Well, here we are outside Notre Dame once more… away from the incense smoke… so let’s take a walk around this lovely building, shall we?

So far, I am still in pretty good shape. Yes, we climbed all over the Eiffel Tower like drunk French monkeys. Yes, we had to walk a ways to even get to the Tower, and now we have walked all around the inside of this place… but hey, it’s only a little after ten in the morning… I still have some energy left…

Oooh… gargoyles…

Well, this place really is pretty big. I’m glad I have been going to the gym and am wearing comfortable shoes…

One interesting thing about Notre Dame is that it has this very mysterious air about it… When the sun shines on the white stone, it looks inviting and friendly. But when a cloud covers the sun and throws a shadow over the cathedral, it suddenly takes on a slightly more ominous feel.

The care and devotion that went into every detail is astounding. You could stand outside Notre Dame all day, watching the light and shadow dance and play over the carvings and no part would ever look exactly the same twice.

Gargoyles…

Did I mention that I am a huge fan of gargoyles?

Well now you know.

I don’t mean to complain, but my feet are starting to throb, and I am getting a little hungry.

Mollie says there is another church nearby that her European History… (advanced placement)… teacher recommended… within walking distance… oh boy…

Well if my over-ninety-year-old mother can do it… even though she skipped the whole Eiffel Tower thing…

But seriously… this place is huge…

I bet we could find a snack around here somewhere…

Ha… flying buttresses… beautiful to look at… even more fun to say…

Yes… it is lovely…

Yes, I love the look on my daughter’s face as she soaks in the beauty and history of Paris…

But I think I smell crepes… with chocolate and bananas…