It is Sunday, and unlike our original plan, we decided not to attend mass at Notre Dame.
Sadly tourism does not stop because mass is being said, so instead trying to pray amid chaos, we picked a small, beautiful church very close to our hotel and I am so glad we did.
Even the smallest of churches were grand.
These were the French locals and oh, how I wish I had understood the language.
It was beautiful even in another tongue.
You were lost in the humility of the faithful in the congregation.
The priest could not have been over 28, and we actually saw our first fat Frenchman!
I am assuming this is the equivalent of our American Boy Scouts.
Everywhere you looked were scenes of the reality that we were the tourist, but life goes on for the locals.
After mass we were on our own for the afternoon and so we set out on foot for a visit to a popular museum. I am certain the stroll there was at least four miles, so as I tend to do I took a photograph everything that I thought was entertaining.....like bins full of used French undies for 85 euros each. No takers in our group, thank you anyways!
Chocolate, yes please!
And a diet coke from McDonalds, absolutely. We still had three miles to walk!
Interesting fountains......
The spectacular entrance to the Metro....
And two wet tourist....as was the case most of our trip!
Not all French art is museum worthy!
A pause to yield to some eager marathon runners,
And one of my husbands French police counterparts.
I believe he came on a scooter and not the American Harley....
I believe he came on a scooter and not the American Harley....
And we are finally here!
The most interesting part of our visit here was the place we ate lunch.
What I discovered after a four mile hike in the rain is that I am not an art connoisseur.
Standing back and admiring an original Monet was nice...once.
The crowds were claustrophobic, it was hot, and after paying 5 euros for a glass of water, which is what Jimmy paid for his beer...I left our group and escaped outside to visit with the locals.
Though we were told the French were not friendly, I found an interesting bicycle cab driver.
His most useful piece of info...
"Do not make love with a Frenchman. They do not brush their teeth".
And on this note, my friends saved me and we walked (another four miles) back to the hotel for a cruise down the Seine and dinner in the Eiffel Tower.
The bus ride took us down the streets with views of the tower and the Arc de Tromphe.
We passed the tunnel where Princess Diana lost her life. What an erie feeling as you saw the golden flame that marks the spot of her death.
And finally we are here!
It was as spectacular as I imagined and after a cruise we would be dining on the third level!
This is Paris and I am here....never in any lifetime did I imagine that.
And the best part was the incredible group of now great friends we were sharing this with.
The hour long cruise down the Seine took us past all of the amazing sights of Paris so beautifully lit at night.
Notre Dame at night almost surpassed Notre Dame during the day if that is possible!
And the Eiffel Tower for dinner....pinch me!!!!
To say we created unbelievable memories with all of these people is an understatement.
I love each and everyone of them. We bonded over so many moments on this beautiful journey.
It was a gift in so many ways.
An Eiffel Tower appetizer....
And an entree...some kind of meat covered with foam...
I cannot say that French food ranked high on my list of favorites!
Goodbye Eiffel Tower.....
What an amazing and full Sunday!
One more day left and I know we will not waste a minute!
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