We are back in Paris after 2 months of travel in France. There is no other city in the world quite like Paris. The art, the food, the architecture, the ambiance, the energy from tourists from all over the world create a cultural melting pot … a playful zone of continuous aliveness. ‘A playful zone of continuous aliveness’ is what I’m trying to practice each day. This is the message Gurucharan http://www.yogatech.com/Gurucharan_Singh gave me when I attended his workshop in Austin in April.
Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods (arrondissements) and the numbers not only show the neighborhood location by zip code but also its age. The Louvre is in the 1st and we are staying in the 4th. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods on Ile de la Cite ( Ancien Cloitre Quartier) where cathedral seminary students in the middle ages lived. Our Airbnb is an old convent that has been converted to apartments 1 block from Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s a popular airbnb that we would recommend to anyone that wants to be on the island https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/778170. The church bells wake us every morning and are often continuous depending on time of day, mass schedule, and special events. It’s like living back in the French Quarter again having the Cathedral bells guiding our day.
The restaurant next to the entrance to our apartment used to be the rectory for the priests of Notre Dame Cathedral from 1512-1723. The restaurant and convent were built from stones left from the construction of the Cathedral. It became a wine bar in 1723 and since then it has been one of the oldest restaurants in Paris. The food is average French cuisine but the location and history attract a lot of tourists- including a priest we met from Opelousas, La.
For many Notre Dame is the symbolic heart of Paris. It was begun in 1163 and not completed until 1345. It is interesting that the gargoyles were added to the church after Victor Hugo’s book, published in 1831, made Quasimodo famous. We attended the 11:00 a.m. Gregorian Mass at Notre Dame on Sunday and it was uplifting to be a part of this celebration. So many of the beautiful Cathedrals we have visited are not active communities- only museums.
After mass we walked to a small brunch cafe focusing on small plates called ‘Ellsworth’ in the Marais http://www.ellsworthparis.com/. Pictured below, smoked Salmon with Rocket, Fried Poulet, and the ever popular, at least with us, Foie Gras & Waffles with a Peach compote.
After brunch we took a leisurely stroll to the Latin Quarter for our macaroon fix at Laduree. https://www.laduree.com/en_fr/ Finally, we have found a salty caramel macaroon that rivals the ones we had in Sydney at http://larenaissance.com.au/ Yes, we think these may be the best macaroons in the world. Looks like they have 2 locations in NYC and now a location in Sydney as well. 
France and Portugal played in the finals of the EuroCup 2016 in Paris. Sadly, France lost the game, but won at being great hosts for the tournament after the trials they’ve had this past year. This country is united. Here are some fans watching the game along the street along with a night shot of the Seine:
On Monday, jets were flying overhead as we went shopping. They were preparing for the big festivities on Thursday to celebrate Bastille day, as were other organizations. Here are some photos from the streets.
What could be more romantic than walking along the Seine? Taking a leisurely cruise right before sunset. I wish we were more adept at taking selfie pics…hope my kids or Douglas’ nieces will give us a few lessons.
