Oh Bob, I am so envious. And I am delighted that your visit ended so well. Thanks for filling us in on your experiences.
--Previous Message-- : I am just back from a trip to Paris where I : had royal jewels-related plans. Some : resulted in a big thrill and others in : bitter disappointment. : : I had planned to view the French Crown : Jewels at the Louvres. Three guards : directed me to three different exhibition : rooms. After the fourth directed me to a : yet different room, I requested that they : consult with curatorial staff to confirm : where their exact location. I was informed : that the Crown Jewels are no longer on : display for safety reasons. First big : disappointment. : : I was, however, informed that a few pieces : were on display in the decorative arts : section. There, I found Empress Eugenie's : pearl tiara and one of the tassel diamond : bow brooch, as well as the Duchess : D'Anguouleme's emerald tiara. Now, that was : a thrill. However, I found the pieces to : be badly displayed and badly lit. They : looked flat and had no sparkle. Second big : disappointment. : : The next day, I headed to the Bibliotheque : Forney where is kept one copy of the : catalogue of the Russian Crown Jewels that : was created in 1923 in anticipation of the : sale of the jewels. The reference librarian : brought out a big, heavy, dusty box holding : the four books of descriptions, and the four : sets of life-size pictures of the jewels. I : probably spent three hours pouring over all : the photographs and the detailed : descriptions. Now, THAT was a BIG thrill! : : : :