It was August in Paris. Most Parisians were out of the city, enjoying their summer holiday. The streets were empty and restaurants were closed.
But on a Saturday morning at 9 a.m., I was standing in a queue(队伍). I was waiting to see Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the world's most famous artwork. I bought the ticket in advance (提前). However, by the time I arrived at the Louvre(卢浮官), there had been a very long line.
It took me around 30 minutes to pass the security check(安检). As I entered the museum, I found the second airport-style queue of the day. The line moved forward slowly and silently. It's just like a trip to Ikea. You only need some glasses. However, you have to walk, eyes-down, past lots of sofas and tables before you reach what you need.
The only sign(迹象)the Mona Lisa was close was a forest of security officers. Only ten people were allowed to view the painting at a time. A poster(布告)outside the pen(围栏)warned, "The Mona Lisa has many admirers. Please keep your visit short and sweet to give everyone a chance to meet her."
"How short is short and sweet?" I wondered. Very short, it turned out.
My watch clocked only 22 seconds from entering the pen before two staff members told me it was time to go. "One photo and go," they said. I tried to take a selfie(自拍), but an arm quickly came to guide me onwards. Behind me, the queue slowly moved forward, ten by ten, to take a photo and leave.
I was almost alone as I admired the other artworks in the Louvre. I couldn't help wondering: Why are we so eager to see the Mona Lisa? Are we really going to appreciate the famous artworks or are we just "checking in" at the "popular" attractions?
