Hello, comusta, Renxkyoko Iglesias musing !
There are tons of current issues I’d like to write about, but I promised I would wind down my European travelogue, so here it is, as promised.
My lovely, regular readers know my family is building a vacation house at Boracay island in the Philippines. We thought construction would be finished in March but a super storm happened, unfortunately . It is a 3 level house with 7 bedrooms, and yes, we do plan to rent out the whole house or individual rooms to tourists. Although it’s now almost 99% finished, we still need to furnish it, and you know, we have no investors, everything is out of pocket, our pockets, and I guess, we are already at our limit, as far as finances go.
That’s how it looked in November. ( That’s my dad in yellow shirt ) I wish I could show here some recent photos , but our aunt is so computer -challenged she doesn’t even know how to email pictures. * shakes head *
We’ve already sent 5 boxes of stuff to the Philippines, via Door to Door delivery. ( dozens of towels, Ikea curtains, chafing dishes, etc. … omg, bottles of wine ! ! )
We originally planned to go to Japan and some Southeast Asian countries , but I guess that ‘s cancelled now. I’m very disappointed. Oh, well. It’s okay….. I don’t think a one-month Philippine vacation is enough, anyways….. there are so much to do there and so much to see, and I’ll take tons of pictures. Oh, by the way, my brother and his girlfriend are coming too, but they are going to France first, and from there, fly to the Philippines. We don’t know if we’ll get to meet up with them, though. We hope not. My mother said it would be troublesome to take care of 2 more people. Ha ha .
Speaking of France……Paris is the last leg of our European tour. We’ve been to Nice, Carcassone, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Amboise, Avignon, ( all in France) and I’ve already posted some pictures of Paris.. and the photo below of the Eiffel Tower. I’m posting it again because I look very happy in it.
So without further ado….
The following photos are those of The Louvre Museum’s .
Below is the back entrance. The size of European cars fascinates me because my eyes are used to big, American cars. Guess what, Mini cars are already being advertised on TV here in the US. I just watched a commercial for a Mini a while ago, a cute yellow one.
Below is the entrance to the Museum.
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That triangle structure looks kind of out of place in front of the imposing palace.
Now for the awesome art objects inside Louvre.
* stares* I’m wondering about the pose. Or maybe not. Maybe that was just the way they posed. Cool.
There’s a lot of movement in these later Roman statues. Gorgeous.
You can feel the movement of those muscles.
* stares * Oh. my. word. He’s beautiful ! ! !
.
Alright, enough of the nekkid male statues. Below is Venus de Milo, goddess of beauty.
I bet you haven’t seen Venus’ behind.
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Photo below is Athena ( not sure )
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This is all for now, folks. Next post is still Louvre Museum. The place has thousands of art objects ! Stand by for the Mona Lisa !
Oh, yeah, Manny Pacquiao , a champion Philippine boxer just won over Bradly. We watched it a few hours ago on paid HBO special. Okay, I didn’t watch it. I don’t like boxing.
So, bye for now. Good day and PEACE.
Am a Molecular Microbiology student, love to read books, and I play the violin. 
dreamsending
renxkyoko
renxkyoko's space 
Posted by Charles Yallowitz on April 13, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Very cool pictures. I agree that it’s weird seeing the mini-cars when one is used to the big ones.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 5:59 am
Switzerland , I think, is the capital of mini cars. The cars are all small ! ( except trucks that move goods. ) And of course, bicycles. They go to work riding bicycles, in suits. They’re so green.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 6:00 am
ooops, my mistake. I was thinking Amsterdam.
Posted by ledrakenoir on April 18, 2014 at 10:46 am
Yeah you are right dutch Amsterdam and danish Copenhagen are full of mini cars and biking people – every day you can see tons of “biking suits”… 😉
Posted by renxkyoko on April 19, 2014 at 8:29 am
Yes ! Men in suits biking to thier workplace. It was amazing.
Posted by Charles Yallowitz on April 14, 2014 at 10:54 am
It’d be nice to be able to bike to work, but most people around here live miles away down highways.
Posted by andy1076 on April 13, 2014 at 12:51 pm
I hope the wine bottles made it okay! :O beautiful..absolutely beautiful photos of your Paris trip! especially the lady in them 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 6:04 am
Yes, they did. No breakages. ( except one framed painting. )
Hey, I really like that Eiffel Tower pic. Don’t I look so happy in it?
Posted by andy1076 on April 14, 2014 at 11:51 am
You look happy and beautiful in it 🙂 must of been neat seeing it in person huh!
Posted by renxkyoko on April 19, 2014 at 8:34 am
Oh, yes ! It was a dream come true. At the Forum in Rome, I stood in front of the ruins and daydreamed, I kid you not. I was so into it. I had the same feeling as I stood in front of Venus.
Posted by andy1076 on April 19, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Imagine, what the sculptors of the day must of been thinking, I bet they said “This is going to last lifetimes” heh if only they’d known you’d be one of them enjoying it 🙂
Posted by Wendell A. Brown on April 13, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Thanks for always sharing your beautiful pictures of your travels! I hope all goes well with your family’s vacation home…have a wonderful week ahead!
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 6:06 am
Thanks, Wendell A. Brown.
By the way, I’m supposed to be following you, but I’m not getting any updates on my email folder !
Posted by disperser on April 13, 2014 at 4:26 pm
. . . Weird . . . I was sure there was stuff other than naked men in the Louvre.
Seriously, looks like a nice place to visit. And it’s nice they allow photography. Some museums, the ones I don’t go to, don’t.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 6:12 am
He he…..
Paintings next time. You know, they say if we examine each and every art object in the Louvre, it would take 6 months to get it done.
Posted by Ste J on April 13, 2014 at 5:35 pm
I’ve only ever known one person to photograph the back of something in a museum and that was just for sarcasms sake. I found your cars to be massive and wide…coming back over here I feel all scrunched up in our cars..it was disconcertingly claustrophobic for a week or so.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 6:57 am
Really ? Well,we only see the front, so now, I’m showing Venus’ back. Ha ha
The bigger the car, the better, that’s our motto. Ugh ! I wish we’d move from big cars to minis , at least for city driving. We can just rent if we go on a long drive.
SteJ, I didn’t see any sprawling carparks in Europe.
Posted by Christy Birmingham on April 13, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Amazing architecture!
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 7:01 am
Architecture is really what’s amazing in Europe.
Cheers, Christy Birmingham.
Posted by arlene on April 13, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Lovely pics Ren. So you’re taking a vacation here in the Philippines? Enjoy the trip 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 7:02 am
Yes, we are, in June, Ms. Arlene. !
Posted by russellboyle on April 13, 2014 at 9:44 pm
When next in the Philippines, sit down with your aunt and show her how to attach a file to an email message. Be patient with her! Reassure her that she’s making progress. Show her again and again, and as often as she needs you to, so that the learning moves from her short into her long term memory. As a result, you’ll earn a special place in her heart…
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 7:12 am
Yes, I will. Overseas call is so expensive. We always tell her “open your emails, aunty, “but she never does. She’s 72, still strong and perky, but it seems her brain is rejecting new technology. She’s very smart, though, so I guess we can teach her when we get there.
Posted by anay007 on April 14, 2014 at 12:24 am
Wow that looks amazing! Being just been to paris myself it’s making me miss it so much!
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 4:45 pm
I want to go back to Louvre, on my own, and my own time. There’s so much to see, but , being in a guided tour just cramps my style. I couldn’t even stop to get a good shot … everything was fast. * sigh *
Posted by anay007 on April 14, 2014 at 10:32 pm
That’s what I felt about Versailles
Posted by June on April 14, 2014 at 3:54 am
Can’t wait to see a photo of the vacation house when it’s done. France looks lovely. I bet it’s even more beautiful in person. Must have been fun capturing those statues. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 5:05 pm
Can’t wait to see it too.
