On the long flight from Vancouver to Amsterdam I reread the book I purchased years ago for the month long stay at Roujan, a villa in the south of France.  Title of the book: 100 Places in France Every Woman Should Go.  Lots of great ideas for Paris including museums, culinary experiences, shopping / market advice and green spaces, as well some interesting tidbits about Lyon. I made some lists.  I don’t really have lots of time or transport to get around to a lot of places, but I enjoyed the book and ideas it gave me.  I opened my focus and will be ready for whatever presents itself on this trip.  Museums, parks, shopping, culinary areas.  The bridges and the river call to me.

I waited at the airport Charles de Gaulle.  Rachel arrived by train (we easily meetup) and we walked to Hotel Marena within one and half kms from the train station downtown.  Cute place, good price, very clean, nice bathroom with tall shower.  I would be happy to stay here again.  Beds very separate (almost two separate rooms), a desk with chair, bit of a closet, two windows with balconies to the street.  Quaint, lovely.  

Upon arrival the weather is warm, almost hot, sunny, blue skies and no breeze.  Lots of tourists in town, a sunny Saturday in spring. 

We head out for a walk to Sacre coeur basilica.  Up and up we follow cobblestones and then staircases.  Up and up it seems to go on and on.  I can see the top, the beautiful structure where we will have gorgeous panoramic view of the city.  Maybe as the sun starts to set.   

We walk around the perimeter and take lots of pictures, all of Paris in the sights.  I don’t think I have been here before, that I recall.  Such a treasure.  We walk inside the huge impressive structure …. Very peaceful and full of candles and people sitting in quiet meditation.  The energy is lovely and kind.  Stained glass windows and sacred columns, huge high ceilings, a pipe organ, wooden pews.  

Outside for more views and photos.  The sky gets darker and clouds reflect the pink of Paris.  The Eiffel Tower, green trees and late spring blossoms, big lazy black cat, roof tops with reddish clay chimneys as far as you can see.  

Hunger starts to overtake us.  We start with artisanal ice cream and then find authentic dosa from south Kerala region, we order takeout.  Back to our lovely home in the city for the night, satisfied and satiated with sights, sounds and sensations of this beautiful place.  Full of gratitude for safe travels and easy moments.