Notre Dame, Art History lesson, and Box 5

I can't even begin to describe how crazy and amazing today has been. I woke up feeling groggy due to a late night prior, and I was not at all hyped up for our walked to Notre Dame. Even though the Hotel is very close, it was still a difficult trek for a half-asleep me.

Then I found out we were going to the top of Notre Dame.

This, ladies and gentleman, completely changed my outlook. I have mentioned that I've been here before with a high school trip, and Notre Dame was one of things we had seen. I'd already taken all the pretty stained glass pictures and heard the history of the place. There were so many other things I wanted to see more closely in Paris, that I wasn't very excited until I realized we were climbing all 400 stairs to the highest tower (something I have never done before).
As I walked up the very narrow stairs, I looked at the worn parts of the floor and marveled at how many people must have made this same trek hundreds of years ago. The thought was amazing, and so was the view! I think the view from Notre Dame was even better than the view from the Eiffel tower.

After visiting Notre Dame, we visited the Saint Chappelle (the most beautiful church in all of Paris). Although much smaller than Notre Dame, it has the most beautiful stained glass ever to be seen, and most of the paint is still in-tact. Fun fact: most of the churches in Europe were once painted bright colors, but over time they faded down to the color of stone.

From the Saint Chappelle we had a bit of a walk to the Louvre. Yes, the Louvre. Our group split up for some quick lunch, and re-convened beneath the Tuileries (glass pyramids) with our tour guide. She was a very informative French/Brazilian woman with an encyclopedia brain. A very interesting encyclopedia brain. Of course the place was packed wall-to-wall, so we had a quick 1 1/2 hour tour to see the main pieces.

No, this is not enough time to see the Louvre.
No, the main pieces are not the best.
We were told that if you only spent 3 seconds looking at every piece in the museum, it would still take you a full month, nonstop, to see everything.
I have also been to the Louvre previously, and had some other priorities to see after the tour so I didn't stay long. I did learn a LOT about The Death of Sardanapalus, Le Radeau de la Meduse, Le Noces Cana, Le Sacre de Napoleon, the Venus de Milo, the Sphynx, and the Louvre in general. I don't have time to go into all the details here, but if you happen to be my friend on facebook, each picture will have a mini history lesson in it's description ;)

Now, for the reason I rushed out of the Louvre. The reason I began to be interested in France. The beginning of my learning the language. The start of this entire trip, about 10 years ago.

The Palais Garnier

Or: The Paris Opera House, home of the Phantom of the Opera

I FINALLY GOT TO GO INSIDE. FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another API member and I snagged a ticket to wander the Opera on our own, and I cried tears of pure joy. everything was perfect. Gold, gilded, elegantly carved, coated in red velvet. We oogled at the beautiful ballet costumes on display, gasped at the intricately detailed ceilings, and dropped our jaws in awe at the grand chandelier. I have never seen anything more perfect in my entire life.
The crowning glory was the discovery of box 5 itself, with a special plaque dedicated to the Phantom. I wanted to glue myself to the door. My biggest dream had finally come true. I can't even think of much to say about it because I'm still so floored by the experience. One day I hope to return again for a tour of the catacombs, but for now I'm just in heaven that I got to roam the main floors. Please enjoy the photos.

After completing my biggest goal in life, I took a rest at the Hotel and packed my bags for tomorrow. We head out for Grenoble in the afternoon! One of our members is celebrating her 21st birthday so we hopped over to an Italian restaurant for some food, and I skipped out on clubbing to cozy up with my blog and get some shut-eye for the big journey. <3