L'endroit le plus heureux sur terre

Today we split into two factions. Dad and Bertha went out on their own. After spending the morning relaxing, they headed out midafternoon and ended up on a docent tour of Notre Dame (english-speaking). The tour lasted over two hours and gave them a good behind-the-scenes view and in-depth history of the building. They were totally thrilled!

The Choir Area is close to the main alter. When they attended mass last Sunday, Bertha says the voices of the singers sounded like angels. The pieta of Mary and the crucified Jesus on her lap was carved in marble and was so lifelike that one can really see the suffering on Mary's face over her dead son. The gold cross behind the pietra was so shiny that it illuminate the entire area.

After the tour ended, they strolled across the pont at the end of rue du Notre Dame crossing over from Ile de la Cite to Ile St. Louis. On the pont was an accordian player, making the entire stroll very romantic. As they walked, they admired the beautiful buildings and visited with other tourists. One Swiss woman recommended a cafe in a local neighboorhood. So they wandered a bit more, checking out the neighborhoods, and dining at the recommendation. Sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon.... strolling the Seine and doing a bit of sightseeing.

Tom, Kim, Syd and I headed to Parc Disneyland! (hence the title of this blog: "L'endroit le plus heureux sur terre" means "the happiest place on earth"!) We noted lots of similarities between all the Disney parks. With Syd, we rode Star Tours, Pirates of the Carribean, Teacups, Dumbo, Small World (twice), Peter Pan (twice), the Carousel, and the Haunted Mansion. The "adults" rode Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain. Syd was thrilled with the parade, especially the section with all the Princesses. Everyone had a great time and felt it went way too fast.

Today is Thursday, which means we have been here a week. Hard to believe we are halfway through our vacation! Our list of things too see is still too long!

We have settled in nicely to the apartment and have adjusted to its idosyncrasies. Our first impression was a bit less than positive as it was apparent that the pictures on the website were taken when things were new. The furniture is well broken in and the carpets could use a good cleaning. The bathrooms function well enough but the water when showering can go from good to freezing to scalding in a matter of minutes. Guess that is one of the drawbacks of a flash water heater! But, we are VERY comfortable with enough room for all six of us to eat together, and easily visit together in the living area. Best of all, all but one room has a great view of Paris rooftops.

If I was offered the opportunity to come back, would I? In a heartbeat. Would I stay here again? I wouldn't think twice about it and do recommend it to everyone.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: How long until we get there? Why is the train stopping? How many trains do we need to take? When are we going to get off? (Sydney De Lora, all in the first 5 minutes of our journey to Parc Disneyland)