Montmartre
Helen was doing her darndest to make me love Paris! We'd done a lot of planning of my post tour days. She didn't want to repeat things I'd already experienced on my tour. She told me I just had to see Montmartre and Sacre Coeur. Since she knew my ankle was still a problem, as was post tour exhaustion, she arranged for a leisurely stroll up the big hill. We zig zagged and paused here and there to make it as relaxing a walk as we could. It was lovely.
You are rock and on this rock I will build my church.
Sacre Coeur
Once at the top of the hill, I was pleasantly surprised at the lively, carnival style atmosphere. We took a seat on the steps at the bottom of the church and just enjoyed the amazing views of Paris, people watching and listening to the beautiful music.
We did peek inside the basilica, but didn't take any pictures. We bought some cute little crafts from a veteran who'd been working there for years. We listened to some young ladies play their violins. When a gust of wind blew their sheet music everywhere, Helen rushed over to pick it up and arrange it back for them. The girls were very professional and didn't miss a beat in their music.
On our way back down we stopped to listen to these young street musicians. They were quite good! I think we watched them for about half an hour. Helen even bought one of their CD's.
Pere Lachaise
Nothing prepared me for Pere Lachaise Cemetery. I really enjoy "cemetery stomping", but of course nothing in Nebraska is as large or as old as this place.
Our first stop was at the grave of singer Jim Morrison of the Doors. His stone is tucked in behind other stones, so not easy to get to without some careful stepping and climbing. I didn't want to climb and be disrespectful, but I still managed a few pictures. I didn't feel right about smiling in the picture, so I have on my serious face.
The cemetery was amazing. It was interesting to look at the old tombs and the elaborate and ornate tombs. The famous tomb of writer Oscar Wilde, in spite of its recent "kiss proof" wall, was covered in lipstick kisses. The grave of Chopin is simple compared to others, but is lovely and interesting.
Most evocative were the memorials to the victims of the concentration camps. The memorials are exquisite and thought provoking. I was so fortunate to have Helen to translate all the French for me, as she's fluent. It was emotionally difficult to read/hear the tributes, yet impossible to walk away.
Most evocative were the memorials to the victims of the concentration camps. The memorials are exquisite and thought provoking. I was so fortunate to have Helen to translate all the French for me, as she's fluent. It was emotionally difficult to read/hear the tributes, yet impossible to walk away.
After a full day of exploring, we'd earned our desserts!