Sorry we have been a little behind but wanted to enjoy our last few days, using every last minute possible to enjoy the city.
On Saturday, we got a bit of a late start before heading to the Pink Flamingo for some lunch. We did make some more concrete plans for the remainder of our time, to make sure we would be able to see as many things as possible. We now know its better to hit the road a little sooner. While we were researching, we decided to look up French Open tickets. To our surprise (and probably a little luck) we were able to find cheap, good seats. We were in disbelief the rest of the day that we were GOING TO THE FRENCH OPEN on Sunday! So crazy!
The Pink Flamingo is a one-of-a-kind restaurant. We posted two videos below where I explain how it works (with the aid of helium). You order your pizza at the shop, either to sit down there or delivery. The delivery only goes along the canal, which is only around the corner from the shop. Before you choose your spot, they tie a pink balloon to your wrist so they can find you to deliver your tasty pizza! (It is only a pizza shop, but the pizza is sooo good and makes it an easy delivery) It was a beautifully sunny day and we picked a spot partially covered by the shade of a tree. We sat and enjoyed the atmosphere for about fifteen minutes before our pizza arrived. The ingredients are all organic and local so you could taste the freshness - especially the basil... so great! (Side note: We want to open our own restaurant in the states, possibly named "The Blue Elephant" -- this is another copyrighted idea, so don't think of stealing it!!)
After our meal, we decided we wanted to keep the balloon as a souvenir. Julie suggested untying it but I insisted we suck the helium - which proved for an entertaining video for you all to enjoy. After our antics, we took our customary after-meal walk around the area... it was very fun, filled with young people and families. On the way to the metro station, we even walked by a hospital! It was huuuge!
Naturally, after eating, going to see human remains is a popular idea... so that is just what we planned to do! Unfortunately, fate had other plans for us. We got in line to see the Catacombs but were quickly approached by a museum worker there and told that we would be unable to get into the 'combs before they closed (4 p.m.) Still not sure why they closed so early :(
We decided to search for an internet cafe while we had some time before Notre Dame mass. We walked around a bit before we found the place - it was really nice and even had air conditioning - even though it wasn't turned on until after we walked in haha. We uploaded some photos and videos, checked mail, and did some research.
Before we knew it, it was time to head up-town to Paris's islands and to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It was immense. The detail on the outside of the structure was insane. The amount of time it would take to chisel just one square metre of stone, much less an entire cathedral, is daunting.
We got to the church around 5:00 so we could make the 5:45pm mass. Turns out, at 5:45pm, there was not a mass, but more of a prayer service. We were happy we sat for this, as the music was absolutely beautiful - not that we could understand what they were singing or saying, but it didn't matter to us. We decided to stay for the 6:30pm mass (which was really a mass!) and it was delightful. We had a program to follow so we could tell where we were in the mass and just by knowing the flow of a mass from the States. Included in the program was an English version of the readings, which was helpful. The only part of the mass we really had trouble with was the homily --- definitely lost! Luckily, there were many other things in the church to enjoy. For the mass, there were two visiting choirs (such great voices) and visiting priests. After the mass, we walked around the remainder of the church. It was absolutely magnificent. The structure and stained glass windows were very impressive. It is a wonder how such things were built without modern technology (just as it is a wonder how the Tour Eiffel, Pyramids, Great Wall of China, and other impressive man-made wonders were built). Below we included a video of the organ playing after mass, a 360 degree view of the church, and people clapping to celebrate the music of the mass.
During mass, there was a small old woman in front of us. She was probably 4'5" at max, conservatively dressed, and very committed to her faith. She even kneeled on the stone floor (there were no rests) when it was the appropriate time. MOM pay special attention here - she even turned around at the organ player a few times to give him a mean look because he was playing so loud. I guess it is not just a St. Peter's/my Mom thing haha. We even got to shake her hand at the sign of peace. After the mass, I turned to Julie and said "I wish I could be her friend" - Julie goes, "I KNEW you were going to say that!!!" haha
Following our tour, we went outside, took some pictures, wandered around the grounds, and stumbled upon some street performers. They were not dancers, as in New York, but skaters! One had in-line skates on while the other had roller blades. They were very impressive and a large crowd had gathered to observe their tricks. This is similar to street danders in New York, but they are bit more creative in their form!
Although they were entertaining, we decided it was time to move on to find some food. Before we were able to spot a suitable restaurant, we found another lock bridge! That morning, I had put the lock we bought in my purse, just in case an opportunity like this came up! We decided to write quotes on it, lock it on the bridge, and throw our keys (one each) in the river. We got a video to capture the moment too! This was a really fun experience for us, definitely a unique idea!
Across from the Cathedral, there were plenty of restaurants with specials, and we found one where we could people-watch and view the Cathedral. We decide to split our meals because we could not decide between two: pasta with herb sauce and salmon. They were incredible!
During our walk, we found some street artists where I picked up a photo of the Eiffel in fall. It was only 3 Euros and something I would not have a chance to buy anywhere else... getting it home without bends or krinkle's would be another story! We walked around a bit more before hoping back on the subway and heading to our hostel.
Another great day down and another one to look forward to: The French Open!!!
