I walked over to the Arc de Triomphe this morning. Siri and I are beginning to come to an understanding about directions...her accent is atrocious, and she doesn't quite grasp the notion that pedestrian crossings may be 20 metres away from an intersection, and she doesn't fully comprehend roundabouts from a pedestrian's point of view, but she's been pretty good about getting me through this maze called Paris. I'm now beginning to question my formerly quite good sense of direction!
It is also here that I had my. first encounter with the notoriously rude French waiters. Having ordered la petite dejeunner (orange juice, coffee, and a croissant), the orange juice and coffee arrived promptly. I was told the croissant would be a moment or two. Then I watched the waiter go to the curb, smoke a cigarette, go back and serve several tables, finally glance my way and remember that I was owed a croissant. He didn't appreciate my sentiment that I should have another coffee libre to go with my croissant. Fortunately tipping is not the custom.
Les Champs Elysees is/are one of the tourist Meccas in Paris. Crowded, brash, full of people soliciting money by first asking if you speak English presumably because we Anglophones are more generous (or not yet onto the scam!), and American icons like Starbucks and McDonalds. And it is here, in the Givenchy-Sephora store (where I was admiring some of the Halloween makeup) that I heard a petulant female voice complain, "doesn't anybody here speak American?" Geesh!!
But for all the tourism of Les Champs Elysees, it is Avenue George V that is truly impressive. I had gone down to see the American Cathedral (Episcopal) in Paris (which was locked, despite a sign stating otherwise), but noticed along the way a number of flagship stores for a very exclusive brands. The Bulgari store had a lovely necklace and set of earrings in the window for about €70,000. A little out of my price range. And then I went to a signature pen store – a Salvador Dali Montegrappa pen in the window had a €12,000 price tag. This district is definitely above my pay grade!
And this evening, after a little siesta in the afternoon, I walked back to Notre Dame. While it was my intention to go to the organ concert, I arrived in time for mass. And that is where the tourists became really offensive. There is no sense of reverence with those who are simply there to take pictures, or look at a place that has a popular history, I was offended at the number of people who were taking photographs from the side aisles, or blatantly walking in front of people during the mass. The only experience with which I can compare this is at the national Cathedral in Washington. Nevertheless, I need my communion for all saints, or as it is known in French Toussaints. And I even understood enough of the homily, to grasp the fact that there is a wondrous expression of the mercy and grace of God to allow our human experience to extend into heaven.
And so today ended. With an organ concert and a metro trip back to my hotel.
Today's Music: Charles Tournemiere Victimae Paschali. I didn't know the work though I should have Here's a video. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FbK-7QPjRVI
Today's Paces: 25,990 (est)
Tomorrow's Prayer Intentions: all the saints who have touched our lives, inspired us, and made us better people because we think of them on our life's journey.
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