26 September, 2006 | Leave a Comment

Walked to Notre Dame. Went inside, lit a candle, said a prayer.

Inside the cathedral, in the semi-darkness lit only by stained glass and candles, took a seat and thought, reflected, cleared my mind. Took refuge from all that was outside. Deep breaths. Camera flashes.

Took way too many photos. Took a video inside, took a video outside. Touristic binge.

Indulged my gargoyle obsession by walking around the outside of the cathedral; looked at their distant, ancient faces through a zoom lens.

Bought a crepe with Nutella, breaking the no-dairy rule. Didn’t care. Sat in front of Notre Dame in the bright sunlight and ate it. Felt happiness meter go up a few clicks.

Walked across the bridge to the Île St. Louis under darkening skies. Passed an accordion player, made another video, gave him a few Euros. He said “Merci, Mademoiselle.” Should have given him more money – I’m old enough now to appreciate being called Mademoiselle.

Went into a pharmacie and asked in my shaky French, “J’ai besoin de…médicine…en anglais c’est ibuprofen.” The woman said, “En français c’est ibuprofène.” I replied, “Ah bon?” and we laughed.

I walked the quaint streets of the Île, felt charmed (how could I not?), took more photos, began to truly understand why people say Paris is not a city but a collection of villages. Realized for the first time how lucky I am to be living in Paris, to be experiencing this place. Walked home and felt grateful for the moments of pure bliss I had experienced throughout my afternoon – just moments, mind you, fleeting moments – but that’s enough, that’s all anyone should ever hope to have.

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1. Cathy Ann Vandegrift Says:

   September 27th, 2006 at 12:56 pm

   I loved your photos and videos. Thanks for sharing.

   CAV

2. Lillie Says:

   September 27th, 2006 at 5:19 pm

   Great photos! Although not a religious person, I love visiting Cathedrals, and have been fortunate to have seen some magnificent ones including Westminster Abbey, Canterbury, Lincoln, St. Paul’s, (just to name a few). A nice place to sit and reflect. And, I always light candles for a dear friend. Next on my list is Winchester.

   I’m delighted to see that you are settling in, and really starting to enjoy your life in Paris.

   

3. jen Says:

   September 28th, 2006 at 7:01 pm

   one of the things i love about keeping a blog is this: searing these memories, capturing them, sharing them, evoking them for people. when i have to sit down and describe a place and time that no one else but me has seen or felt, it puts me back into the moment, fixes it to my heart.

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