From Texas to Beyond

Local, Near and Far: Our journey of exploring the world.

Category: Paris (Page 1 of 2)

Palace of Versailles, Statues

A Day Trip to Versailles: A Photographic Stroll

March 22, 2017 / / 4 Comments

The Palace of Versailles is easily the most opulent building in Europe!  What started as a hunting lodge, quickly became an extravagant home for the French royalty.  The palace and its beautiful grounds are now owned by the people of France.  Just a short train ride outside of Paris, we highly recommend a visit to this conveniently-located country estate.

When arriving, the crowds will be overwhelming.  However, the line moves quickly.  Spend some of your wait time by taking selfies, an absolute must before entering the Palace.

Rebekah & David at the Palace of Versailles

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This Massive Palace Now Houses the Musée du Louvre

The Art of Paris: The Top 5 Experiences at the Louvre

October 27, 2015 / / 0 Comments

In continuing our series The Art of Paris, one must include the Louvre. With this impressive and giant museum, the only way I could think of tackling a blog article about it was to create a top 5 must see list.  You could spend months inside the museum and still not view every object.  So when you go, it is helpful if you do a little research, figure out what you want to see, it’s location, and everything in between is a bonus.

Originally the structure was built as a fortress in the 12th century.  Since then, it has had a history of never ending remodeling to meet the needs of various purposes with its latest addition in 2012.  It was once a home to Francois I and later to Louis XIV, which he found to be too busy so he built Versailles just outside of town as a retreat or place to get away.  The palace was established as a museum in 1793.

Top 5 Experiences in no particular order…

Musée du Louvre - The Flying Carpet Structure of the Islamic Gallery

The Flying Carpet Structure of the Islamic Gallery

  1. The Islamic Galleries “Flying Carpet” – This beautiful addition was complete in September of 2012.  Located in an internal courtyard, the roof or flying carpet, does not touch the original facade of the Louvre.   It is a beautiful marriage of traditional architecture of the Louvre, and valuing progress with a modern structure.   The exhibit space is submerged 40 feet into the ground to provide light sensitive objects a safe viewing space.  I am not sure how much time I spent looking at the structure.  It was truly stunning.

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Père Lachaise Cemetery - Stained Glass Through a Quatrefoil
Stained Glass Through a Quatrefoil

The Art of Paris: Père Lachaise Cemetery

October 22, 2015 / / 0 Comments

I proudly introduce my sister, Rachel Cabal, as a guest blogger.  Mom and Dad would would pile us in the van and take off for 1-2 week vacations across the US.  They officially gave us the travel bug.  We have spent time traveling in Texas, Belize, and recently met up in Madrid.  From Texas to Beyond is excited to bring you her unique perspectives as an incredibly talented care giver for the aging.  Rachel is a Licensed Recreational Coordinator for skilled nursing units, specializing in geriatrics.  Today Rachel is sharing her perspective on The Art of Paris.

Every day I get to go to work and encounter elders. I hear stories about spirituality, life’s work, family, loss and celebration, and TRAVEL. Reminiscing about travel is a favorite activity for our elders and they invite me to present my impressions of places they traveled years before. In my Paris presentation, I included Père Lachaise Cemetery.

You might imagine that a review of a cemetery wouldn’t be an interesting topic for folks in their later years, but I love to share that I understand death to be a part of life and that cemeteries are tangible celebrations of lives. Père Lachaise is a visual, physical, and spiritual experience not to be missed when visiting Paris.

Père Lachaise Cemetery - Jim Morrison's Grave

Jim Morrison’s Grave

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Exterior of the Musée de l'Orangerie

The Art of Paris: Monet’s Water Lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie

October 19, 2015 / / 2 Comments

The third art museum in The Art of Paris series is least known of the four museums we visited during our visit to Paris. Inside an old converted green house, the Musée de l’Orangerie offers Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces with less crowds.

While not as popular as the Musée d’Orsay’s Impressionist collection, l’Orangerie includes significant works by numerous French painters.

However, the headliner of the gallery is Claude Monet.

Rebekah at the Musée de l'Orangerie

Rebekah at the Musée de l’Orangerie

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Upper Sanctuary Interior Sainte-Chapelle (2)

The Art of Paris: The Stained Glass Windows of Sainte-Chapelle

October 15, 2015 / / 2 Comments

In continuing our series, The Art of Paris, we have chosen to include the beautiful chapel, Sainte-Chapelle.  The artisans that created the stained glass windows must be celebrated and honored!  Walking into this chapel is like walking into your very own jewelry box filled with precious stones.

Upper Sanctuary Interior Sainte-ChapelleI had never heard of the destination until a cousin at a family reunion shared his experience with me.  He is an incredibly talented interior designer with exquisite taste.  Years ago, he stumbled upon this jewel and told me I had to go, so of course, I listened.

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