The 1st Day of Paris

We’ve been excited about Paris for 3 weeks…..but were we really ready?

It really is the Louvre.  We were all giddy. The kids can't believe we are
really here seeing the things we've been reading about
in their children's books for over a year.

One side of the Louvre.

The Carousel all of the children want to ride, across from the Louvre.

The Metro:  It is surprisingly simple to get around: with a good app and a good map, with competent leaders, we were set.  But getting the week long tickets, taking our photos for the pass, and teaching every child the ins and outs of finding the correct metro line, swiping your ticket, fighting the crowds,not getting off too early or too late, jumping out of the strollers so they can be hefted up and down and through gates and stairs and people, I am certain we were quite the comical spectacle and occasionally an annoyance to those around us. 

Here we are in the Metro, waiting for Daddys to buy passes.

Still looking for entertainment during the wait....

Next to the photo booths to validate
our passes with our mug shots.

Smile pretty!

One of our fearless leaders educating the children
about how to find their way in the Metro.

The Weather:  We have been spoiled because we have hardly broken a sweat in 3 weeks, with the exception of the beach, but today was record breaking heat here in Paris.  The temps topped out at 98 degrees!  George kept asking for sunscreen.  We beat the heat the best we could and chose our daily sites according to the temps.  We visited Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle, indoor and cooler. 

It's a cooker, alright!  Note the long, long line...

Entering Saint Chapelle, which was originally built to
house the crown of thorns Jesus worn during the crucifixion.

The famous Rose Window.

Papa & Grammie, studying the stained glass windows with the girls.
It's fun to pick out bible stories which are depicted in the glass.

The two "Barasters" standing in
front of the France Supreme Court.

Refilling water bottle at a cold water, public fountain.

The Mass:  I'm not referring to our traveling party, I'm referring to the children's very first Catholic Mass.  It was a very sweet experience for them to witness another religion's way of worshipping God and Christ.  It made the visits to the many Catherdrals we have made over the past three weeks mean more.  All of the children were very reverent and respectful (it only took a few gummy bears and beef jerky for Anthon).  One Catholic Patron leaned up to Matt and the girls and encouraged the girls to go up and participate in the taking of the Euchrist, which is the Catholic Sacrament.  So, the girls got in line and she showed them how to recieve the wafer in cupped hands and reply, "Amen."  They will never forget that experience in Notre Dame.

Waiting for Mass to begin.

We sat behind a nun.

Many knelt to pray during the sacramental ceremony.

This kind woman in the white shirt
encouraged the girls to go up.

The Street Vendors:  It doesn’t take much of an adjustment to get used to gourmet on the go!  Everywhere you turn there are little crepe stands with cold drinks and fresh sandwiches on baguettes, fresh pizza that is the real Italian deal, even hot dogs in a bun, which are really sausages in a baguette with fresh parmesan cheese melted on top.  We were well fed all day.

Wisely, Papa & Grammie eat their lunch away from our mob,
because they know that Anthon will want to drink
their entire Fanta Orange Soda.  Can't blame them.

The Lines: There were still long lines in the sun, and a few of us including the Texans volunteered to stand in the sun while the larger group waited in the shade.  Those in the shade joined us right when the line was shady and the entrance was close.  After our tours we headed back to our apartments to rest and cool off (without A/C, because A/C is uncommon in Europe), but we did find a deliciously cool and refreshing gelato treat on the way home.

The Walking:  The walking is actually very enjoyable.  It is fun to see the sites as you set out on foot; however, when walking with at group of 15 people, including 2 strollers, we became a hazard to the other pedestrians.  Essentially, Matt called us a moving sidewalk blockade.  I lost track of how many Parisians we cut off, bumped into or made go around us.  I was just too embarrassed to make eye contact, so I kept saying “Pardon.  Pardon.  Pardon,” as we made our way around. 

The Boat:  The afternoon rest and dinner at the apartments did us well and we all met back at Pont Neuf which means “The New Bridge” but the name stuck because it’s still called Pont Neuf and it is the oldest bridge in Paris.  We decided on a boat tour to get a good overview of the city before we get into the week (Thanks Rick Steve.  His Paris guide book is very helpful).  The temps were not as intense because the sun was beginning to set and we enjoyed our hour long ride.  When the tour guide began speaking in English George said, “Hey, that is very good English she is speaking.”  I think he was just thrilled to understand all that was said!

Pont Neuf Bridge

"Anthon, do you see it?!"

"Hey, look, it's as big as my finger!"

"Look Emme, that is the real Eiffel Tower!"

 We are hoping for a restful night's sleep with a little breeze from the open windows….