Our day began with us visiting Sainte-Chapelle, which is a relatively small Gothic chapel. When we first entered, it didn't seem like anything too special. Being made in the 1200s, it's not surprising that the entrance was musty and a little broken down. They had a part of a gargoyle, part of a sculpture, and some of the original spires. They also had, and I'm pretty sure this was not part of the original structure, but a gift shop. I was pretty unimpressed until we ascended to the second floor. When I walked in, I was struck by the beauty of the tall, detailed stained-glass windows. There were so many and so many little parts that I was astounded. Nearly the whole building was relying on these stained glass windows as part of the structure of the building- they seem so delicate and fragile that they could shatter during a windy night. The majority of colors were red and blue, which created a harmonious dance of light within the chapel. I've tried to do stained glass work before and I found it really difficult- so I'm constantly amazed at stained glass work, especially with such intricate detailing. The rose window which showed the Apocalypse was especially impressive. At the end of the room was an alter where the relics were probably held. I wish the relics were still there- I'd like to see what the "crown of thorns" looked like after two thousand years. Especially since the relics cost more than the chapel that housed them.
Next, we walked on over to Notre Dame, which translates to Our Lady in French, which is a Gothic, Catholic Cathedral. This was one of the first Gothic cathedrals in Paris and stands out due to its flying buttresses and famous gargoyles. When we entered Notre Dame, I wasn't blown away as I was with Sainte-Chapelle. Though there were wonderful stained glass windows, they were spaced out much more- so the effect was not the same. The rose window which was blocked by the organ was probably my favorite. The various-sized pipes created a negative space which was unusual and gorgeous. Aside from the windows, there was nothing too amazing to me about the church. I think compared to the over-stocked and elaborate Westminster Abbey and the lit wonder of Sainte-Chappelle, I was just not as interested in Notre Dame. I did, however, enjoy seeing the really old, huge chandelier which originally hung in the cathedral. I also enjoyed the Message of Peace box- I sort of wish these existed elsewhere. I participated and added my little note of peace in the box. While we were wandering around the cathedral, the bells actually rang and a sermon began. I kept thinking how strange it must be to come here for your religious service while there's a ton of tourists just wandering around the outskirts taking pictures, staring, and shopping. It seemed bizarre to me. Also, there was a very modernized section for confessionals in one of the Gothic nooks. I found this juxtaposition visually interesting, but somewhat strange. You could see the people going in to confess, which would make me uncomfortable if I were them. Think how many tourists visit every day- and they're all watching you fulfill your religious practices. Either way, it was kind of nice to be there when the services were taking place because it made the cathedral seem more real and less of just an ornament. I'm glad it's still used as what it was meant for. I did not get a chance to go up to the top, though. It was ridiculously cold and the line was quite long- they could only take ten people up every twenty minutes, so we didn't want to wait in the cold that long. So we just got lunch instead.
After lunch we wandered in and out of shops before we headed back to the hotel to prepare for our meeting and evening. I feel that I have finally mastered the metro. I wasn't a fan of it at first because I thought it too complicated and smelly- and it's still quite smelly, but at least I can navigate it quite well. It actually makes me feel more comfortable about traveling in New York City now.
We had a quick group meeting before Brittini, Danielle, and I headed out to Cirque Phenix- which was one of Paris' circuses. When we got there it did seem like a traditional circus- the venue appeared to be a large tent with various lights and a red carpet. When we entered there were photographs of clowns, elephants, and lions in the lobby. As we wandered further, there were various vendors selling popcorn, sandwiches, and little knickknacks. When we got to our seats, we were shocked to find that we had an amazing view of the whole stage. The show started a half hour late, but it was well worth the wait. It was unlike what you think about when you think of a traditional circus. There weren't clowns or animals- it was more about acrobatics and upper body strength. There was a guy who flipped a girl and caught her using only the bottom of his feet. Another guy held up a girl using only his head. These two men balanced on each other's feet while simultaneously doing splits. Another guy did back flips through rope while three people spun hoops with it. I found myself saying "Oh my God" over and over throughout the whole show. It was just spectacular, and amazing. I couldn't even begin to imagine how 10% of the stunts were physically possible. It was one of more fun things we've done while in France. Unfortunately the subways were closed by the time the show ended. As a result, we had to walk home- which was a long, not-to-fun walk. But it was fine...and we made it home safe and sound.
Have you eaten something that you have never tasted before? What was it like?
Today we decided to stop at a Crepery because Danielle really wanted a crepe before we left France. I had never had one, and decided since I loved the creme brule so much that I'd probably love the crepe too. I originally ordered a chocolate filled crepe; however, when the man made it, it was a Nutella filled crepe. I had never had Nutella before either...so this was a double experience. At first I liked it- it was a little sweeter than chocolate and had a slight hazelnut taste to it. The more I ate it the less I enjoyed it. It wasn't awful- but I wouldn't order it again.
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