| Being an enthusiast of great architecture as well | | | | few of the sights that make Notre Dame one of |
| as a history buff, I have developed a fascination, | | | | the most impressive cathedrals in the world. |
| with European cathedrals. My wife has never quite | | | | The most memorable trip by far, was our very |
| shared my passion, but since she adores traveling | | | | first Easter outing three years ago. We went to |
| and shopping, we have a perfect arrangement. | | | | the 'Eternal City' of Rome where we checked into |
| Our special time of the year is Easter, for the | | | | the stunning Aldrovandi Palace. We had initially set |
| religious significance of the day, and also because | | | | out to enjoy all the wonders that Rome had to |
| we were married on Easter. This year our | | | | offer - the Sistine Chapel was to be the highlight |
| journey took us to Paris, a city that is known | | | | for me. Little did we know at the time that this |
| throughout the world as a cultural mecca with a | | | | chapel would incite such emotion and begin a |
| gorgeous architectural heritage. | | | | life-long tradition. |
| Soon after we arrived in the City of Lights, we | | | | The sensation that took hold of me as I viewed |
| couldn't wait to visit one of the most famous | | | | the works of Michelangelo, seeing the actual |
| cathedrals in the world, the Cathedral of Notre | | | | artistic quality and mesmerizing beauty of his |
| Dame. Accommodations in Paris were abundant, | | | | famous ceiling, had a profound effect on both my |
| we opted to stay at the Franklin Roosevelt Hotel, | | | | wife and I. We were left utterly speechless |
| which was a stone's throw from the | | | | viewing the frescoes, which depicted the |
| Champs-Elysees. This was a bit of an indulgence, | | | | ancestors of Christ. My personal favourite, and |
| but the casino inside the hotel was all of the | | | | arguably the most famous, was an apex |
| justification that I needed. | | | | containing a scene from the Genesis: The Creation |
| The Notre Dame cathedral was everything that I | | | | of Adam. |
| expected and more. The entrance to the | | | | In order to appreciate the beauty and the |
| cathedral was highlighted by a magnificent | | | | magnitude of artistry, you would have to see it |
| sculpture of 'Adam and Eve and the Serpent'. The | | | | for yourself. It is a vision that will forever keep a |
| bell 'Emmanuel', which is located in the South | | | | place in my heart. Our continued love for these |
| Tower, weighs 13 metric tons (over 28,000 | | | | colossal pieces of history has us already planning |
| pounds) and the sculpture of the Virgin Mary, | | | | for next Easter! |
| which is known as the Virgin of Paris, was just a | | | | |