A Blustery Day of Police, Roadblocks and Sirens
Bonjour,
Yesterday was all about the reopening of Notre Dame. The city was abuzz with incoming royal guests who would be attending the opening ceremonies with President Macron at the magnificent Notre Dame. Trump, Prince William, Elon Musk, and First Lady Jill Biden representing the USA were all in attendance. And no, we were not able to get anywhere near it. We watched on television live as many of you perhaps did. The weather was blustery all day but by evening the rain came down in buckets with a fierce, cold wind. Not pleasant for those brave enough to stand along the Seine to hear the bells of Notre Dame ring out. Perhaps in our younger days, we might have done that but glad to be warm and dry last night.
One of the BBC guest analysts, a religious historian, said that the largest bell at Notre Dame is “the voice of the cathedral and of the Catholic Church.” The first mass will be held today and the tickets were sold out in 15 minutes. We’re just hoping that we can eventually get tickets to enter! You can’t do it more than 48 hours in advance!
Here’s some interesting information about the Notre Dame organ which was commanded by the Archbishop last night to “wake up.” 
Saturdays are always busy in Paris but yesterday was like nothing we’ve ever seen. Perhaps the buzz about Notre Dame combined with Christmas created a mad house around the city. We had some shopping to do and captured a hodgepodge of photos but no luck with our shopping!
We met Malcolm and Antonia for lunch at Sorza and said a fond farewell. What a treat to spend these last three days with them. They insist that we visit them next time in London. No pics unfortunately. Sorza is a little hidden gem on Ile St. Louis. Check it out! It’s truly a pleasure to dine there.
This next photo is inside the Carousel de Louvre, the huge underground shopping center which leads directly into the Louvre from the Metro. We call this the toilet paper store where for 2 euros, you can use ”le toilette.” Paula and Tim, this one’s for you!
We stopped to rest a bit and have a little refreshment. Sitting outside was cold and windy but got some photos of life and fashion on the streets. 
Sundays are my favorite days in Paris but today is still rainy so we will bypass going to the Bastille market. Our goal for today is to check out the new Metro connection to Orly airport on Line 14 in anticipation of meeting Bernie’s son’s flight tomorrow morning.
It’s never a dull moment around here!
A bientôt
L & B
P.S. I have a newer iPhone 15 which I’ve never used before for the blog. The cropping function is funky to me so you may see some less than well-edited photos, i.e. the phone shot about the organ. Any advice would be helpful!
December 8, 2024 @ 11:34 am
A great day for Paris and the world! And a message of hope: terrible destruction can be turned to resurrection. Thanks for good information, including about the organ.
December 8, 2024 @ 1:27 pm
Thanks Linda! Would love to go inside Notre Dame again. Pictures of street life are always great!!
December 8, 2024 @ 1:40 pm
You always manage to share photos of what’s going on, despite barriers. Sorry to hear the weather was so challenging. I’m hoping and praying that you get tickets to Norte Dame, sooner than later. Can’t wait to see pictures of that!
Cindi
December 8, 2024 @ 2:15 pm
just to be in the city as the Notre Dame celebration began is so special!!
We love the multi packs offered at the TP store! that’s new!!
December 8, 2024 @ 3:30 pm
I feel like I’m there! Thank you for your wonderful description of the day. I would be staying inside sipping hot tea, bundled up in a cozy blanket.
December 8, 2024 @ 3:37 pm
Linda, you have such a gift in your writing that makes me feel like I am there experiencing everything. Thank you. Love the blog and photos. I hope you can get in to Notre Dame soon.
December 8, 2024 @ 5:49 pm
I wish I’d known beforehand that scalloped potatoes in France. Plus one for France. Your travel experience is showing. You seem to be able to make good decisions on what and when to see. Sure, hope you get into Notre Dame. Sure there be many opinions on how it was done — maybe you can keep you ear to the ground for public opinion. What is there about seasoned citizens that make us want to do ‘dry runs’ on upcoming appointments. I’m glad to Bernie’s son is coming over. Maybe you’ve said, but what about your kids. Have a good time.
Thank you
December 8, 2024 @ 7:17 pm
No, my kids are not coming over unfortunately.
December 9, 2024 @ 1:16 am
On 60 Minutes last Sunday, I learned that Americans had donated US$57 million to the restoration of Notre Dame! Very good…
December 11, 2024 @ 4:22 pm
Hmmm, I don’t recall the BVH…surely I haven’t been? I swore that was banana pudding- alas, it’s scalloped potatoes!! I didn’t watch Notre Dam but I’m inspired to look up some videos to esp hear that organ! Please stay safe…hope you’re walking hand in hand as much as you can!