Church in Paris and other cathedrals

Sunday, March 21, 2010
We got up at 8:30, ate the apple doughnuts we had purchased the night before at a shop near the Eifle Tower, and made our way to the Metro station, ready for church. It was nice to have metro passes that would let us go wherever we wanted. We had written down our route the night before, and only had difficulty finding the church on the street, St. Merri. Finally on our second pass, we found the building number on a blue door, large enough for a carriage to drive through, but it needed a code to open it. We saw a sign for the church, so we knew we were in the correct location. Just then, a brother in a suit opened the door and we followed him into a courtyard with cars parked inside and doors all around. We later learned that it is an historic building and that Institute is held upstairs.
We were welcomed by several people who spoke English and were raised in Utah. We were given headsets, so we could listen to the meeting in English, thanks to a sweet sister missionary who translated for us. Sacrament meeting was very full, too, with over 100 in attendance. We felt very welcomed, and were thrilled to be able to understand what was said about serving others.
After church, we walked to Notre Dame and made it in time to hear part of their mass service and the beautiful organ. It is a gorgeously ornate building, with incredible stained glass windows, arched ceilings, carvings, paintings and sculptures.
Even though we had passes to climb to the top, we didn't go because the lines were very long.
We walked to Saints Chappelle and again found a beautiful church with stained glass windows, beautiful paintings and wood carvings. We climbed the spiral staircase to the top floor and it took our breath away, and not just because of the climb! It was magnificent. It was noticeable to hear the hushed voices or no voices at both churches. Men removed their hats and very little talking took place. I was disappointed about the gift shop set up right inside Saints Chappelle, however. It made me think of "money changers in the temple".

On a side note, our hotel is next to a large cathedral, San Cecile, and we saw many people dressed up and walking to church this morning. I particularly noticed two young girls and their little brother who looked like they could be walking to our church.
After the churches tour, we walked to the Louvre and went straight to the Mona Lisa. It was disappointing because it was so small: only 22 x 30 inches, and it was displayed on a huge wall, which made it appear even smaller. I had been warned that it was small, but it still was disappointing. The rest of the Louvre was amazing and so well cared for. The displays were amazing, but the rooms that contained the displays were so beautiful with carved mouldings, marble floors and walls, beautiful archways, etc. We spent a lot of time in the Etruscan, Roman, and Egyptian areas. We even saw a hieroglyphic that resembled one in the Pearl of Great Price.
We also saw the inverted pyramid that was shown in the movie, "DaVinci Code", as well as a rose marker and obelisk. I could hear the theme music in my mind as I saw that pyramid! As we left the Louvre, we walked onto the Tuillerie Gardens. I hadn't know what to expect, but should have realized there would be nude statues--after all, it is Paris!
We have really enjoyed our days in Paris. We are excited to continue on to Madrid and greet our missionary!