Carnivale d'Orsay

Another sleep in, but oh, its Sunday. I had talked about getting to Musee d'Orsay by 9:30 but given we arose so late, we didn't leave the flat till 1:30. We decided to take Champs Elysees only to find the Carnivale Tropicale en route.

Tropicale Parade

Brazilian Boas

Standing in the middle of Champs Elysees

 We couldn't pass without taking in some of the festivities, but decided we would head to d'Orsay toute suite. The first Sunday of the month is free and we wanted to  be timely. I have mentioned, jim and I missed our chance last time. I thought it would be the perfect first museum, Impressionism not too heavy v.v. the Louvre. We arrived about 3-ish, given the walk and the carnivale. The line snaked around the small plaza in front and seemed forever long, but as we stood, it seemed to move.  I worked my way up to the front, but couldn't glean anymore about the time schedule. I worked my way back to Mom and Erin, and they had moved a bit so we decided to stick it out. By 40 minutes we were IN! The way up the line Erin read from Frommer's and Rick Steves about what we were to see. PERFECT.
While the impressionist floor is being renovated the pieces are well displayed on the first floor. Musee d'Orsay "had me at hello," or rather  Le Bal du Moulin de la Gallette. It was breathtaking. I went back to get Mom and Erin to see it with them first. I think I was more taken than they were, but it was spectacular. Despite being under glass, the color and light jumps out of the scene. I went back two more times.  I learned about the Nabis movement, including Bonnard, of whom I have heard, but also Serusier. It is a post impressionist movement that ask the work of art to evoke an emotion rather than represent the visual. I poured over Toulouse-Lautrec and Renoir, and found Van Gogh's Eglise d'Anvers and self portrait. 5:30 came too quickly, nonetheless we were all tired of musee-ing and rested outside in the evening sunshine warmth to the entertainment of a clarinetist, a mime and a roller skating showman. Ultimately made our way to RS's beloved Rue Cler, we passed a few cafes to find Le Petit Cler, but only with seats inside, and so gorgeous outside, so we circumnavigated our route and ended up at our own find,  Cafe Central, which was fine, good street view, okay service, but without plat du jour, so this was our priciest night to date. Have to get on the cooking in thing during the week.
Now back a 178. Chamomile tea and bed. I have surgery to observe in the am.