The Lion Guards of Versailles Versailles has to be seen to believe. Extravagant is too weak of an adjective to describe it. Every room has something more than what you expect in the way of paintings, architecture and furnishings. With the addition of modern add sprinkled about, you never know what to expect. Gardes are two warlike lions in white lace napkins by Franco-Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, the first woman to exhibit in the garden rooms of Versailles. Much of the modern art there seems out of place at times. Although these lions are covered in white lace, at least they are still lions.
Paris from Above Like many older cities, Paris has its historical part of downtown and the more modern sections. This view of downtown Paris is from the Montparnasse Tower. At 59 stories, it’s the only modern building in the historical part of Paris, which stands out from most other buildings at six stories. We were told that after they built it, it seemed out of place, so no other tall, modern buildings would be allowed. With its 360 degree view on the roof, it does have a great view of the Eiffel Tower and the modern office district in the background. Though it was late in the afternoon when we arrived, it was still hours until sunset. The backlight made it difficult to shoot a cityscape with my wide-angle lens, but I did my best.
Inside Marine One Most people will never have an opportunity to travel inside a helicopter. Those who have will tell you it’s loud and cramped. That is, of course, unless you are the President of the United States. The Marine helicopter he travels in is called Marine One and you can bet it’s not your run-of-the-mill ride. This restored Sikorsky VH-3A Sea King was used to ferry Presidents Nixon and Ford before it was retired. Not a bad way to beat the rush hour traffic when you had to get somewhere fast. You can find it at the National Naval Aviation Museum. An interesting note… When the President travels, there are several helicopters. He travels in one and his security detail, staff and the press pool travel in several others. From the ground, there is no way to know certainly which aircraft he is in.
