We are always so excited to start our trips, we planned and packed for weeks. (Okay, Darin planned and I packed). This was my first trip to the city, Darin has been there before but of course not with best travel buddy so I think we both saw it with fresh eyes. We hit the ground running as soon as we landed. After a short nap we were off to Notre Dame. Little did we know Notre Dame would become a recurring theme in our trip. We just couldn't seem to get away from it! Look kids - Big Ben, Parliament.
On entering the sanctuary I was immediately impressed with the size and it was HUGE! The windows were beautiful. I think it would be really cool to go to a service there and hear how the prayers and music must echo off the walls. Of course we had to go to the top (Darin and I have a real penchant for tall buildings.)
As we climbed to the top the bells were ringing, giving a real sense of adventure to the whole thing. Once I stepped out onto the ledge and looked out over the city I got my first view of the Eiffel Tower. We were able to go even higher into the bell towers. I couldn't help but imagine what it must have been like for the people who used to run up those crickety little steps to ring those bells when it was first built.
Did you know that Notre Dame was saved during the French Revolution because of the story of the Hunch Back? At least that's what we were told and I choose to believe it.
Later that night we went on a dinner cruise and saw the city at night. Darin got some really cool pictures of the Eiffel Tower.
We ended the night tired and happy with a long walk back to the metro.