France is beautiful….. so is the whole of Europe, June. History is right there in front of you. It’s well-preserved. You should save up and go, June.
Posted by June on April 15, 2014 at 1:21 am
Yup, that’s definitely worth adding up to my so-called bucket list. 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on April 15, 2014 at 1:41 am
If you can go to just one country, go to Italy. And the Vatican… it’s a must-see.
Posted by June on April 15, 2014 at 1:46 am
Oh yes, I believe that their cultural heritage speaks a lot about humanity and it’s wonderfully shown in their artistic architectural landmarks and sculptures. Definitely a must see.
Posted by iyassantos on April 14, 2014 at 3:55 am
Nakak-inggit! I wish I can also go there someday! And yay for showing us Venus’ behind. LOL
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 5:10 pm
Inggit din ako sa sarili ko, ha ha ha. When I was looking for photos to post, It was like the first time for me too, know what I mean? I didn’t even know I took those photos.
Venus behind… ^_^ “…. I was about to write Venus’ butt, but I thought it was so disrespectful. * ashamed *
Posted by Xena on April 14, 2014 at 5:34 am
I really enjoyed the photos. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 7:13 am
I’m glad you liked them, Xena. More to come !
Posted by Dave on April 14, 2014 at 8:04 am
Brilliant post!
Posted by renxkyoko on April 14, 2014 at 5:11 pm
Thanks, Dave ! ! !
Posted by Peter Wells aka Countingducks on April 15, 2014 at 1:09 pm
I too loved the photos, but what I really always love is your commentary and comments on the pictures. Are the gay !?. Probably too late to ask, but the must certainly go to the gym a lot
Posted by renxkyoko on April 15, 2014 at 4:11 pm
Everything was manual work, they did a lot of walking and running, and chopping wood, I reckon. Beats gym work, hands down.
Posted by breezespeaks on April 15, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Great pics of the sculptures, but conservative Americans would probably want to cover up the nudity. I am living vicariously thru your pictures.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 15, 2014 at 4:25 pm
If I myself covered “it” up, it would distract us from appreciating the beauty of the human body, and the art itself. I wanted to show it in all its glory.
Oh, conservative people should get over it. The Sistine Chapel at the Vatican has walls and ceilings all painted with nude art.
Cheers !
Posted by returntothe80s on April 15, 2014 at 5:22 pm
Awesome pictures as usual! We have a popular restaurant/banquet hall in our area called the Venus de Milo (they have the best soup). There is a replica of the statue in the main lobby. It looks funny seeing the real one. The next time I’m at the Venus, I’ll have to see how accurate the replica is, and see if that one has ass-crack too. 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing the paintings!
Posted by renxkyoko on April 17, 2014 at 6:53 pm
ha ha….. I don’t know why I took a pic of Venus’ behind. Typical of me, I guess. I’m naturally irreverent.
Oh, let me know, okay ?
Posted by loujenhaxmyor on April 16, 2014 at 6:46 am
The Louvre would probably be on my bucket list– the one museum I’d really want to spend time in. How very fortunate for you to see such wonderful artwork. Good luck with your vacation home and enjoy the paintings. peace.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 17, 2014 at 6:48 pm
It was awesome. it was jaw-dropping. And that’s an understatement.
The Vatican Museum is another one. If you haven’t read my posts on the Vatican, I have them here. I posted lots of photos ! ! !
Posted by supernova1c on April 16, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Nice post Ren, I’m looking forward to the rest of the Louvre 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on April 17, 2014 at 6:45 pm
You bet.
Cheers, supernova .
Posted by Sam Han on April 16, 2014 at 10:08 pm
Happy Easter in advance Ren! 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on April 17, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Ditto !
Meanwhile, we’re on reflection mode. It’s the Holy Week. Tomorrow is Good Friday. Meat less and fasting at home.
Posted by Kev Ollier on April 17, 2014 at 11:05 am
Great post. Apparently when the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, more people went to see the empty space than they ever did the painting
Posted by renxkyoko on April 17, 2014 at 7:23 pm
That makes sense. You’ll miss a thing or person more when it’s gone.
