The weather looked promising as we set off for Montmartre this morning but, again turned blustery and threatening by the time we got off the Metro. We were able to enjoy the funicular and our view of the city before the rain started so our visit inside Sacre Cour was well timed. I was pointing out some of the different figures featured in the stained glass windows and statues in the church and just as we were leaving, Charlotte gets her first look down the length of the church to the huge mosaic above the alter and breaks the hushed atmosphere by exclaiming, 'I found Jesus!'
With the rain still in play, we decided to extend our visit and climb the 300 steps to the dome for what was promised to be a beautiful 360 degree view of the city. Now, knowing that we are traveling with 3 small children, you are likely imaging the umpteen ways that this little detour could have gone spectacularly wrong but the girls made me proud and powered up that dark, narrow, spiral staircase to the very top for a windy but noteworthy view. We topped off our visit to Montmartre with a stroll through the steep, narrow streets and a couple of crepes to go.
For our date night, we decided to explore the 14th - Montparnasse - a busy neighborhood where locals live, work and play. Then we walked amongst the ornate crypts and tombstones of the Cimeteire du Montparnasse and took this rare opportunity of quiet to ponder the fleeting nature of life. Afterwards, we expanded on the macabre theme and visited FondationCartier (a contemporary art exhibition space) for their exhibit on Voodoo. Fascinating but it did not make me want to visit Benin, Africa - home to the people who still, to this day, create these eerie sculptures. We escaped the drizzle and warmed ourselves over a quiet but satisfying meal at Maxan restaurant.
Similar weather is forecast for the whole week so we are putting together a list of rainy day activities to keep everyone happy. A demain.
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