It was Kelly’s 45th birthday on the 19th and he enjoyed a 3 day celebration of outings, but strangely enough, no cake. Of particular note was our full day as a couple in Paris as Daryll obligingly spent the day with the boys (they were quite happy to see us go).
Unfortunately, and for a reason we could not determine, the train schedule between Rouen and Paris had changed for Friday. Wanting to experience an evening in Paris and not return as early required driving 1 1/2 hours to Versailles, catching the train there and of course driving back. Not as convenient as a direct high speed train ride, but still feasible.
A side note about Versailles – we do not prefer it. I know the amazing Chateau Versailles is located there and we have now driven past it 3 times. Last Sunday, we drove the 1 1/2 hours and like rookies, thought it wouldn’t be as busy given it is September. When the travel book says “avoid Sundays,” they mean year round. WOW! We found a parking spot, walked up to the gates, found the public facilities and turned around. Yes – my stubborness shone through as we drove that length of time, only to drive back. Granted we took a different route to explore the countryside, but in true Pitman fashion we were all okay with avoiding large groups. The boys made not one complaint about the drive as they were more relieved not to have to stand in line for the length of time it would have taken.
Kelly and I have spoken at length about the differences between London and Paris which apparently is an oft discussed topic over here. G.K. Chesterson wrote “London is a riddle. Paris is an explanation.” I would have to concur as there is a pulse in London rather undefinable. I don’t know that one finds answers in London, rather more questions especially given the layers of history combined with a thriving business/cosmopolitan feel. Paris on the other hand, is all about offering one the spaces and places to explore and understand life, appreciate beauty, and solidify beliefs. Paris is not about accomplishments, but rather appreciation. London, however, can certainly make one feel as though there is much to be ‘done.’ I would be curious if any of you who have been to both cities, have similar thoughts or other perceptions. For those of you who know me, I will leave you with the question of which city I felt more at ease in.
Although Kelly and I have been together non stop since July, this day was different as we haven’t had a day that was about experiencing incredible sites together and concentrating on our relationship. This was indeed a treat. We spent a great deal of time walking along the Seine, the Champs de Elysee, and then into the Tuileries park where we had lunch as well as enjoyed sitting, watching people go by. The statues in this area seem to be unmatched to the beauty of the flowers, grounds, and architecture surrounding it, but they are interesting nonetheless.
The Tuileries – a lovely place to sit and contemplate.
The Louvre
After finding a shortcut into the Louvre (security guards let us into an entrance meant only for groups), we determined that we would be returning with the boys on another day, and so did some reconnaissance as to what would be best for them, and of course made our way to some of the classics. Both Kelly and I far prefer the French renaissance painters to any of the Italian artists. It’s amazing to to see the differences when looking at many pieces of art at one time. I didn’t prefer the Mona Lisa which was mostly due to the incredible glut of humans in front of it. However, I’ve seen it, and I much prefer the second painting posted below:
I LOVE tour groups…
My favourite! She has a story to tell!
Other areas of the Louvre were virtually empty and we enjoyed our wanderings though most definitely, this is one place deserving of MANY visits and even more research prior to those visits to really do it justice.
We were then off to the district of Montmarte for the evening to see the Sacre Coeur – an incredible cathedral on the highest hill in Paris. We rode the train and I enjoyed being surrounded by regular Parisians and of course made up random stories in my head as we rode the train away from all the tourists. Montmarte is an interesting hodge podge of tourist shops and local art and bistros. The Sacre Coeur dominates the area as you’re forever walking on a side hill. The area leading up to the cathedral was filled with rather persistent hawkers ; Kelly is very good at sending a message that we do not wish to buy anything. As we arrived around 6:00 pm, we were in the midst of mass and walking through the cathedral reading the Bible verses, hearing the incredible singing of the nuns, and taking a moment to reflect again on our faith was unbelievable. I was moved to tears by the beauty around us and as I write this, am remembering the events of the past few days in Pakistan and Kenya. Such horror, pain and suffering – it is truly incomprehensible.
Climbing the 300 steps to the top of the building, was well worth the breathtaking view. We spent as much time as we could before closing sitting up in the tower and had it essentially to ourselves. The photos are self explanatory.
View from the Sacre Coeur
Why go up the Eiffel Tower when you can have it in your view?
I cannot describe how amazing it is to be able to see these fascinating places and views with my husband. This day was amazing as we both soaked in the beauty around us and spent important time together as a couple.
Originally, we had planned to take a night time cruise along the Seine, but as we returned to the main area of Paris, we again realized that everyone else had the same idea. In keeping with the theme, we opted for the much more solitary night time walk along the Seine and loved every minute of it (except observing the rats running to and fro!).
I suspect that everyone expects to go up the Eiffel Tower as part of a trip to Paris, but really the rest of Paris is flat. So, we decided that we would much rather take some photos of the structure dedicated to the beauty of Paris from the ground. I don’t think our view from the top would have been much of an improvement on what we saw from the Sacre Coeur.
Captivating
I found this poem by Linda Harnett, and found it to reflect most accurately, our day together in Paris.
Rekindle
Why don’t we meet up in Paris?
Rekindle romance once again,
Let’s stand side by side,
In the moonlight,
Sail away on a boat on the Seine,
They say it’s romantic in Paris,
I wonder if that’s really true,
Is it something to do with the weather?
Or something,
To do with the view?
Why don’t we meet up in Paris?
Take a train, a boat or a plane,
Make our way to the streets,
Of Montmartre,
Rekindle the flame once again.
Linda Harnett
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