Quick Facts: The Louvre stands as the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. Housing approximately 38,000 objects from the 21st century, it drew in 10.2 million visitors in 2018, marking it as the most visited museum globally. My decision to visit this museum with a group of female travellers turned out to be a wonderful choice alongside the Eiffel Tower. Among the Louvre’s highlights that captivated us were:

1. The Louvre’s glass pyramid, erected in 1989, is an iconic Parisian landmark. Its grand design, with its large glass and metal structure, felt reminiscent of a scene from the movie “The Da Vinci Code.” Witnessing it up close was truly impressive. Additionally, the inverted pyramid located in the Carrousel Du Louvre showcases impeccable architecture, sparking years of aesthetic and political debate during its construction.

2. The museum’s sheer size and architectural grandeur gave me the sensation of residing within a castle. It dawned on me that I wouldn’t be able to explore everything in a single day. A quick Google search revealed that fully appreciating the museum could take over 100 days, prompting me to ponder a lengthy three-month stay with daily visits!

3. The Mona Lisa, an iconic masterpiece, surprised me with its size. At 21×30 inches, it’s slightly larger than an A2 size paper. My excitement to view the painting contrasted with my expectations shaped by other grand artworks like the massive Spoliarium (a Filipino painting) displayed in the Philippine National Museum, measuring 157.48 x 275.591 inches (4×7 meters).

Traveling enlightened me about French culture, defying negative stereotypes. My personal encounters were incredibly pleasant; a few locals graciously assisted me with luggage and provided clear directions. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds expanded my cultural knowledge, an invaluable asset in my professional journey.

Quick Workplace Tips: Despite differences, maintaining composure and professionalism while leading a team led to the successful closure of a global project, garnering appreciation and cost savings for the company. Embracing disagreements as brainstorming sessions and valuing diverse input aids in devising effective strategies for long-term problem-solving.

My Insight:

1. Similar to the Louvre’s glass pyramid, collaboration within a team yields remarkable outcomes in all aspects of life, particularly in the workplace. Despite differences, understanding one another leads to achieving shared goals, much like the stunning pyramid glass in France.

2. Addressing significant tasks or life challenges requires time, perseverance, strategic planning, and execution. Patience and perseverance are key in resolving substantial issues or tasks.

3. Setting realistic expectations based on facts is crucial. My assumptions about the size of the Mona Lisa led to initial disappointment, but the abundance of joyous experiences outweighed any momentary let-downs.