Paris!

After the day of travel I just slept in this morning and it was almost 9 when I woke up. I headed down toward the center of Paris and Notre Dame, stopping by a medieval church that used to be a stop for early Pilgrims on the way to Santiago - St Eustache. I was wondering why they had lots of lights on and lighting candles, as there was no Mass scheduled. Then the great organ began playing Pacabel's Canon, (what a treat!) and then they brought in a casket and began a funeral Mass. I didn't stay.
St.Eustache: very tall archade, small triforium, wide double aisles, decorated chapels. This seems like a huge Gothic church, but just a small parish church.
I headed toward Saint Chapelle, stopping by the tower of St. James, another monument marking the ancient Way of St James. Then the tourists began in earnest!  There was a long line to get into Saint Chapelle, for which one paid 12 dollars to then go through security, and into the lower Chapel - which was mainly a souvenir stand. Finally to the upper Chapel and it's  magnificent medieval stained glass windows. They really are something to see! Or maybe it's more the placement - the vast expanse of so much stained glass, in such tall windows. Built by our St. Louis.
I then headed a couple of blocks over to Notre Dame de Paris. It is certainly a fine example of Gothic architecture. It stands so proud and imposing, making quite an impression when one enters the square. The entry line stretched all around the plaza, but moved quickly. Just as I got inside, Mass was starting, so I say down and joined in as I could. What a blessing to be able to receive Communion. It was certainly interesting being at Mass, with all the tourists there also. It seemed to work as designed!? With the Mass participants in the nave, and the 'visitors' walking the aisles. Notre Dame has a lot of everything that makes Gothic so wonderful - beautiful stained glass windows (the north and south rose windows are both outstanding), sculpture (the west portals are the first things one sees), and a grand and stately  architecture. It really draws one to lift their spirit up to the heights of God! I did pay the 6$ to see the treasury, some nice monstrances, chalices and the like, plus it was housed in what was the original chapter house. I was willing to pay the 9$ entry fee to climb the towers except that the line was too long and slow. Oh well, maybe next time.
After the crowds there I went looking for a quieter place. There are lots of smaller but great churches all around Paris. Not too far south of Notre Dame, was St Sulpice - another great church but with lots of Boroque elements. But it was peaceful.
On the way back to my hotel I happened to find a church named St Merry (or Meri), just another fine church under renovations.
A great day. I wonder how many miles I actually walked?