The walk continues through another marvelous day. Rain showers, wind, and sunny skies all played their role in showing the shades and facets of Paris. Early this morning we headed over the Notre Dame cathedral even before coffee (are you kidding me?). Again the hope was to slip in ahead of the crowds, and what a wonderful, quiet, and peaceful time we had. The massive cathedral was ours for almost half an hour with a few scattered other people, who were also willing to participate in the silence. We sat  awed and silent in the front row  gazing at the incredible architecture all around us, and the massive stained glass rose windows at the over the north and south entrances. Each window measures 43 feet in diameter, and both were originally created in the 13th century. The age of things on this side of the ocean are often humbling to those of us from the new world. We were able to tour the entire area open to the public by the time the crowds began to arrive. Although there are signs asking for silence, the crowds seem immune to such pleas. We slipped out an exit and were on our way to our favorite breakfast cafe and the wonderful coffee.

Even though we had rain showers around, and a rather sketchy forecast  we decided to make the hike up through the the right bank to arrondissement nine to the opera district. The destination goal was the Opera National de Paris Garnier. It is considered one of the most opulent buildings of its time and even now. It is breathtaking in every respect. Gold gilded halls, infinity mirrors, grand marble staircases, chandeliers everywhere, and you would not be to the auditorium yet. And yes, the auditorium does not destroy the image. All the box seats are gilded in gold, every seat is covered in deep red velvet, and in the domed ceiling far overhead is the famed chandelier, with almost four hundred lights, and a weight of seven tons. Truly stunning. Since we chose a guided tour we were allowed to go into the actual lower auditorium and sit in the seats near the orchestra pit. Just ahead of us over head is the emperor’s box, and right over our head is box five which was always demanded by the Phantom of the Opera for every performance. Whether one believes or not in the mysterious phantom, the box is kept empty for every single performance in the Palais-Garnier to this very day. When we looked up and saw that box, we both could hear in our heads the thundering opening beats of the pipe organ from the overture of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s play Phantom of the Opera (still an all time favorite)!

From there it was a long rainy, windy walk back to the hotel. Still a very satisfying day.