paris, grand parks and boulevards

What would this world be without Paris, without France? A very dull world. Thank God for Paris and for France.

Paris, France, top tourists destination

 Paris is always crowded with visitors, most arrive at the airport. At Charles de Galle airport, one can see the crowds arriving, in recent time, from Asia especially Japan but lately visitors from China are on the surge. But crowds are found in most major cities of Europe including Istanbul. Rome is crowded, so is Amsterdam and London. France is the most visited country in the world, followed by the USA and China.

Restaurants, souvenir shops, museums and various streets and bridges in Paris are usually filled with visitors. It is an exciting thing to be in Paris. Even after many trips to Paris, I still feel the excitment like its my first visit.

Grand Paris

No one who has been to Paris com away without being impressed. I don;t think there's any dispute that it the most beautiful city in the world.

Back to Paris

 I've always known about this Engliash bookstore in Paris but never knew where to locate it. On my last day, after lunch, I walked to a street corner I've never been to and lo and behold, there it was.

 I sat in front of it for almost an hour, immersing myself in the spirits that linger around the store.

I went inside and took this forbidden picture. I had fun.

The basement of Chartres cathedral

 An icon.

 A saint.

The only original part of Chartres cathedral is the basement. While the church part has suffered several fires and has been rebuilt, the basement has remained untouched. Services are still held here and the frescoes are still there. I had a French speaking guide who spoke no English and I no French. He gave up and left me to wander the basement by myself.

The rear of Chartres cathedral

The Chartres cathedral is massive.

Kouign amann

This is the most awful pastry, its too syrupy sweet and has too much butter. I couldn't eat it just as I can't stand 'Baklava' because its just too sweet.Apparently the French loves it.

Next trip

My next trip is to this place, I shall be going in early Febrauary. I'm excited!

Another side of Chartres cathedral

This is the shop across the street, not a side of Chartres.

Cute shop

The cute little cafe across the street from Chartres cathedral.