I left my hostel this morning and walked into place Baudoyer on my way to the Metro. It was drizzling wet, and the bells from the monastery were ringing in the morning hour. Across the street the shops and restaurants on rue Rivoli were setting up for the day. It was an idyllic and poetic way to start a rainy day in Paris...I just wish a picture could have captured how it felt!
I decided to find the main library of the city. It would mean a long walk to the 13th arrondissment. On the way, as usual, I got distracted...taking pictures, finding quiet little side streets, getting lost, etc. I bought a pastry called une gallate amond in l'Ile de la Cite and ate it o my way...it was delicious....
In the 5th, I came across le Gardin des Plantes, where locals were enjoying the afternoon. It is a beautiful place, I saw a school of Botany (commisioned by King Henry the 8th to grow medicinal plants), a zoo, and some museums. I went to the Museum of Evolution.
The rest of the walk to the library took longer than I expected, and went through some sketchy neighborhoods, but my goal is to visit the library in each city I travel to, so I perservered! When I got there, it was just of 4 tall modern buildings, set high on a huge set of stairs.
When I got up the steps (groan), and past security (comical if you don't know the language), I found out that I couldn't get into the stacks without some type of card. I left after about 5 minutes....but hey, at least I can say I made it!
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3 comments:
The libraries over there I wonder if they're like the new college in my town where the bookcases can be squeezed like an accordian by the touch of a button.
And for students safety they will not close completely if you put your still inside or part way in or out.
A new revolution to how to do research other than using computers where there is more than the eye can see. And the books on the bookshelves few in comparison.
Get back with me on that one as I still like the old feel and look of an older library you see in movies.
Q:)
Hi Joannie,
There are a few old school libraries in Paris. A friend of mine sent me a picture of one called BNF Paris (I think). I didn't get a chance to check it out, but I may try to on my way back.
Tori-
It was your blog "Oh, I forgot about the Louvre" and my post Feb. 26, 2007 there that I referred to going back and making another comment regarding our local newspaper.
This is the wrong blog I posted that direction to.
Aunt Joanne
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