Yesterday we went to the Musee de Cluny, which is home to Medieval French history and art. I had no idea what I'd learn there, but as it turns out, I only discovered how much more I love le Moyen Age. There were beautiful tapestries, ancient swords, holy relics all housed in a building that dates to the early days of Paris. I also learned that the first settlers of Paris were fisherment, and the name of the city comes from them.
We had a much better day weather-wise yesterday, as it was barely in the twenties (Farenheit) with the windchill today. I am glad for my hat and gloves! We did a lot of walking, but I am reminded again why I am so grateful for the homestay in the 1e arrondissement: it's close to so many things. It was barely a walk to the Sainte-Chapelle this morning and I was grateful when I arrived. The sights were breath-taking - even the poor windows that have been since replaced with parts of newer stained glass. I love old cathedrals.
I will also say that Notre-Dame did not dissapoint. I just wish that I could have stayed for longer! There are so many alcoves full of history, so many stories in each of the windows. I just didn't want to disturb those people who were actually there to pray. (Note to those of you who love the Disney film: their animation barely gave the real windows justice, and they did some amazing work in their drawings).
Montmatre was wonderful, complete with a view of the cafe from the film Amelie. I also want to return there when it is warmer, since we hardly had the energy to keep walking from site to site. All in all, the best part was being in the beautiful, ambient and warm Basilique de Sacre-Coeur. It's plain to see why so many people make their pilgrimages to that place.
Well, I'm off to prepare myself for dinner. I love eating and eating and still being able to eat bread and cheese and a dessert afterward. The food is wonderful, and I hope that I can be more open-minded to things that I don't normally eat than I am in the U.S.
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