first impressions

Monday morning we had an early wake-up call; we left the center at 5:30 and took the first tube out to the train station where we caught the Eurostar to Paris.  Our trip was uneventful until it came time for our train to leave.  We noticed it was past the time we were supposed to leave when we heard a voice over the loud speaker apologizing for the delay; they had found a stowaway on the train and were in the process of checking the rest of the train.  We actually saw him led away in handcuffs through our windows; he didn’t look very old, probably about our age.  To be honest, most of us were surprised he made it as far as he did; security and passport checks were pretty thorough.  But we made it to Paris, with no other delays.

first view of Paris!

            Our first stop was the hotel where we dropped off our luggage and then headed out into the city. We went to Notre Dame, hiked up the stairs and saw some gorgeous views of a city covered in fog.  It made it a little difficult to see much but it was the experience, right?  From there some friends and I went exploring into the Latin Quarter, so named for the university that is there and the fact that students used to speak Latin.  We found Shakespeare and Co., an adorable all English bookstore in the Latin quarter.  I loved it.  The building was small but crammed with books on every subject possible. They even had reading rooms upstairs, one of which had a piano and while we were there, someone started playing.  It was delightful.

inside Shakespeare & co.

view as you step inside from the staircase

            After some lunch we went to Sainte Chapelle where, after more rigorous security, we saw the beautiful stained glass windows.  They are absolutely breathtaking and no picture can do them justice. To get to the room you walk up a small, short staircase and then suddenly you’re in the chapel and you are surrounded by beauty.  It is incredible just to stand there and soak up the wonder of thousands of stories told through the colored glass. 

            My first impression of Paris is one of amazement and curiosity.  It is so very different from London and I love it.  The city seems to exude romance and loveliness.  The pace seems slower, couples are more affectionate and there is no such thing as personal space on the metro.  I already can’t wait to come back and we’ve only been here a day.   

dinner at amorino
[crepe with stracciatella and nocciola gelato]