Jour deux en Paris

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Day 2 Paris started off early with breakfast at the hotel. This is where I must mention again my love for European coffee. There is something about the addition of hot frothy milk that makes it just taste better, or maybe things just taste better in Paris? Once upon a time we planned to come to France and elope…those plans changed, but our desire to have photos taken here never did. So, after 10 years of being together we decided to hire a photographer and have photos taken in the city we love so much. Bruno Cohen was his name and he takes amazing photos, he has photojournalistic style to his photography. Needless to say, we had 3 hours of photo fun. Jumping over puddles together, running, pretending to walk, and pretending to feed ducks all for photos. We have yet to see them, but Bruno was ADORABLE and we enjoyed our time with him! He’s actually been to Secaucus, NJ! The grand finale of our time with Bruno was that I finally got to do an authentic European double-cheek kiss!

After our morning photo session, we walked from our hotel to Notre Dame (OK…time to say that once again we understand why the French can hate us! It’s not pronounced like the college name. ”No tra dom”….is how you say it, painful to hear so many people say it wrong). Notre Dame seemed more beautiful than we remember and I lit my traditional candle for my dad there. Next was Ste. Chapelle..the most amazing cathedral in our opinion. It has to have some of the largest stained glass windows in the world…simply breathtaking…even if you have seen it before. As we were going through security and the entrance, I noticed a sign showing that they are holding classical concerts inside now. Luckily, there was one that evening and we got tickets!

We had a few hours before the concert, so we popped into the Concierge, most famous for being where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned (great ceilings here!). We walked along the Seine enjoying the views of Paris and then decided we would head to the Louvre for an hour or two. The area outside the Louvre (Palais Royale with Pei’s Pyramid) remains one of our favorite spots in the city. Simply beautiful and even better at night!

Oh, the Louvre…what to say? To start there had been a sewage leak, so not smelling so great. The Louvre remains the best museum in the world…beautiful building, wonderful works of art BUT..each time we go I am reminded of why we just don’t enjoy it as much as other museums: simply put…too loud, too crowded, too many tour groups blocking all the main attractions for long periods of time why they are lectured on the history….and the worst part, the maps they have are TERRIBLE. Not even a cartographer could find their freaking way around with the horrible maps! UGH…frustrating! But despite my rant, it is a must see and still a wonderful museum.

The classical violin concert in Ste. Chapelle will probably remain one of our best memories ever. They played Pachebel, Mozart, and Vivaldi…not only was the music just wonderful, but to sit inside Ste.Chapelle as the sun went down outside and the light faded behind those amazing stained glass windows…emotional.

(Sorry, no pics of me. Erin doesn't shoot much....Matt)

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Photos

Ste Etienne
Great church, much different than most.

Comments

[Tom Lyle]

envious, envious, envious, in all ways.....great pictures and wonderfull writing skills. Very enjoyable!!

[Cristina]

Day 2
Ste Chapelle and the Rose window are gorgeous!!! ANd i just LOVE that you guys took pictures with a professional photographer in Paris. I can't wait to se them. Oh....and of course I love that the photographer's been to my home town (lol). I LOVE your blog.... vacationing vicariously through you and Matt, and hoping God give Danny and I the opportunity to visit Paris ourselves when we have an empty nest. :-) We miss you at "R"Us.

[Suzy Rigos]

Paris
J'adore Paris. I missed seeing St. Chapelle last year. I saw it in l965, but I did see the Conciergie last year because I hadn't been there in my last 6 visits to Paris. I loved your shots especially St. Chapelle and I can hear that wonderful music playing while watching your photos.