My God , my family and my travels: Paris The City of Churches , Beautiful Buildings and Shopping

On the 12th of May 2011 we started off by having breakfast at a French cafe near the hotel...the smell of beautiful Italian coffee and the different pastries from baguetes to crossaints to choose from. It was a good breakfast after which we headed to the Metro station.. We once again found ourselves taking the train from D Italie station to Bir Hakim where we caught sight of the Eiffel Tower once again. We boarded the L Open Tour Yellow Route this time so that we can go to The Sacre Couer. On the way we got to see the ever famous dance theatre Moulin Rouge.

We got down at the Montmarte-Anvers stop and made our way to the church. We had to walk through a narrow alley lined with souvenier shops and men selling all sorts of things...some of them who were 'con merchants' playing tricks with cards and fleecing people of their money. We just walked on and there it was the Sacre Couer..The Sacred Heart Church...perched on a hill...a sight to behold. We had to walk up about 200 steps to reach the church...with me stopping on the way to catch a breath...but it was a pleasant walk up because at times we would turn back and see the Paris city skyline from the top.We took some photos on the way.. And then we went inside...we could not take photos inside but the image below tells it all. We were in awe of the serenity and beauty of the church. We lit candles and prayed...we sat in front of the Blessed Sacrament to just spend some time with Him....sat in front of the statue of the Virgin Mother to spend some time with her as well. We sat in amazement and thanking God for the blessing of just being there. We spent about 2 hours there and it was time to move on. We went to a nearby cafe and had a French sandwich for lunch and went on the tour bus again . Ths time also to fulfil Mel's other dream of being in Paris...shopping at Champs Elysses.

We got there and Mel like a little girl gleed with gladness that she was there. She went shopping while David and I just strolled along the many shops of the high end brands...Prada..Louis Vuitton...Sephora..Espirit to name a few. We really felt like the rich and famous walking down this elite stretch of shops...and me hoping to catch a glimpse of maybe a celebrity...but none were around. After about 2 hours there...and when Mel was ready to leave the shops we headed back to the hotel. We stopped for dinner first...freshened up at the hotel and made our way to Gare Austrelitz to catch our overnight Lunea train to Lourdes.

Got to the station...boarded the train to find that we were to share the 3 bunk beds with 3 other strangers because it was a 6 person sleeper cabin...never know when you book online for tickets. Anyway we settled in..and the train left at 2311...and we were on our way to Lourdes...after a very amazing trip to Paris...with images of its churches, buildings and river etched in my mind. Bye Paree...till we may see you again.