On Saturday, we got a bit of a late start before heading to the Pink Flamingo for some lunch. We did make some more concrete plans for the remainder of our time, to make sure we would be able to see as many things as possible. We now know its better to hit the road a little sooner. While we were researching, we decided to look up French Open tickets. To our surprise (and probably a little luck) we were able to find cheap, good seats. We were in disbelief the rest of the day that we were GOING TO THE FRENCH OPEN on Sunday! So crazy!
The Pink Flamingo is a one-of-a-kind restaurant. We posted two videos below where I explain how it works (with the aid of helium). You order your pizza at the shop, either to sit down there or delivery. The delivery only goes along the canal, which is only around the corner from the shop. Before you choose your spot, they tie a pink balloon to your wrist so they can find you to deliver your tasty pizza! (It is only a pizza shop, but the pizza is sooo good and makes it an easy delivery) It was a beautifully sunny day and we picked a spot partially covered by the shade of a tree. We sat and enjoyed the atmosphere for about fifteen minutes before our pizza arrived. The ingredients are all organic and local so you could taste the freshness - especially the basil... so great! (Side note: We want to open our own restaurant in the states, possibly named "The Blue Elephant" -- this is another copyrighted idea, so don't think of stealing it!!)
After our meal, we decided we wanted to keep the balloon as a souvenir. Julie suggested untying it but I insisted we suck the helium - which proved for an entertaining video for you all to enjoy. After our antics, we took our customary after-meal walk around the area... it was very fun, filled with young people and families. On the way to the metro station, we even walked by a hospital! It was huuuge!
Naturally, after eating, going to see human remains is a popular idea... so that is just what we planned to do! Unfortunately, fate had other plans for us. We got in line to see the Catacombs but were quickly approached by a museum worker there and told that we would be unable to get into the 'combs before they closed (4 p.m.) Still not sure why they closed so early :(
We decided to search for an internet cafe while we had some time before Notre Dame mass. We walked around a bit before we found the place - it was really nice and even had air conditioning - even though it wasn't turned on until after we walked in haha. We uploaded some photos and videos, checked mail, and did some research.
Before we knew it, it was time to head up-town to Paris's islands and to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It was immense. The detail on the outside of the structure was insane. The amount of time it would take to chisel just one square metre of stone, much less an entire cathedral, is daunting.
We got to the church around 5:00 so we could make the 5:45pm mass. Turns out, at 5:45pm, there was not a mass, but more of a prayer service. We were happy we sat for this, as the music was absolutely beautiful - not that we could understand what they were singing or saying, but it didn't matter to us. We decided to stay for the 6:30pm mass (which was really a mass!) and it was delightful. We had a program to follow so we could tell where we were in the mass and just by knowing the flow of a mass from the States. Included in the program was an English version of the readings, which was helpful. The only part of the mass we really had trouble with was the homily --- definitely lost! Luckily, there were many other things in the church to enjoy. For the mass, there were two visiting choirs (such great voices) and visiting priests. After the mass, we walked around the remainder of the church. It was absolutely magnificent. The structure and stained glass windows were very impressive. It is a wonder how such things were built without modern technology (just as it is a wonder how the Tour Eiffel, Pyramids, Great Wall of China, and other impressive man-made wonders were built). Below we included a video of the organ playing after mass, a 360 degree view of the church, and people clapping to celebrate the music of the mass.
During mass, there was a small old woman in front of us. She was probably 4'5" at max, conservatively dressed, and very committed to her faith. She even kneeled on the stone floor (there were no rests) when it was the appropriate time. MOM pay special attention here - she even turned around at the organ player a few times to give him a mean look because he was playing so loud. I guess it is not just a St. Peter's/my Mom thing haha. We even got to shake her hand at the sign of peace. After the mass, I turned to Julie and said "I wish I could be her friend" - Julie goes, "I KNEW you were going to say that!!!" haha
Following our tour, we went outside, took some pictures, wandered around the grounds, and stumbled upon some street performers. They were not dancers, as in New York, but skaters! One had in-line skates on while the other had roller blades. They were very impressive and a large crowd had gathered to observe their tricks. This is similar to street danders in New York, but they are bit more creative in their form!
Although they were entertaining, we decided it was time to move on to find some food. Before we were able to spot a suitable restaurant, we found another lock bridge! That morning, I had put the lock we bought in my purse, just in case an opportunity like this came up! We decided to write quotes on it, lock it on the bridge, and throw our keys (one each) in the river. We got a video to capture the moment too! This was a really fun experience for us, definitely a unique idea!
Across from the Cathedral, there were plenty of restaurants with specials, and we found one where we could people-watch and view the Cathedral. We decide to split our meals because we could not decide between two: pasta with herb sauce and salmon. They were incredible!
During our walk, we found some street artists where I picked up a photo of the Eiffel in fall. It was only 3 Euros and something I would not have a chance to buy anywhere else... getting it home without bends or krinkle's would be another story! We walked around a bit more before hoping back on the subway and heading to our hostel.
Another great day down and another one to look forward to: The French Open!!!
What a name for a pizzeria... Pink Flamingo. Big change from Joey's or Vinny's...lol
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine the Jersey Guido guys wearing a pink balloon while waiting for pizza ha, ha, ha. I like that the ingredients were organic!
The lock bridge is a great idea!
The church was so beautiful. Good girls for not missing mass.
Aunt Lisa