Le Huitieme Jour et le Neuvieme Jour, Dimanche 6 et Lundi 7, Juillet 2008

Pyramide du Louvre, I.M. Pei

A word

Sunday was the first in exploring the city, the magical and recognized details of Paris. I woke early and checked out of the hotel with only one bit of trouble. Evidently, in Paris, it is bad form to sign for things with red ink. Though when I checked in, the host who welcomed me had me complete an information sheet completely in red. Even so, as I signed my statement, the gentleman yelped with horror, "We do not use the red ink. It is used only for correction." I felt terrible! This was, of course, after he demanded that I speak in English because, as I am still learning, my French was, I guess, too agonizing to weather. C'est la vie! One must continue on full of courage, as my homestay parents say "Bonne courage!" and practice, practice, practice.

After the short hiccup of checking out, I decided to make my way to the right bank and attend church at the American Cathedral in Paris, an Episcopal church in the city, located between L'Avenue des Champs-Elysees et La Seine. The Cathedral is directly north on Avenue George V from the Pont (bridge) d'Alma. In my courageous mind, I thought that I might make a morning of getting there and walk the whole bit. So, I left the hotel at 10:15 a.m. and made it just in time for the 11:00 a.m. service's commencement. If you were to check out this distance on the map, you might be inclined to metro. Yes and even so, I decided to walk and see much of Paris yet unseen. So, from just barely north of Le Tour Montparnasse in Saint Germain des-Pres to just slightly north-east of Le Tour Eiffel, I walked with two small bags at either side of me on a very windy morning for almost an hour. Oui, I walked and, to boot, with a sundress that blew every-which- a- way with the blustering wind. Golly, with the two bags and making sure my dress remained in proper form, the walk turned into more of an exercise in patience and endurance than I ever could have imagined.

Nevertheless, as I walked, I took in some very magical sights like a walk up Le Boulevard Saint-Germain, a view of La Rive Seine, and, at long last, Le Tour Eiffel. (I had seen the tower once, from afar and to my west, when I was lost Saturday. It was one of those eureka moments. There she is ... Le Tour Eiffel!) The journey took a good 45-50 minutes, but in light of these visions, the stretch was well worth it! And when I say that I saw those several well known places, there are so many magnificent places. All together, they are a collection of gorgeous, architectural, historical jewels strung out along the city's form. They lie there, perfect and glittering, set securely in the ancient soil as golden ornaments purposed for the city's presentation. With bags in arms and skirt objecting, it was impossible for me to take photos of them all! Paris is a truly spectacular city, with visions to dazzle any of her guests.

After church, I hopped onto the metro at George V and stopped at Tuileries to see Le Roue de Paris. I waited for two of my housemates hoping to take a small adventure. Alas, they were unable to make the date and since I have no mobile, I relied on good old fashioned waiting. So, I waited and watched and decided to wait until another time for the joys of Le Roue. And this will be in the next two weeks! What a thrill it will be as the view is supposed to be spectacular. From the Roue, I journeyed to the Louvre for the museum's one day free to visitors. I spent the afternoon with the French sculptures that are so grand and awesome they take your breath away. The Louvre itself will take your breath away. What a world in which to get lost!

A thought

A hope