Page 2: The Louvre and Cultural Observations

In this section of the Bill Bryson travels in Europe book analysis, the author recounts his experience at the Louvre and provides insightful observations about cultural differences.

Bryson describes the queue-jumping behavior at the Louvre, contrasting it with how such actions would be received in other countries. His commentary highlights cultural differences in social norms and etiquette.

Example: Bryson imagines that in America, queue jumpers "would have been seized by the crowd and had their limbs torn from their sockets," while in London, they might receive a polite rebuke.

The author's previous visit to the Louvre in 1973 is recalled, emphasizing the overcrowding issue that persists. Bryson's humorous description of viewing the Mona Lisa "like a postage stamp viewed through a crowd of heads from another building" illustrates the challenges of visiting popular tourist attractions.

Highlight: Bryson's discovery of an overlooked 18th-century painting in the Louvre adds an element of surprise and intrigue to his narrative.

The author's encounter with his travel companion, Katz, provides comic relief and showcases different attitudes towards cultural experiences. Katz's impatience and lack of appreciation for art contrast with Bryson's curiosity and observant nature.

Quote: Katz complains, "There's nothing but pictures and shit in this place," highlighting the difference in perspective between the two travelers.

This section of the Bill Bryson "Neither Here Nor There" book review demonstrates the author's ability to blend cultural observations, personal anecdotes, and humor to create an engaging travel narrative.