Spending ten days in Paris (less than a month ago) was already a “dream come true.” Securing an entire month in a Parisian apartment (in the Saint Germain/Latin district) took this dream to whole new level! Thirty days of cathedrals, cafes, museums and sightseeing in this “City of Light” is a “pinch me quick” dream! Notre Dame…
Leaving Russia was nearly as complicated and stressful for me as entering it. Choosing to fly SAS instead of Aeroflot helped, but waiting for hours until the airline’s “desks” open (less than two hours before flight time) added to the anxiety. Without a seat assignment, and with two suitcases to manage (right arm bandaged up)…
Though this Notre Dame was constructed during the 1200’s a.d., the original church at this site was built in the 5th century. During the hundred years war in the 1300’s, the English held this as a prize possession of war. It was liberated by a woman, Joan of Arc, in 1429. Listening to God, Joan of Arc,…
Growing up in a wine country area of California, I appreciate the vineyards and those caring for the grapes. Everything must be perfect for a good harvest. The soil, rain, temperatures, and age of each vine determine the quality of wine–or in this case, champagne. I felt as if I were back home again in…
As we drive from Paris to the quiet village areas of Reims, it truly feels like change is in the air—Autumn arrived while we were busy seeing the sights of Paris. Rolling hills of gold and auburn grape leaves; perfect “spent” rows awaiting their next phase of champagne development; the dormant months when sap returns to…
Today I’ve lived six decades. Some days I feel very young, while at other times I can barely get my body to move. The year I was born, 1954, someone my age would definitely be considered a senior citizen. I try not to see myself as “senior” as it just causes me to “feel old”!…
France is filled with museums and artwork every where we look. Buildings, statues, fountains, churches, and artists themselves are throughout this country but no where more so than in Paris. Questions such as: How much time? Where to begin? Which painting to pause at, consider, and spend time beyond the quick look/walk? This one caught…
The most famous church in the world is this particular Notre Dame. Many do not realize there are numerous Notre Dame cathedrals scattered all over the world. Paris is just the most famous, and this cathedral sees more visitors than any other site in Paris (even more than the Eiffel Tower). Listening to one particular…
Near to Notre Dame is a magnificent church built by King Louis IX (Saint Louis as he is also known) in the middle of the thirteenth century. This church was built as a private chapel for the King to hold precious Holy Relics of the Passion of the Christ: the Crown of Thorns and…
I arrived in France on Sunday, October 19, and, after a few days of “taking it easy”–discovering local small eateries near my private apartment rental; sampling scrumptious breads and desserts; listening to a new dialect and coaxing my body into a new time zone–I’m ready to discover whatever God reveals. On October 21, I began…
