A Church, Prostitution, & Halloween Parties

Now if that title for a Blog doesn't grab you, I don't know what will...

I finally made it up to The Sacre-Coeur this week. I have decided to get out once a week and see some of the incredible sites of Paris. Also, with this incredibly warm evening weather, I have no excuse not to get out. It soon won't be as nice or pleasant to explore so I'm getting out while it's still good!

Getting to the Sacre-Coeur was an adventure in and of itself. I went from the most southern point of Paris to almost the most northern. The metro trip was easy and not bad. Stepping off the Metro into the notorious 18eme, was not so easy and very bad. However I was never scared because there were plenty of policemen standing guard with their big guns and looking mean. That didn't stop all my fine new friends from offering me cigarettes, condoms, and other "job opportunities". Let's just say I was relieved to find my way and get to the Sacre-Coeur.

The Sacre-Coeur was very fun. I met my friend Katy up there and together we explored the grounds and toured the church. Completed in 1914, the, "Basillica of the Sacred Heart" is a beautiful Catholic Church situated on a hill overlooking the city of Paris. We enjoyed an amazing view of the Notre Dame and Pantheon. A quick walk up the street led us to a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. With the night lights twinkling all over town, I couldn't have asked for a better night and view. It was amazing! Oh, and the church itself is not bad.

You don't get this view without paying a price: being located on a hill with a fabulous view, you must walk up a tower of stairs. It wasn't back breaking or anything, I would just advice bringing your running shoes. It's a great workout.

Halloween planning is well under way and it looks like we will successfully Americanize the Square Violet on the 31st of October. We're going to take over the Parc and have the kids Trick or Treat from bench to bench. With semi-descent weather we should have a great evening. I will start to get more excited once I get costumes for the ladies worked out!

Things are fabulous here in Paris. For those of you that are thinking of coming, I am researching the streets heavily and am becoming a great tour guide! Celia and I are getting out every morning and doing our homework. Today we enjoyed the Open Market of the 13eme. I love walking through this market and watching the butchers and fishermen prepare their goods. Or I sneak in some samples of cheese and fruits from the intense salespeople. It's quite the adventure.

But like I said, the weather is great and we've got to get out while we still can. The ladies have finished their naps and snacks and we're off to climb the trees! Hope all is well in the home lands!