Paris, Day 1: Arrival, and Notre Dame

We began our journey in Cambridge, taking a mid-morning train to London. From there, we took the Eurostar train that goes underwater to cross the English channel between Dover and Calais. What a great way to travel! The stations were easy to get to, and the journey was very relaxing, without all the hassles, lines, etc. of air travel. We arrived in Paris around 4pm local time at the Gare du Nord, which is in the 10th arrondissement, north of the Seine and central Paris. We walked from the station to the hotel Gotty Opera on La Rue du Trevise. We found the staff to be friendly, and the rooms to be clean and tidy.

With most of the day was behind us, we decided to see the Cathedral of Notre Dame and attend the 6:30pm Mass. We went to the nearest Metro station, and deciphered the ticket system. This was my first opportunity to use French. Though long disused and much forgotten since college, I was able to communicate well enough. As we spent more time in Paris, I began to enjoy speaking French in the simple situations that required it, at restaurants and cafes, and at the
various places we visited.

Saturday night, the weather was great: bright and sunny and not too hot. We arrived at the Île de la Cite, in the middle of the Seine, and walked the couple of blocks to the Cathedral. It emerged as we turned from behind some buildings. The square in front of the Church was packed with people, and the scene was breathtaking.

The Cathedral looked much bigger and more ornate in person than in pictures. As we entered, we took a quick look around and the settled in for Mass. Though the Mass was in French, we followed the detailed Mass sheet, and could sing along. The sheet also had the readings in English so we weren't completely in the dark. The center of the Church was pretty full. As the Mass proceeded, visitors continued to circle around the outer loop of the Church, away from the nave, roped off during the Mass. That way, they could examine the various stained-glass windows, statues, and side altars while Mass proceeded without disruption.

After the Mass we were quickly shuffled out as the Cathedral closed down. Then we went to a nearby cafe for dinner. I was shocked at the price for a 500-ml beer: more than 8 Euros (roughly $10.50)! There must be a substantial alcohol tax.

Afterward, we walked out to the Seine for a look around, and saw a bike tour---a couple dozen tourists in bright yellow vests---stopped at a light. When the light changed and they started up, a bunch of folks on the corner started running along side them, clapping and cheering, in mock appreciation of the not-so-Tour-de-France-like event!

We returned to the hotel at about 9:30pm, and it was still fairly light out. We were tired, but excited to be in Paris!