What a fabulous city. There's no way to accurately describe or capture the grandeur, or the emotion the city evokes. The people were unbelievable nice, and the city remarkably clean. Two myths quickly put to rest. Here's a recap of our visit...

Monday, April 16th, 10:40 am.

The plane descends over fields of brilliant yellow. (flax? potatoes? I'm still not sure of the crop!) Whisked through customs to the waiting transportation.

Sam, the driver, volunteered a quick tour of the city. Down the Champs Elysees, past the Place de Concorde, across the Seine to the Musee de Orsay. Back over to the Louvre, Hotel DeVille, up to the Opera House, and finally to the Hotel Mayfair.

Quickly to the room, a shower to freshen up, then down the street to the Tuilleries. Is that Notre Dame in the distance? It can't be that far to walk - and we're off. Stop to admire the Louvre up close, then over the first of many bridges toward the Isle de Cite. It's a little further than it looked, but we're soon standing in front of the cathedral. The best view is from the southeast bridge where we can see the flying buttresses and millions of gargoyles!

The 3:30 rainfall, followed by a spot of sunshine. What a glorious site! Better start hoofing it back toward the hotel. Wander around the streets close to the hotel looking for something to eat. To a local Boulangerie for a jambone frommage with crudites and a couple of croissants. Inhale the sandwiches in transit - wish I'd picked up some chocolat!

Notre Dame Cathedral .

Flying Buttresses