Paris on the run!

Well here I am...finally getting to post on my blog.

I am writing this from Munich, Germany. My short time in Paris
and Cologne went by fast in a whirlwind of activities.

In a day and a half I managed to see the Louvre and Orsay Museums,
watch the Eiffel Tower light up like a sparkling christmas tree
and see one of the most glorious cathedral in Europe-the Notre Dame.

My flight from Dulles to Paris' Charles De Gualle Airport was a long one.
"Packed like sardines" took on a new meaning. I didn't manage to get any sleep
on my overnight flight (but I did watch 2 movies- Robin Hood and Babies)so it
was an exhausted Leslie that rolled her luggage off that plane.

I thanked God that I had only packed my little weekend rolling bag and my camera
backpack as I went up and down long flights of stairs in Paris' maze of subway
tunnels. Le Metro reminds me of New York City subways. Slightly grimey, completely
scaled in white subway tiles and huge fashion ads everywhere. Very hectic.

Once I got to my little hotel I took a short nap and headed out for dinner and
some night shooting with my camera. **My room was your typical shoe box with worn
carpet- but the location was great.

I took the metro to Monmarte Hill in the north of Paris. Getting off the train at
dusk I walked up a long medieval-looking street lined with shops. I could see a carousel
at the top, lights sparkling.

The carousel is at the base of Monmarte. There were crowds of people
from all different countries there. Crowning the top of the hill is the
 beautiful Sacre Coeur Basilica. To the left there is a funicular to ride
but I decided to tough it out and climb hundreds of steps to the top.
 The view from the very top is amazing. Paris is spread out before you,
glowing with the warm light of sunset.

The Basilica at Sunset

The Basilica has a very Byzantine look to it with rounded domes and arches. On the steps in front groups of students from different countries sang boisterous songs and snapped photos. Musicians and drummers played competing tunes from every corner.
I sat and ate two oranges I bought at t little market on my way out, watching the last colors fade from the sky.

Inside the church the mood was hushed in contrast. Upon entering you are overwhelmed by a stunning mosaic of Jesus over the altar. As you walk around the back of it the mosaic seems to
follow you. Nuns in long white, flowing robes with black habits were busy setting up for the last service of the evening. Soft music played in the background-very etherial.

I felt tired but happy at the end of my first day as I made my way home to my little shoebox.

Leslie