Paris Day 6!!

Today Sami and I (Emily) went to Notre Dame! It wasn't too busy when we first showed up, but by the time we were inside and walking around it was getting a little crowded. While we were inside, there was a mass going on. We sat down for a few minutes to enjoy the service. The stained glass inside is beautiful! I lit a candle in honor of Saint Denis. Sami lit a candle for Mary and baby Jesus. After walking around the inside, we went outside and got in a long line waiting to go to the top of the towers of Notre Dame. Finally, after about an hour we started our ascent of the 400 stairs. We powered up the stairs and a little out of breath we stood in awe of the amazing panaramic view. It was a clear, sunny day and we could see all of Paris! We climbed even further up to look at the 3 ton bell with its 500 kilo clapper. This bell only rings on special Catholic holidays. Then we started descent, following a very loud, obnoxious, sweaty American tourist. She would hold onto the railings so tight that she left sweaty moisture behind. Sami and I would continually stop and wait for the moisture to dry before we got to it. Gross! Thank goodness I had my hand sanitizer. Sami's ankle kept poping on practically every step on the way down. On the last 60 steps it cracked 24 times! It was really weird. On our walk back to the apartment we bought scarves at a little vendor. They are tres chic :) When we got back we had lunch with Robert. It was delicious like always and we sat and talked. Then we went and checked out the upstairs apartments. Robert was practically ransaking everything that was left behind! We got some olive oil, nutella, honey, coffe, and a pink umbrella (Sami and I will probably be taking it to London). The corner upstairs apartment has a balcony that looks out rue des Ursulines and rue St. Jacques. They, like the others, are amazing! Then we headed to the grocery stores. We stocked up on cereal, crackers, cookies, wine, eggs, pancake mix, chicken, and waffles. Yum! Sami and I relaxed the rest of the afternoon and prepared for our picnic. We cooked chicken breasts with olive oil and seasoning along with sauteed cucumbers with walnuts and garlic. We also cut up a pinapple and packed cherries and bread. Then we headed over to the Luxemborg Gardens. We sat right in front of the main grass area and enjoyed our home cooked meal. We had some fun too feeding the pigeons our extra bread. Now we are back and are going to have dessert with our wine. Tomorrow all the big sales start! So we are going to go shopping :) Then tomorrow night we are planning on going to the Eiffel Tower, hopefully. We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily :)

Summer Soltice Crowd

Outside the Louvre

Rose Window

Gargoyle and view from the top of Notre Dame

Sami and I atop Notre Dame with the Eiffel Tower in the background!