NOTRE DAME One of the three things that took my breath away.
The sun, reflecting off the white stone edifice, blinded me for a moment when I emerged from the subway terminal. I had just arrived, jet lagged, and tired. When it was before me, it made me breathless——Notre Dame Cathedral!
It was massive! I gradually made my way across the huge courtyard, toward the entrance. So much was going on—crowds and small groups of tourists speaking rapidly in French and other languages, sounds of traffic, car horns honking. All of this faded into a calm, cool repose, as I entered the dark Cathedral.
As my senses adjusted, I heard lowered voices murmuring, the smell of candles, and the soft shuffle of footsteps. I fell into step, being guided by the large group, as we made our way around the huge center of the Cathedral.
I was amazed at the calming effect this magnificent structure had. Walking forward to the center aisle, I looked up and there–the beautiful, famous rose-stained glass window! I gasped and fumbled to sit down. Now I realized I really was here in Paris! In Notre Dame Cathedral.
I had not realized until then, how much this experience meant to me, until I saw it.
When I emerged from the dimness of the cathedral into the multitude of sounds in the city, the heart-beat of Paris, I became fully aware that my Paris adventure was just beginning.
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