Jet lag was a major issue because of the nine hour time difference between Oregon and Paris,but we managed to wade through the thick fog and come out relatively unscathed.

Notre Dame In Paris

Day two was a trip to Notre Dame-incidentally they have quite a few Notre Dame churches in Paris and for that matter,France,but this one is famous because of the book.
Awe inspiring for the sheer antiquity of the place.To be catholic,and go to a church where you know Mass has been said for almost nine centuries was thrilling.Besides,the church is large and so chock full of religious references,right from all the small alcoves with statues of our Lady and the saints to the stained glass windows...now,these windows are there to see in every old church we went to-you can see the central rose window(on account of its shape like a flower) in the photo below.
One sees modern stained glass windows in churches these days,but the complexity of the patterns which usually retell Christ's life or biblical accounts in such intricate detail makes you really appreciate the craftsmanship that went into such work,without the help of modern technology,one must note.

 The church was bustling with people.We had to stand in line to get in and we had to move pretty brisk and that kind of hampered the experience-one needs absolute calm to  worship in a church,but if it is a tourist spot,then .......

The Nave

 The gargoyles are famous too-from the book I think.

Scary Gargoyle!!

Quick lunch(Subway,right opposite the church!),and back to a little play area on the side of the church-the kids loved it.


Once we had taken a break,we went off on a walk ,around Notre Dame and the Seine and ended up at a Batobus stop-boatbus!!It is a hop on hop off bus and we just did the round trip to see the sights.We were also able to rest our legs a little.As I said,be willing to walk.Paris is not very impressive by bus-you need to stroll through most places to appreciate the history,and the geography of the place.

Passing the city on a Batobus.

A familiar landmark!!