDeath of Christ
If you are an art scholar, student, art enthusiast, or simply someone who likes art, the Louvre is a must to visit. If you have the time, sit in front of the paintings, absorb them, take in the details, just don’t rush off to the next one on the list. For that matter, take the list of art with you so that you can be sure to see some of the more famous pieces, but don’t use that as your guide. Stop and look at artwork that grabs your attention, that speaks to you, don’t let others decide for you which pieces you should see. Someday soon we’ll be back to Paris, it is one of, if not the, favorite city we’ve ever had the pleasure to enjoy and the Louvre will be part of our return trip.
Painting of an Ancient CrowdClassical PosePerseus rescuing Andromeda
Breckenridge is a resort town in the Colorado mountains that is quite popular for skiing during the winter and hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities in the summer. With so many things to do in Breckenridge, it is a great place to spend at least several days, if not an entire week. Not only are there plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, but the town also has many wonderful restaurants as well as stores offering collectables, clothing, and art. Most everything can be found right off of main street, which is surrounded by a variety of condominiums, rental homes, and hotels.
Downtown BreckenridgePutt Putt GolfStatue in BreckenridgeMountain Bikes for RentFamilies Playing in the Snow
Since we are avid hikers, we truly enjoyed getting out into nature like we did when we hiked Burro Trail. In addition, though, we also enjoyed our time in the town of Breckenridge as well. One of the things that we had heard about was the “Breckenridge Troll”, officially called Isak Heartstone, which is a giant wooden sculpture that has recently been relocated to near the ice skating arena. The creation is the work of Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who came back to Breckenridge to oversee the relocation of the piece of art. It is very large and dramatic.
Zip LinesShops and Restaurants in BreckenridgeThe Breckenridge TrollHistoric Museum in TownAlpine Slide
We also took the free gondola ride up to peak 8 where there are many activities for the entire family to enjoy, but especially children. There is a mountain rollercoaster, a zip line, maze, putt putt golf, as well as an alpine slide. For those that rent mountain bikes, there is a chair lift that will take you to the top of the mountain where you can ride down one of the many trails. Even though it was the middle of summer, there was still some snow on one of the ski runs for people to slide around and throw snowballs at each other. There are also a couple of restaurants to enjoy a cool refreshment and get a meal to keep your energy up for the activities.
Another Historic BuildingMountain Bikers Coming Down the TrailRestaurant on Peak 8River Running Through TownRailroad Exhibit and Children’s Park
The town of Breckenridge is very walkable with many shops and restaurants along the streets, but there is also a free trolley that will take you throughout the area. Like most places in Colorado, the people are extremely friendly and very welcoming to tourists that arrive from all around the world. Another benefit of getting into the mountains during the summer is that the temperatures are much milder and it can even get a little cold in the evening. We really enjoyed our time in Breckenridge and found that it was certainly a wonderful place for people of all ages.
Sasquatch Statue DowntownBike on the Chair LiftFree GondolaMaggie Pond in the VillageWalking Along the River Walk
