The City of Lights Woos Me — with fromage
Another cold day in Paris, but today was full of interesting things, including a GIANT PLATE of CHEESE for dinner!
The day began, of course, with a sprained ankle, but after a few anti-inflammatories and the magic of frozen perogies, I set out again and headed for the Louvre. I spent five or so hours there, getting lost and stumbling upon such things as the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, etc. I found the Appartements de Napoleon interesting (he never actually lived there, though). I especially liked the French sculptures, and the horses in particular.
I have a newfound appreciation for anyone who can remember the names of artists, art works, places, street names… I can’t remember any of those. I hope it doesn’t bother you too much.
I also enjoyed the Italian sculptures, and saw a few of Michaelangelo’s works. It’s rather humbling to think he was just 28 when he was commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel. Really makes me wonder what the heck I”m doing with my life.
From the Louvre, I moved on to Notre Dame de Paris. This church now joins my very short list of places on earth which I’ve felt to be divine. The others are St. Elias in Brampton (at Vespers and Easter morning), the Pecherska Lavra in Kiev, Ukraine, and the grand temple (Wat) at Angkor, in Cambodia. At Notre Dame, the first thing that sprang to mind as I entered the main part of the church was “Oh my God!”, and then the second thing was guilt for using the Lord’s name in vain, tisk tisk.
I then wandered about the Latin Quarter in search of a cheese plate recommended by my sister. I eventually just happened upon the street and the cheese shop itself. It’s called La Fromagerie 31, and it is at 31 Rue de La Seine. I took a photo so I’d remember the name.
I had a plate of seven cheeses, and was only able to eat half of it. I missed my typical dinner companion who would usually eat the other half. The cheeses were very tasty. Laura, if you’re reading this, I want you to know that I was fully aware that FitDay would score that dinner way off the charts!
I made my way home on the subway and caught my first glimpse of the city of lights in its best form…at night! The Eiffel Tower (which I have yet to climb) was all lit up and sparkling beautifully, which apparently it does for five minutes on the hour in the evenings.
It has been very cold here, but I look forward to London on Friday, where I expect it will be cold still, but where friends and pints and revellry await and will be sure to warm me!
I’ve been trying to attach photos but can’t seem to get the hang of it. Maybe eventually…
Tags: 1, France, Latin Quarter, Louvre, Notre Dame de Paris, Paris, Travel
blueskies
did you see the spanish ham place??????
Where are the updates
?