When in Rome...Go to Church, Ya Hippie!

One of the first things I wanted to see when I arrived in Paris was the magnificent cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris. I really didn't know much about it at all, but I was very curious to stand before it and learn more. I was astonished to learn some of its facts, such as the site location in the very center of the city, how it was erected, the architectural style and functional design elements(such as flying buttresses), and its age (celebrating 850 years here in 2013). Seriously? 850 years old!? It was truly amazing to me to contemplate not only the overall age, but also the fact that Notre Dame was built over a period of 182 years. What an incredible commitment to begin a task that you know will never be completed in your, your children's, or even your grandchildren's lifetime!

This post takes you inside the great cathedral during Sunday Mass. As always, I hope you enjoy the images, and I encourage you to use the Facebook and Twitter buttons at the end of this post to share with your friends.

Espresso court and a few macarons - fuel for the busy day ahead, touring the wonderful Notre Dame de Paris.

New "technology" of flying buttresses supporting along the outside allowed for heavy stone and delicate glass to live in harmony on the inside.

This miniature illustrates the time consuming process that went into lifting the giant Paris stone blocks into place - one painstaking detail at a time.

The high altar, featuring Decent from the Cross, and statues of King Louis XIII (right) and King Louis XIV (left).

Statue of Joan of Arc.

King Louis XIV.

The North Rose Window still features original glass and terrific detail.

King Louis XIII.

Symetry is found everywhere.

Another view of the North Rose Window, during Sunday Mass

  Please don't forget - use the buttons below to "share" this post with your friends before you move on. Thanks! And join me next time for a tour around the exterior of this enormous and beautiful cathedral!

Gustav's Gift to the World

Hey hey! Welcome back, everyone, to my ongoing photographic journey through the City of Lights. If you've been joining me thus far, you have been witness to some bird's eye views from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. And if you haven't been following but need to catch up, click here:

A Triumphant View

After descending the mighty arc, I determined that the Eiffel Tower was definitely within striking distance, and that it would be fun to zig zag my way across the city to find it (stopping every so often at interesting sites along the way). I sized up that the famous symbol of Paris was only about a mile or two away, and with camera in hand and a gorgeous city to explore on foot, I was certainly in no hurry to get there (those that know me well will not be surprised that it took me several hours to journey this short distance...getting purposefully lost in the triangular city blocks, and in my own thoughts).

Here are a few of my favorite photographs from this particular day exploring the 16th Arrondisement, and the Eiffel Tower itself. Please enjoy, and as always, leave me a comment with questions or remarks.



Somethin's peekin'!



This lady was feisty! She had places to be, and two young gentlemen to help her get there.

Clear signage helps you easily identify the district or "arrondissement" of the city you are in.



Once I figured out "vous etes ici" (or "you are here"), maps throughout the city made for easy travel on foot.





View of Tour Eiffel, from Esplanade du Trocadero.





Every hour, on the hour, Gustav's famous tower is illuminated with thousands of bright, dancing white lights. It is truly a breathtaking sight!




Lucky for me, rainy weather throughout my visit provided some awesome opportunities for photographing reflections.



The view from the second level.









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