Posted by Ang Tambay na si MyR on April 18, 2014 at 2:20 am
I hope i could visit the most romantic city in the world 😉 And hey renx, ur vacation house in boracay is almost to be finished…i cant wait to see the finish product..;-)
Posted by renxkyoko on April 19, 2014 at 8:40 am
Your dream will come true, Tambay.
]
I can’t wait to see the house too. Wow ! 2 more months ! !
Posted by DeDivahDeals on April 19, 2014 at 2:28 am
oh my, thanks for sharing as this is one destination that is definitely on my bucket list. Gotta love their obsession with the body and how intricate the artwork is.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 19, 2014 at 8:44 am
The people then weren’t exactly shy and modest, were they ? Ha ha But they are really beautiful, DeDivah.
Posted by Holistic Wayfarer on April 19, 2014 at 3:17 am
Enjoyed your commentaries on the sculptures. =)
Posted by renxkyoko on April 19, 2014 at 8:46 am
Thanks, Holistic Wayfarer. I actually made my commentaries very short this time.
Posted by ledrakenoir on April 19, 2014 at 6:59 am
It is a big project your family is up to,
it will be interesting to see when you’re done with it… 🙂
Exciting shots from the Louvre and Paris – one time I visited it with a friend of mine and his girlfriend – she said suddenly that it was a shame that so many of the male sculptures lacked something quite interesting and asked why they did it – I replied with a big smile that probably it couldn’t be avoided certainly before it was forbidden for women to take handbags in… 😉 😉
Joking aside – it’s actually very fascinating sculptures – indeed a very fascinating museum – and the crowds in the square is also fascinating – so many people – so different people, wonderful to behold … 🙂
As usual a wonderful post from your hand… 😉
Posted by renxkyoko on April 19, 2014 at 8:54 am
I wonder what the girlfriend of your friend meant about the male sculptures lacking something?
There are actually more sculptures at the Vatican Museum…. most probably hundreds and hundreds. It overwhelmed me.
Posted by Ralph on April 19, 2014 at 5:36 pm
Happy Easter Ren ❤
Posted by renxkyoko on April 21, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Ack ! I’m one day late. happy Easter, too, Ralph. Hope you had a good one.
Posted by ~REBECCA DAWN~ on April 19, 2014 at 6:32 pm
Happy Easter, Ren!!!
How are you???
I was thinking of Bitter today! I was reading an old post of mine, one she had commented on. Too bad she isnt blogging anymore! I wonder what she would think of all the latest events, all that you have been blogging about!!! 🙂
I loved your pictures of the statues!!! I cant imagine having the patience carving those out of marble with a chisel!!! sweet mother of pink!! the time it took!!! but it turned out so beautifully!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on April 21, 2014 at 7:48 pm
Venus is a bit chubby by today’s standard, but I think she’s perfect, isn’t she ? And the male sculptures…. what can I say? \(^_^)/ Ladida
Posted by ~REBECCA DAWN~ on April 21, 2014 at 9:18 pm
Venus was perfect in those days. Just the other day I was reading a magazine and I cringed, because celebrities were looking so thin they could snap!
Why can’t a size 4 or 6 be beautiful?
And the male sculptures were oh la la.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 26, 2014 at 12:54 pm
I think Venus is still perfect in 21st century. Our standard now is so unhealthy. My size used to be 0… maintaining that was so oppressive. I’m now size 2. I eat well now, thank goodness.
Posted by Sony Fugaban on April 20, 2014 at 7:08 pm
Thanks for bringing us close to the museum! You narrate your stories in a cute but captivating way.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 26, 2014 at 12:12 pm
Thank you, Sony Fugaban ! I’m glad you like this post. Cheers !
Posted by cessology on April 21, 2014 at 12:14 pm
One month in the Philippines? I’ll take it! Hahaha! I’m going home for a vacation too, only, it’s gonna be for 2-weeks.
