MONTMARTRE, Picasso and The Bateau-Lavoir

In mid July my Wife and I visited London and Paris. She had to go to London on (partially, anyway) business so she suggested I tag along. To say that we had the a fantastic time would be an under statement to say the least ( more on this trip in future posts ). But for a history and Art buff such as myself in was mind blowing. I had always wanted to go to Paris as my Art school education had recognized it as the birth place of ''modern'' ( european ) art. We took the Eurostar over from London to Paris, and arrived in Paris in 2.5 hours! ( amazing! ) Now a little background info on me and my wife: We are both into planning things like trips down to the smallest detail as we are both very health conscious ( she is a Vegan, I am a Vegetarian ) and love to be organized. but, we decided to 'wing it' and and went to Paris with NO idea on where we were going to stay, how much it would cost or anything. Before we left London I was reading the London Times and read about a writer who went to work in Paris. He mentioned this hotel (L 'Hermitage ) so we decided to try it. Now, I always wanted to go to Montmartre, knowing it's history ( this was the first neighborhood Picasso lived in when he first arrived from Spain in 1900 ) Many famous artists and writers ( Modigliani, Max Jacob, Juan Gris, Kees Van Dongen, you get the picture ) have walked the steep hills and concrete stairs ( Montmartre is situated on a High hill and literally looks down on all of Paris ) So, to find myself there in a great, inexpensive, centrally located Hotel without having to plan any of it was a real blessing. Close by was the 'Bateau-Lavoir' which means 'River barge' Picasso's OLD STUDIO! Picasso was probably the most prolific of modern artists producing thousands of paintings and hundreds of drawings and prints. One of my favorites is The 'Minotauromachy' You can read about this incredible work and it's symbolism here: ( http: //ezinearticles.com/?Pablo-Picassos--Famous-Master-Print-Minotauromachy&id=1018707 ) My copy of this work ( ABOVE, RIGHT with MY OWN symbolism ) is available for sale. Contact me for details. Till Next Time!