5/23/05

5/23/05

Went to the Eiffel Tower tonight. We could only stay a few minutes because we left at 10 and had to catch the metro by 11:30 (at the latest 12). But it was gorgeous. It was best because of the full moon that was glowing big and bright under the arches as we stood under it. For the second time this day, we forgot all of our problems and gazed in awe at the sheer architectural genius that created these structures. The first time today was actually just after we found out we’d been ripped off, and we were on our way to Notre Dame. The train ride was hell…just plain depressing. Our poor companion, our hostel roommate (a sweet Belgian girl who’s name is Nelly, and who doesn’t speak much English), must have worried that she made a mistake by coming with us. But everything changed for the better when we stepped out of the metro, rounded the corner, and caught sight of Notre Dame. I had somehow forgotten that Notre Dame has been my subject in art a number of times, for years, and then there it was, brought to life. We went inside, and happened to be Sunday, so we witnessed the end of mass. Almost enough to make someone religious. The best part though, was going on the roof. It was well worth the 20-some-odd stories of stairs we circular stairs to climb, well worth the wait, well worth the money we’d been ripped off, the smell of the Paris subway, the language barrier…well worth it all. I forgot about being religious and drowned in the history, worship, and craftsmanship that this building represented. Looking out over Paris, I had thousands of different worlds, separated by time, distance and relationships lying at my feet. It’s enough to make someone feel very insignificant, but I didn’t for some reason.

Ruby and I were considering sleeping beneath the Eiffel Tower tomorrow night, until we remembered we’re girls, and that’s dangerous. Fucking pussy.

There was a rainbow at Notre Dame. Right behind it! God loves me. <---(irony)

----->7pm

I am really tired. We went to the Louvre today, but we didn’t actually go in. the price wasn’t too high, nor the line too long, but we didn’t have the biggest desire, so we decided not to pay 8.50 euros, and walk around and look at the building instead. We asked two girls to take our picture, and stood chatting with them for 20 mins when we found out they were American. Their names are Hannah and Kristen, and they’re really cool.