"The Bells of Notre Dame"

Photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2284671&id=11832732&l=86f040cb2a
Photos 8-97

Today (Sunday the 29th of March) was the first full day in Paris. We had breakfast at our hotel, then made a visit to the Eiffel Tower. It is a lot more impressive 'in person' than I had thought, although it does look a little 'mis-proportioned' in the sense that it looks fatter at the base than the images of it seem to suggest (although this is probably just a trick of perspective). We rode to the top, and looked out over Paris. I saw the "Laboulaye Lady" from the back which was featured in National Treasure 2 (aka the French version of the Statue of Liberty). I also saw the tomb where Napolean was buried (he was cremated, then placed inside several coffins which were placed inside of each other). I find it interesting that I have seen the tombs of leaders of both sides of the war between France/England - Nelson from Trafalgar and Napolean from France. The Arch de Triumph was also visble off in the distance (more on that later this entry), and barely visible, off in the distance, was Notre Dame.

We left the Eiffel Tower, and proceeded through the subway to Notre Dame. It is a very beautiful building from the outside, very inspiring to look at. We grabbed a quick lunch, then attended the 12:45 mass. Although it was in French, it was still a moving service; though different than what I am used to since I am not Catholic. After the service, we admired the beautiful stained glass windows (the 'rose windows'). However, our next stop was the best stained glass experience anyone could have hoped for.

Sainte-Chapelle is a chapel with gorgeous stained glass windows. The whole second floor of the chapel (the portion used by the royals) is virtually all stained glass - what little wall there is is just used to support the windows and the roof. Scenes from throughout the bible were represented, and I must say it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen (my pictures can't do it justice; if you ever happen to be in Paris, I would recomend seeing it - it is not to be missed).

We had a chocolate crepe again as an afternoon snack (they really are very good), and went back to Notre Dame, where we went up in the towers. One of the things I read here explained the difference between a Gargoyle and a Chimera (the term I didn't know before and had incorrectly assigned the term "gargoyle" to both of them). A gargoyle is a statue which acts as the drain to the roof and 'spits out water' in some fashion, removing it from the building. A chimera on the other hand, is a statue designed to 'protect' the spirit of the church. It has been a while since I saw the movie, but I believe the talking statues in the Disney movie "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" were technically chimeras and not gargoyles. This actually leads into my next 'item of interest' from the towers - I saw where Esmerelda was fictionally housed (her cell), from the Victor Hugo novel - it is actually clearly described which places it in the North tower. Frome there we proceeded up onto the roof, where I saw more Chimeras and gargoyles up close. I also went into the south bell tower and saw the one remaining bell there (it is a big bell, but is only rung on important Catholic hollidays.

From Notre Dame, we proceeded to the Arch de Triumph. It is an arch (obviously), which is used to commemorate French millitary victories. It was commissioned by Napolean, so his troops would be able to see it and walk through it on their victorious homecoming from battle.

Finally, we had supper and walked a little ways down the "Avenue de Champs-Elysees." I have been informed this is the equivalent of Madison Avenue in NYC; the street which is found in all major capitals where the fashion stores of the highest quality reside and where everything is expensive.

It was a busy day today; my feet hurt a little from all the walking we did today, but it was worth it.