Admiring Cathedrals: 7/23-7/28

The table is strewn with pencils, paper and assorted books as I type this on a shiny laptop. The cool Paris breeze blows through the open door to the balcony, and it is welcome. The day has turned hot. I step out onto the balcony that overhangs the sidewalk, absorb the noises of the city, and think...

The time difference between Paris and my home of Berkeley is nine hours, making the new time not very easy to adjust to, especially after a long flight. From what Kenna told me afterwards, she awoke at 9 o'clock PM and was unsure if it was day or night. The sky was still bright. (In Paris, the sun set that day around 10 PM.) We got a lot of sleep that night.

The cathedral

The next day, we walked around our area of the city a bit. Kenna found refuge from the heat in a large store consisting mostly of electronics and books, which were in French, a language largely unfamiliar to Kenna and I. In the evening, we visited Robin's friend's brother's family, who lived in a lovely old house surrounded by a green garden containing various fruits, vegetables, and trees. I wish my garden was as healthy as theirs.

The view (click to expand)

The next day, we took the Metro, then the train, to Robin's friend's family's house. The youngest of his children--Pierre-Noel--was roughly my age. Kenna took an instant liking to him, as did I, though he spoke little English and we spoke little French. Our friendship benefited when we visited an old cathedral with numerous intricate carvings. There was a high tower with a very tall staircase, which everyone climbed. The view from the top balcony was excellent! It was a clear day, and we could see very far. Kenna, Pierre-Noel, and I took pleasure in circling the balcony. I enjoyed photographing the cathedral. The stained glass was amazing.

A chateau

The next day, we went on a tour of a chateau. The defense systems were interesting. Most of it was still preserved well, especially the tapestries. They were woven with very fine thread and looked like paintings. It was impressive. The kitchens were large, roomy spaces. Robin liked the ceilings, some of which were made by arranging wood in unique patterns. I liked the tapestries. Kenna liked the gift shop.
Today, prior to leaving, Robin, Shelley, Kenna, and I went to a nearby market. I admired the color of the red bell peppers, some of my favorite foods. There was a chocolate shop in the vicinity, where chocolate was sampled. I devoured a thin piece of dark chocolate (70%) that was delicious. Kenna chose milk chocolate and caramel, which she, too, liked very much. When I return to America, I will miss the French food.

When I return to America, I think now, I will miss a lot of things.