I’ve never been to France, so jealous here. I agree with you about the “movement” in the sculptures. More photos please! 😊
Posted by renxkyoko on April 22, 2014 at 12:04 am
Huh ? Aren’t you in the Philippines ?
More photos coming ! ! Cheers !
Posted by Ben Gonzales on April 22, 2014 at 10:22 am
Cool pictures! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on April 26, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Thanks, Ben Gonzales ! * whisper* cringeworthy much ? Ha ha ha
Posted by Ajaytao2010 on April 25, 2014 at 6:59 am
Beautiful pictures dear
Posted by renxkyoko on April 26, 2014 at 12:08 pm
Thank you ! ! You post amazingly beautiful photos too, Ajaytao2010.
Posted by Ajaytao2010 on April 26, 2014 at 12:26 pm
Awwww thank you so much dear Renxkyoko 🙂 🙂
Posted by Mitzie Mee on April 25, 2014 at 8:13 am
I’ve been to paris several times, but I never visited Louvre…big mistake! All those statues are beautiful! Looking forward to Mona Lisa but I’m also curious to hear more about the house project:)
Posted by renxkyoko on April 26, 2014 at 12:05 pm
Of course you can go to Paris anytime, you jetsetter you. ^^ Mitzeemee, you need at least 2 days to appreciate Louvre fully. Fantastic place.
Posted by Henry Chamberlain on April 26, 2014 at 2:59 pm
Wonderful photos! Takes me back to my visit to Paris.
Posted by renxkyoko on May 2, 2014 at 8:31 pm
Thanks ! ! ! The photos took me back too. The memories are hazy now.
Posted by Henry Chamberlain on May 2, 2014 at 8:52 pm
ha..ha. sounds like you had a blast.
Posted by sagedoyle on April 27, 2014 at 7:45 pm
I am awarding you the Premio Dardos award. There are also 6 awards I’m offering to all my readers, which you can take any or all of those. If you don’t accept awards, sorry about that, it’s just my way of saying thank you for coming by. For more details, please view this post http://wp.me/p41c99-MI Take care, Sage
Posted by renxkyoko on May 2, 2014 at 8:28 pm
Thanks , sagedoyle. I’m going to accept all the awards I’ve gotten so far, all in one post. It’s an honor really. That means you’ve actually thought of yours truly for a second there, ha ha ha.
Posted by sagedoyle on May 3, 2014 at 12:06 pm
lol You’re welcome! 🙂
Posted by jakesprinter on April 29, 2014 at 12:15 am
What a great tour Ren…Thanks for sharing my friend 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on May 2, 2014 at 8:25 pm
You’re welcome, Jake. My travel tour it’s almost done, though. I hope you’ve read all my travel posts. Cheers !
Posted by Mélanie on April 29, 2014 at 7:58 am
🙂 you do like nude masterpieces… 😉 I lived in Paris for several years and I went to Louvre lots of times with our French or/and foreign relatives or friends… but I was never tired of it! 🙂
* * *
merci for dropping by my crossroads, my very best and cheers! 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on May 2, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Ha ha Can’t help it, y’know. They are all nude. But they’re awesome though.
Cheers !
Posted by rey & lyn on May 1, 2014 at 7:26 pm
Lovely statues. Lots of culture in your photos. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by renxkyoko on May 2, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Glad that you like the photos. And thanks for commenting too. Cheers !
Posted by nonoymanga on May 3, 2014 at 7:29 am
Thank you so much for the very nice tour. The triangle structure I saw that in the movie davinci code.
Posted by parth893 on May 3, 2014 at 2:28 pm
Hi renx ☺ long time no see dear .
Nice portraits .
well i Guess you enjoyed so much .
Keep smile tc.
