Bonheur

Yesterday we had a low-key morning. I got another nice jog in, this time around the Arc de Triomphe, then back to shower, eat lunch, and off for the afternoon! We decided to spend afternoon strolling around the hilltop of Butte Montmartre, a hilltop neighborhood which still retains some of the untamed rural charm that once drew Impressionist painters and turn-of-the-century bohemians, and which is topped by the bulbous white domes of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. This is also the location of many other places like Le Chat Noir dance club, Van Gogh's House, Moulin Rouge, Pig Alley, and the list goes on. It was a long, but beautiful hike up the cobblestone streets, and was obviously a huge tourist attraction. From the front of Sacré-Coeur, one could see for miles above the Paris rooftops. 

Montemartre Square

Precious man painting

Rooftops of Paris

The Basilica was absolutely stunning, with so much art and focus on Christ's love for all humanity. Sadly, no pictures were allowed inside the Basilica, so I only have one from the outside, which is still magnificent!

View of Sacré-Coeur from the bottom of the hill

 After a delicious and warm crêpe on the streets of Montmartre, we headed on home to cook us some dinner. We ate, then headed back out to the Champs-Elysees to run around. We made a couple errands, one being to the FNAC (their bookstore, equivalent to a Borders), where I purchased my first French book, Le voleur d'ombres (which translates to "The thief of shadows")! I began it last night, and am thoroughly enjoying it! We also popped into the famous 19th century tea salon/pâtisserie, Ladurée, for some scrumptious macaroons!

nom nom nom

Afterwards we headed back home to warm up and hit the hay!

This morning was one of the most glorious things I've seen yet in Paris. I woke up at a lovely 7:45 AM to see snowflakes softly falling outside my window onto the white blanket of neige ("snow") covering the rooftops of Paris. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Not only do I rarely see snow, being a Texan and all, but what other time in my life will I wake up to watch the snow slowly drift past my bedroom window in PARIS. Absolutely stunning. So serene and peaceful. 

Neige! View from my balcony!

Bench covered in snow on the Champs-Elysees on the way to my metro stop

View from my balcony of the Eiffel Tower

Bundling up in 3 pairs of tights, 2 scarves, 2 socks, 2 head/ear warmers, 2 under layers and a dress then my hunter boots, I was off to Hillsong Paris for church! It was a delightful service, with an intricate mix of languages. What a dream to worship in French as I read the English translation below!! What a glorious way to celebrate being abroad and to feel the foreign beautify to the fullest. Hillsong was passionate and alive...full of Christ and a home to His family. Very exciting to meet new people and make some new friends, both French and American! I look forward to returning.

On the way home, I picked up a fresh baguette and cheese for lunch. Then spent the afternoon inside, watching the beautiful weather outside. Now I'm off to meet Anne Guevara, a family friend of the Miller's who lives in Paris permanently, for dinner! I'm quite excited to meet her and learn more about what it's like to live in France!

Tonight is the superbowl...or should I say this morning? Kick-off at 12:30 AM here, and yes, I will be watching from a local bar with some friends. Not quite sure if i'll last the whole time, but I'll watch as much as I can. I miss football season!

French word for the day: "bonheur" which means "happiness"

A bientôt!