The Walk About

We set out early on our first full day in Paris. Breakfast at 8:00am in our studio and out on the streets by 10. Our intent was to visit The Cluny Museum, but of course we were side tracked by all of the sites. It was a beautiful day, so instead we walked the city (more than 15 miles worth).

As we approached the Seine, just south of our studio in the Marais, Notre Dame came into sight. In 2004 one tower was under cleaning and it just didn't look as spectacular.

Notre Dame is on and island in the Seine River (Ile de la Cite).

Here I am in front of the glorious Cathedral. Not sure who the big butt is. A little lipo would go a long ways.

Our trip in 2004 was a choral tour and the highlight was singing in Notre Dame following a dedication ceremony for a new altar. The acoustics are amazing and singing there was a dream come true. Not many groups get that opportunity. We warmed up in the catacombs under the church.

I will always have a connection to this place and can see myself returning many times.

We crossed the Seine to the Latin Quarter and walked along the river taking in all of the sites.

The bridges along the river are really spectacular. Some are ornately decorated and others are modern and stark. Several are dedicated to pedestrians only. In the States bridges are rarely a work of art, here ornate statues are common. Yes, it was a different time when these were constructed, but here great attention is paid to every aspect of a project. Controversy is common when new projects are proposed, as everyone is concerned with how things look. I found this statue particularlly odd. It is the back end of a large Lion. The attention to detail is amazing.

We continued along the south side of the river until we came to the neigborhood where Carol stayed when she was taking classes in French, on one of her many trips to France. One street in the area is well know from Rick Steves travel guides. He loves Rue Cler and highly reccomends it. The last couple of blocks are restricted to pedestrians only. There are open markets of all sorts.

The French take many things seriously. Flowers are enjoyed by all. It is very common to find people purchasing flowers for no occasion other than to enjoy their beauty. In the States we reserve this for special events. I think we are missing the point. This picture shows you how serious they really are about flowers. It is a shop called Cler Fleurs and the roses are just piled high. I can't image the value when you think $50 per dozen.

Around the corner we approached the Parc du Champ de Mars. The park leading to the most well know site in Paris...

Tour Eiffel

This shot is taken through the Monument to Peace, which is at the end of the Park. The park was full of tourists and natives. A game of soccer, kids playing in the grass, families picnicing and enjoying the view. It is early in the season, so the crowds weren't really heavy. I can only imagine how crowded it gets in July and August. The park was full of various flowers. Most of the perrenials were in bloom and many annuals were well on their way.

We crossed under the the Eiffel tower, crossed the Pont D'léna and entered the Jardins du Trocadero. On the hill there are several museums. The view from the top was worth the many flights of stairs. Looking back you can see that we have traveled a distance.

We were on the right bank (north side) of the Seine, and began our return. Along the way we approached the place where Lady Diana was killed (near Pont D’alma). People still leave flowers on the Freedom Flame that has become associated with her death. After more than 10 years it still brings a tear to see the many words written in her name along the walls of the bridge. Someone left two burning candles for Diana and Dodi.

We crossed the Seine and began looking for a place to eat. As it was Sunday, many places were closed and those that were open had no avaliable seats outside. The sun was shining and we really wanted to sit outside. Finally after many turns and rambling we came upon the Café Colombier. We had to add a chair to the table, and soon we had wine and lunch.

After a nice omlette and salad we were off to the Jardin du Luxemborg. As usual we got side tracked when we came upon Église Saint-Sulpice (one of the churches in book/movie The Da Vinci code (I think were the monk gets it). It has an unusual look to it, with many columns incorporated in the design. The church was erected over an ancient Roman church and looks like it retained some of the original design.

The gardens of Luxemborg had many statues to famous composers and poets. Lawn chairs are scattered throughout the gardens. People sit and read in the bucolic setting. Here is a replica of a famous statue in New York Harbor. Of course the Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States by the people of France in 1886. It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.

Every Sunday afternoon at 4:30 Notre Dame has a free organ concert. The line was long, but we made it inside just as Mathieu Freyburger was beginning his first piece. His performance was inspirational, especially in that setting. I tried the video option on my camera. I guess I should practice a little more. The sound was phenomenal and this does not do it justice.

We returned home for snacks. Later that night we went out to the Galway Irish Pub. This is a place that Keith and I found in 2004. We were walking along the Seine and a the sky opened up. We ducked into this pub for a drink. I remember a sign that they had posted in the bar. It said “Bush must Go”. It really upsets me that we are still saying that 4 years later. Thank God for the two term limit. I just don’t understand how we could have voted him in for a second time. Fear is a powerful force in American politics.

This bar is a place the Carol has frequented in her earlier trips to Paris. It's funny that we found it independently. We stayed out far too long, but made it home safely.