Posted by Ajaytao2010 on May 5, 2014 at 4:55 am
Please visit my new blog, hope you like it
http://ajaytaobotanicalblog.wordpress.com/
thank you so much 🙂
Posted by Zoe @ Pantry and Fridge on May 10, 2014 at 5:31 am
Hello! I’m so glad you commented because that Post wasn’t supposed to be up there! I’ve been trying to post a recipe but I’ve been having problems with it. I got almost all the way done with it and it got deleted for no reason! Arrrrgh. Then that blurb was up there. Damn it. Really good to hear from you. I’m trying to get back into it as I have some free time again. Keep an eye out soon!
Love this post. How exciting and great photos. Have fun!!!
Posted by mommermom on May 10, 2014 at 5:07 pm
Great pictures! Interesting, fun, and upbeat bog you have.
Posted by bronxboy55 on May 12, 2014 at 11:36 am
Great shots of Paris. I love those small European cars. I’m surprised you’re allowed to take pictures inside the Louvre. But not the paintings, I assume.
Posted by Peter Wells aka Countingducks on May 13, 2014 at 3:13 pm
I’m missing your Blogging 😦 😦
Posted by Jean on May 15, 2014 at 12:26 am
I enjoyed the Louvre…twice. A magnificent museum.
Posted by antibioticsandambulances on May 16, 2014 at 1:13 pm
Versatile Blogger Award
Posted by Initiator ;-) on May 24, 2014 at 11:08 am
Love to see all pictures including your pic at paris..!
😉
Posted by artclubblog on June 10, 2014 at 1:05 am
What can I say, my heart is in Paris, even though I live in Toronto, and it’s wonderful to see your photos of the Louvre!
Posted by gelaikuting on June 18, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Paris is always been a bucket list ❤
http://www.gelaikuting.net/
Posted by Generation Passport on October 17, 2014 at 12:32 pm
All other societies are nothing compared to the Classics. Our statues would be fat and lazy. Weren’t you going to retire this blog at one point? Then the audience said “come back!” or something?
Posted by The Orples Go to The Museum | orples on November 10, 2014 at 10:32 pm
[…] chit-chat. Come on, let’s follow the Orple’s to France to see the sight’s from Ren’s point of view. […]
Posted by orples on November 11, 2014 at 12:04 am
Watch out, Ren, the orples are talking to the statues, now. Check ‘um out. And don’t be shy. We love Ping-backs! …. Let’s keep this ball bouncing. See you out there in blog-land!
Posted by wholeproduction on April 4, 2015 at 9:31 am
waaaasaaaaa. how are you always taking those fancy trips?
Posted by renxkyoko on April 4, 2015 at 12:05 pm
It was a one month tour courtesy of my mother. A freebie, ha ha .
Posted by wholeproduction on April 4, 2015 at 6:32 pm
Very cool! did you only stay in the capital?
Posted by dougstuber on January 12, 2016 at 6:27 pm
Hargraves Blues
No obstacles in the physical realm can stop the
Flow of fix or ruin. One bicyclist, content to move
In limited space, dodges traffic, kicks her stand
And heads in to read. She gets paid to read, not many do.
No life is long enough to support all the relationships
We build: kids to cats, Moms to cleaning, teacher-student,
Boss to worker. One walker strides down Rosemary Street,
Pulls his hat over his ears, holds palms open, seeking change.
No gesture, however insignificant, goes unseen
In a town full of women. Drivers bounce from one plan
To another, running reds. Phone calls, calendar notes and
Breakfast fill seconds between lane changes, defying death.
No effort, regardless of intention, can sew a revolution
Without mass appeal. Two men shrug, walking into shade.
Nothing for them to do but drink and smoke and go to sleep.
The truth is here to see but no one’s looking anymore.
No wind, even from Saskatchewan, can clean us now.
Some loudmouth stumbles in offering to teach, but
None will have it. A rider, bussing there and back for free,
Takes comfort when a man stands to offer her a seat.
No sandwich, ever so scrumptious, lingers past initial taste.
Sun shines on a bouncing orb. Four for four, he’s another
Wizard with his hands. He does not get paid to shoot a ball.
His hand-to-eye skills have no value in this part of the world.