David's Diary: Thursday, July 19, 2001

Notre Dame And A Bookstore

Our stay in France has been idyllic and pleasant, but I was ready to head for Paris. We were out early and took the RER train to Paris. Compared to the one-hour drive and the nightmare of finding parking, the train journey provides a pleasant, although not inexpensive way, to get into Paris.

Since it was raining again, we decided to make our first stop be Notre Dame Cathedral. As probably the best known monument in Paris after the Eiffel Tower, it was a good place to start our visit in Paris. We had purchased some small quiches on the way to the train, so we walked around the Cathedral to the lovely park at the side. Many people who approach Notre Dame from the front miss out on the quiet park, which is bordered by the Seine on one side and the Cathedral on the other.

After lunch, we entered Notre Dame under the imposing twin towers (226 feet or 69m high). I am always surprised upon entering Notre Dame how dark it is inside, despite the fact that the upper windows were added to bring more light into the building. The children still have trouble comprehending just how old and large a building Notre Dame is. Construction of the current Cathedral started in 1163, but it would take almost 200 years before the building was complete in 1345. Despite the lengthy construction period, the original plans were not altered in any way. We walked completely around the nave, examining many of the side chapels and the intricate sculptures throughout the church.

Afterwards, we walked the short distance to the entrance to Sainte-Chapelle. I find it interesting that so many people visit Notre Dame, but then miss out on the spectacular Sainte-Chapelle, which is less than a five-minute walk away. Alas, the line up stretched around the block. Since we will be in the area for a few more weeks, we decided that we would leave Sainte-Chapelle for today. We will have to wait just a bit longer to see the glory of the beautiful stained glass windows.

Abbey Bookstore

Keeping everyone in books, especially Jocelyn, is proving to be the challenge that we thought it would be. So after leaving Sainte-Chapelle, we crossed the river to Place St. Michel where we wandered the tiny streets window-shopping. We shortly arrived at the Abbey Bookstore.

A Canadian, originally from Toronto, owns and runs this store. While tiny, the store is packed with books. We had a coffee, talked with the owner, and spent an hour shopping. Jocelyn, Kevin, and Allen were happy as they pursued the children's books and made their selections. Afterwards, we stopped at a street-side cafe for ice cream, before making our way back to the train for the journey home and another French style dinner.