Paris is all I think about it when I lay my head down at night and when the Parisian sunrise hits the window each morning, I can't wait to get back out in it. I love the language. I love the people. I love the monuments. I love the public transportation. I love it all. I've yet to find something I don't like about Paris. I love every ounce of history this city holds. Every stone, every corner, and every placard has a story. I can feel the metro rumbling the apartment floor beneath my feet now and I find myself waiting for the next train to come through like clockwork. The sirens at night are starting to sound familar and comforting. It's giddy-inducing. I think at some point Emily may grow tired all of my questions, but luckily she has an app on her phone called Paris-To-Go, which helps for the very few things she doesn't know. I have the world's best personalized tour guide. I'm trying to enjoy it while I'm here rather than looking forward to the next time I can get back.
I attended church with Emily on Sunday evening and it was amazing. The worship was impressive, the preaching spot-on and the prayers heartfelt. Emily's church meets in the Temple du Marais Ancienne église Sainte-Marie-des-Anges, which was built in the 1600's. It was awe inspiring to sit in a place of worship where the praises of God's people have echoed off the stone walls and into the heavenward rotunda for over 400 years. That doesn't happen everyday. Bonaparte himself commissioned the church as the first Protestant church in Paris in 1802. Dang. Thanks to Emily's excellent translation of the story of Jonah I was able to follow along very well!
Temple du Marais Ancienne église Sainte-Marie-des-Anges
Everytime I see yet another beautiful building, I find my heart thinks it's cheating on the first loves I have already found here. I declare each and every building to be my favorite spot in Paris about ten times a day.
L' Hotel de Ville, where the mayor resides, was automatically one of my favorite locales. I assure you it had *nothing* to do with the cute sapeurs-pompiers on the very top of the building, who were doing repairs or training of some sort, who waved down to us while we giggled and snapped photos. Nope nothing like that. I liked the building solely for it's *architecture.* Ehem.
Republique Francaise
I had no idea what all the fuss about the Arc de Triomphe was about, but after visiting, I will be making a fuss along with everyone else: the famous sculptures replete with symbolism, the sheer height and breadth of the structure and the tomb of the unknown soldier that lies beneath it were more than marvelous. The tomb is kept watch over by an eternal flame in honor of those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary, the Napoleonic Wars and World War I.
By far, the most memorable moment was putting two feet solidly on the massive idol of iron that is the Eiffel Tower. I climbed the Effiel Tower by myself last night and felt like a truly independant adult for the first time in my entire life. I flew to Paris on my own, to stand in a place that people dream about visiting once in a lifetime, and now I've done it. It was magical. Indescribable, really. I keep having to pinch myself to make it real. I feel incredibly blessed.
Bonne Nuit, sweet Paris. Sleep well. I'm coming back someday.
So glad y'all are having so much fun! Love living vicariously. :)
i love it. i love you. i spent a measly 24 hours in Paris once and have been yearning to go back ever since.
Also, your comment "I climbed the Effiel Tower by myself last night and felt like a truly independant adult for the first time in my entire life. I flew to Paris on my own, to stand in a place that people dream about visiting once in a lifetime, and now I've done it. It was magical. "
----this speaks to me, and the heart of why I travel.
thanks for sharing so generously!! now go eat some more pain au chocolat!
Meredith and I are reliving our time there with you. The Eiffel Tower at night complete with a delicious crepe was one of our most talked-about, favorite moments. :) Thanks for the updates, lady!
Love it! Living life large. For the moment I will have to live through your experiences. So excited for you!