Even in the Rain

Paris is still the most beautiful city in the world. We arrived on what appeared to be the last day of summer. The street performers were out in full force last night as we strolled along the Seine in the Rive Gauche in short sleeves.

But today it is damp and markedly colder. Even two café-au-laits failed to take the chill away.

We are staying under the shadow of Notre Dame on l’Ile St. Louis. Here are some pictures I took on the block where our hotel is located.



Right now we’re sitting at an outdoor café in the Tuillerie Gardens waiting for the Musee de l’Orangerie to open. This is the home of Monet’s 91-meters of water lilies, which was closed for renovation the last time we were in Paris. The scene is considerably different than it is on a sunny Sunday, when young children are sailing their boats in the pool, couples are lounging in the grass, and musicians are adding the background sound that so typifies Paris.

Instead I can hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, the chatter of children confined to their strollers, and the clink of spoons from those sipping hot drinks. What a window on humanity as they stroll by on their way to who knows where.



The afternoon ended with a little sun and a chance to sit and meditate while listening to an organ concert in the Eglise de la Madeleine. Even though it’s not my religion, the church is magnificent. And the concert was free, as many are.