Having seen the Eiffel Tower before, it's still always thrilling to see it in front of you. I've heard people say it looks shorter in person, but compared to what? It really is impressive, no matter where in the city you see it from. From underneath, it's so symmetrical, and Pete loves to watch the ancient pulleys as they lift the elevators. Souvenir hawkers are everywhere but hey, we're tourists....
Pete had meetings in Paris so I tagged along. On Friday, I buried my anxiety and took the train from the Northwest suburbs of Paris into the city's busiest underground train terminal - Chatelet Les Halles. I somehow found my way out (Sortie) into a beautiful park and didn't know where I was. Even though I had been to Paris before, I was sooooo lost... I went into the closest hotel and laid out my map to the receptionist. I realized I was only blocks from Notre Dame Cathedral.
When I went inside the Cathedral, I just sat down and stared at the stained glass windows. Just then, a choir came out in front of the altar and started singing Gregorian Chants. Just for me? Someone upstairs knew how to sooth my anxieties.
I had always wanted to spend some time at Musee d'Orsay where many of the impressionist paintings are on display. It was a real treat to spend 2 1/2 hours all by myself, wandering around this great museum.
On Saturday, Pete joined me for another visit into the city. We enjoyed some of the same sites, saw some unique things in the Latin Quarter like this artistic hanging-copper-pot-sculpture that I thought I should have.
And some old guys were showing us how to play real Bocce Ball (called "Boule Lyonnaise" in France).
This is so typical of the French architecture on the Left Bank.
...so much to see and so little time.... We are looking forward to coming back in a few weeks to Paris when our girls visit in March.
Au Revoir!
Hello from Oregon!! Nancy and Paul here, green with envy about your amazing European journey. So fantastic that you get to explore for three whole years. Pictures bring your trip to life for those of us who, at the moment, are only armchair travelers. Thanks for sending along all the info in your Christmas letter. By the way, you guys look fantastic!! Our family weaves NPR into our everyday life too and is the seed for millions of conversations. Good Luck to you two!!
ReplyDeleteMary - you were a free (wo)man in Paris -- unfettered and alive!
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic...hopefully spring will be showing itself when Emily and Katie are there.
lots of love,
Sister Katie
Hi you two-wow, what great pictures and Paris looks amazing. So glad to experience it thru your eyes-cause unlikely that I will ever go:) You do a great job!! Looks like you are enjoying the whole experience!! Keep it coming-I love it!!
ReplyDeleteHi there Mare and Pete,
ReplyDeleteParis is truly beautiful. I can't wait to go back soon. I really loved it there. If you need the name of the hotel where Ry and I stayed at let me know. It was just a few Metro stops from the La Tour Eiffel or Eiffel Tower and such a nice little place to stay at.
Hi guys, Whit here. You've blown my whole evening!I love your blog! We miss you at the greenhouse,you are talked about (nicely!) every day.Keep blogging, it's like being there with you.
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