Notre Dame and Lola

I thought I would write a little bit about Paris as my trip comes to an end here and as my feet heal from so much walking.  I have Rome, Barcelona and the Camino in front of me, so I don't want to start all of that with blisters.

Yesterday was split into two parts: Notre Dame and Lola.  Notre Dame, now celebrating it's 850th birthday, is a structure meant to impress.  The enormous ceilings, colorful windows, dramatic religious depictions all add up to a stunning effect.  I have always thought that architecture is purposeful.  Large government buildings are large and imposing to invoke power and stability.  You don't see to many government buildings in wood frame.

I think Catholic Churches have the same kind of objective, although a slightly different message.  The buildings are designed to invoke power and strength and beauty and the symbols of the religion.

  

I saw many other historic buildings in the district along the Seine River, but my mission following Notre Dame was the Mariage Freres.  This famous shop is located on some small, unassuming street.  And although it is handsomely designed, it hardly looks like a famous landmark (I must not judge these things following a visit to Notre Dame).

The friendly shop manager asked me if I had any questions and I told him how much you loved their tea and that you had requested (instructed) that I come and buy some St. Valentin.  Upstairs was their lovely salon where you can sip tea and eat delicious cakes (powdered wigs are optional).  Downstairs is their tea museum that shows their sources in China, Pakistan and other Asian locations.

After Mariage Freres, I went back to the hotel for a quick nap, worked on some hotel reservations when I return to Paris for 2 days after the Camino and then off to meet Lola (Paul's sister).

I had lunch first in a cafe called Indiana where I think they cater to US citizens.  I had an Arizona Salad, but I doubt that anything resembling Arizona was close to the salad.  It was fine and I thought I had plenty of time to find Lola.

She had set the meeting place for "Place des Vosges", which any French child of 4 would know where to find.  I, however, was far more challenged.  Finding the Bastille was the first challenge--not too hard--but the Place des Vosges which is just a few blocks away seemed like a bridge too far.  I had to find the street, St. Antoine.  But for some reason, I didn't think the Saint part was so important.  What exactly did he do to deserve that title.  Just because the church thinks someone is a saint doesn't mean that I think he is a saint.

Anyway, no one knew what I was talking about and until I pointed to a map, someone said, "Ohhh. St. Antoine." And I quickly found myself with Lola.  I was out of breath and she was slightly put off (but quickly forgiving).

I have renewed sympathy for Amazing Race contestants who always seem to get lost.  If I entered the race, I would not last one week.

Lola took me around the tony Bastille neighborhood where we visited the home of Victor Hugo (although he was not home) and the residence of Mozart when he stayed in Paris.  We saw many museums and art galleries and antique stores and...it was so much.  And it was so great to have a local friend to show me the insights.

I said goodbye to Lola, grabbed a quick glacee (ice cream) and went back to Place Italie and back to the hotel.

I had another quick nap and then dinner at a local restaurant--wonderful duck with vegetables.  The creme brulee was delicious, but unwise.  I had some difficulties in the night, but nothing serious.