One of the more iconic spots, I don't think a Paris trip would be complete without coming to the Notre Dame
Cathedral.
Although there is no entrance fee, therein lies the problem too: everybody wants to go in since it is free.
The line can get really long and discouraging. It's not uncommon to wait for up to an hour to get in and visit for less than half of the wait. Doesn't seem very worth it, right?
We gave up on this place initially but found that there wasn't much of a line when we passed by the place again close to its closing time. So, no wait but also no lingering as the officers would start to usher people out. Think of it like dogs gathering the sheep, or shepherd herding cows.
But, I still got to visit the hunchback's
namesake. However, still haven't watched the cartoon or read the story.
Intricate carvings adorn the entrance.
If you are a historian, they would probably tell you a story.
To me, they are just simply amazing.
There is only one entrance and one exit.
Tourists flooded the church, some not particularly quiet despite a service taking place.
Although the French do speak English, it is somewhat broken and challenging to understand due to the thick French accent.
Somehow, it was by sheer luck that my trip didn't meet any untoward
accident. Must thank the good Lord for sparing me.
Truth be told, Christianity isn't something that I subscribe to. Sure, there were attempts to convert me in my younger days but that's quite a futile effort.
There were confession
booths rooms. Don't worry, they speak English too. No, I didn't bother to try.
The service was going on, if you understand French.
Cathedrals or churches in Paris seem to follow a particular theme. There is a stage in the center upfront. This is followed by row after row of pews.
By the sides are these small sections. Each with a painting and glass ceiling.
The ceilings are high with sun shining in.
While noticeably
bigger, Notre Dame is almost a tourist trap with its various merchandises.
The proceeds go to the upkeep of the cathedral. The cheapest costs about €3.
Full service. To be honest, I did feel slightly disrespectful for intruding on the parishioners.
While other churches scream of serenity and peace, this place almost literally screams, thanks to the hordes of tourists.
Not sure what this means.
A number of the statues were donated to the church over the years.
In case if you are wondering, this was the part where we were being
evacuated asked to vacate the premises as it was closing time.
So, there was just no time to focus my camera. Hence, the blurry shots.
Thankfully, the church understood the importance of lighting and kept the bright lights on.
But that's also of no use when the guy keeps asking you to move along.
For a moment, I did feel a connection to the savior, Jesus Christ.
No time to offer any prayer because it was closing time.
Can you tell that I'm running out of things to say by now?
Puts imaginary motivating caption here.
By here, they have started to turn off the lights.
Yes, service was still going-on.
How do you tell the tourist from the church goer? Cameras.
They do have a rather sizable art collection.
If anything, my beliefs are more aligned towards Buddhism.
Somehow, the idea of karma appeals to me more than the original sin.
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