Quasimodo

I had a bit of a lazy morning, but I was able to get to Notre Dame in time for the 1130 International Mass. It was quite interesting, and my first time to go to Mass in a language other than English, so a bit of an adjustment. Of course, the beauty of Mass is that it's the same no matter where you are, so I didn't feel too lost.

After that I headed down to the Crypte Archeologique, where they have excavated old ruins back to the Roman days. I found it interesting to see the layers of history on top of each other, though I have to admit I wish there was a little more to see.

I took some time to walk around Notre Dame. To say it is a marvelous piece of architecture is an understatement.

I then went over to the Conciergerie, where they held prisoners during the Revolution. The main attraction, of course, is Marie Antoinette's cell and chapel. They were admittedly quite beautiful.

Next I walked over to Sainte-Chapelle. There was a long line to get in, but luckily I had purchased a double ticket while at the Conciergerie and was able to skip to the head of the line. When I entered, it was the downstairs chapel, and I had a moment of "Is that all?" Then I noticed people heading upstairs, so I followed. As I entered the main chapel, I was immediately hit by a blast of light from the sun through the stained glass windows, and it almost took my breath away. I could not help but let out an audible "WOW!" Unfortunately (though necessarily) they are in the middle of restoration, so the alter and the front of the chapel are blocked off, but the view of the windows was enough for me.

By this time the Masses had ended at Notre Dame, so I went back to tour around the inside. Again, I took my time looking at all the details I could take in. I also paid the little extra to see the treasury, which included more relics than I have ever seen (though admittedly I had not seen many before). I really enjoyed seeing all the little side chapels, which most people just walked past.

At this point it was still somewhat early in the afternoon, so I decided to venture to the long line leading to the stairs to the top of Notre Dame. After waiting for a little over an hour, I was finally able to get inside and begin the climb. While I had been warned, that did not help prepare me for this climb. Winding, small staircases, one after the other. And every time you stop, you realize that there are quite a few more to get to the top. On the way up, I kept reminding myself that I still have to go down as well, which didn't really help. I did try to enjoy taking in the view, and throughly appreciated the protective screens to help lessen my fear of heights (somewhat).

After that experience, I was done for the day. While walking back to my apartment, I did take the opportunity to walk along the Seine. Not just on road level as I had been doing, but down on the water level. I also tried to take my time and enjoy the views.

By the time I made it back to my apartment, I was beat after this weekend. I decided to just make myself another ham and cheese sandwich and watch some football. Unfortunately, the Texans game was even worse than the Aggies game last night. But, tomorrow starts a full week in the ESA library, and I am hoping there will be enough to make me go back for the whole week. If that's the case, I probably will not have much more to say for the rest of this week, but maybe I will venture out during the night. We will see.

Oh, and please let me leave you with my quintessential image of France: