Notre-Dame de Paris and Arc d'Trimophe

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Another rainy day here in Paris, despite that we still ventured forth and went to Notre-Dame de Paris. It was breath taking! Just a massive structure with so much to see both outside and inside. It was hard to see some of the art up top due to the rain coming down on us. We did for go the trip up to the towers and didn't walk around due to the rain.

While in the church we got to attend mass, which was a special treat. This was another area that we could have spent days seeing. From the stained glass windows, the carvings, paintings and statues. As you will will see in the pictures they were very industrial with carving the church out of balsam wood.

There are 3 rose windows all equally beautiful. One is located behind a massive organ. The other two sit oppisite each other. The alter was beautiful and massive. There are 2 pulpits, the alter, setting for the clergy which are two long rows of individual chairs all out of wood. At the back are statues of angels, and a large one depicting Christ after he was taken from the crucifix with Mary holding him. This didn't come out well in the pictures as the lights around it washed it out and I wasn't able to get very close.

Around the main alter are small acloves with statues and paintings on the walls or some are hung. There is also another staute of Joan of Arc here.

So far we have been able to navigate the Metro well and it has taken us everywhere we have wanted to go, with just a little walking from the station. Beware that there are lots of stairs going up and down, very few escalators and no elevators. And escalators aren't always on either. The staff in the information booths are very helpful and most speak English. Fun part is going through the turnstiles with luggage, it works best if you put the luggage through first. Otherwise you about rip your arm off when it gets stuck. Oh and on the tickets its the stripe side up.

Our next stop for the day was the Arc d' Triomphe or as its now called Charles de Gaulle Etoile. This was just wonderful to see, and there is an underground access point so that you don't have to navigate the street around it. (Its pure suicide to try). Crowd wasn't bad and you don't have to pay unless you are going to walk up the 243 stairs to the top. Needless to say we didn't go up. Not much other than a nice view of Paris really. And well after the Eiffel Tower there was no need. The carvings are the sides, under the arches, and all depict some part of France's history. There is also the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier here with the eternal flame. Plaques thanking those who fought and died in recent wars. A very moving momument to visit.

Both of our sightseeing trips were free of charge other than the price of the metro, which other than the bus (which costs the same) is a great way to get around. And its a good thing as we went shopping at Catiers after the Arc d'Triomphe. And we both picked out a little something to remember Paris. Also note that the resturants around the Arc are extremely expensive. Sandwichs ranged from 16 to 25 euros. After picking out our little something from Catiers, we didn't feel we could spend that on a sandwich. So we hopped on the metro back to the Latin Quarter and had lunch.

Also more info on the metro, note the way you come in so that you can exit the same enterance you came into, as you can exit out of a different one and be a block or two from where you went in.

We also got a glimspe of the Republic Guard, didn't get a picture as we couldn't catch up to them. Did meet a couple of Police officers by the court house and exchanged a patch with one, he actually gave me the one off of his coat. Very sweet of him, and he was very delighted to get mine. I am going to try and get some more before I leave.

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