Paris

Paris

 

Had a lovely day today, but verrrry tiring!
Started early, because I was awake at 430 am. Must be part of changing time zones...
Anyway I got up then and read all my emails and footy news - as you do!!!

Sorted out breakfast and was delighted to find real bread so I could have some toast and Vegemite (brought my own, as you do. Also brought my own Weetbix!!!)

 

This is my hotel- very nice. Comfy and clean but very small. But only need it for a sleep and a shower.



So, how do you do Paris on one day??? Decided to buy a ticket on the hop on - hop off bus so that I could get an overview of where everything was.. It turned out to be a great idea.

Started at Notre Dame Cathedral which is only 5 min walk from here...

 

Especially praying for some friends and family who are not well at the moment. The challenge was to visit as many Churches as I could and light a candle for them in each one! Did 4 today - actually probably could have done more, but I stuck to the basics!

 

So, the hop on - hop off bus was great. Took us along the River Seine to various famous landmarks. I stayed on the buss until nearly right at the end, and got off t the Louvre to start the walking,

 

But, first things first - lunch!

 

 

 

When in Paris do as the Parisians do... Nice glass of white wine with a fresh baguette with ham and  cheese. Followed by café au lait.

 

 

Saw multiple sites along the bus route including, Le Louvre, Musee D'Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Jardin de Tuilaries, Champs Elyeeses, Place de la Concorde (where all the Revolutionaries lost their head through the guillotine) etc,, etc,,

 

 

I eventually hopped off at the Louvre and walked to the Place de la Concorde because we had studied that in Year8-9 History last term and I wanted to get the feel for the place. There's not much there now - just an Obelisk, but it was still good to see.

 

 

 

Next place to walk to was the Church of St Madeleine. More candles and more prayers there...

 

Then I thought I would get very smart and find the bus stop so I could hop back on the bus, but alas and alack, I walked a very long way and still didn't find - actually ended up walking the whole way back to my hotel.... :( I wasn't actually lost, but just  couldn't find the street with the bus stop!

But on the way I actually passed through the "elite" parts of Paris... Of course I was right at home there!!! Loved all the swanky shops, and the fashion police had already warned me to wear Black in Paris (did you see the previous picture, Tia??) so I was well prepared!!!!

There was one place I really wanted to see, and that was on my way home - another reason for continuing the walk. That place was the San Chappelle Church. I had read and watched videos about it and the stained glass windows were stunning, so I really made the effort to go and have a look - even though I admit I was beginning to wilt a bit by now.

These pics will not do it justice. Each window is  sequence that tells the story of a particular part of the Bible. It was set up by St Louis in the 13th Century to house the relics of the Crown of Thorns. Have to admit, I always though the relics idea was a bit dodgy. But good old King Louis spent an arm and a leg buying them, then had to build a Church specifically to house them,

 

So, that was my day in Paris. I was stuffed at the end, but it was really enjoyable as well.

One thing I did notice today, especially around the Louvre was the amount of school kids out on excursions. I just felt so much for their teachers (and said a big Deo Gratias that it wasn't me!!)  But then again imagine being able to take your kids to an excursion at Le Louvre.

My bed beckons very loudly tonight. Tomorrow I'm off early on the train to Angers, so have to be up bright and early to get myself organised,

A bientot et au revoir.....

:)