How I spent my birthday in my favorite city

Bebeth and I planned to hear mass at the chapel of Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac so off we went to check out the mass. There were lots of people inside the chapel since there was an ongoing mass. The next one would be at half past noon so we decided to check out the Le Grand Epicerie just beside the chapel. I bought some food stuff here last night.

That photo above was the last we took since the store people disallowed us from further taking photos.

I told bebeth maybe we should visit the Church of St. Ignace just across the street since it was closed when I visited yesterday. We went inside and checked out the schedule of masses and apparently the last mass was at 11am. Tough luck I thought. We sat down to pray and I closed my eyes and intently talked with St. Ignatius of Loyola who I didnt know much about inspite being an Atenean.



I opened my eyes when I heard a bell rang. A priest was going to the altar to say mass! It was 12noon and there was no mass scheduled! But I guess this was St. Ignatius gift to me. Had we attended the mass at Rue de Bac it would have been difficult to concentrate with the crowd. Here it was very solemn as there were just a few of us.

After the mass I took photos of some paintings depicting important times in the life of St. Ignatius. A gracious lady who served during the mass explained some of them to me such as the time Jesus himself manifested himself to the saint as well as the Blessed Mother who dictated to him the rules.

Some other photos in collage form. Most were taken in the Opera area, a busy, posh place in the city.




We had dinner in one of our favorite restos in Paris. Bebeth and I also had dinner here in 2002. I discovered the place when Ceciilia, dad's friend treated us here decades back.

Paris at last!

Yes I am back in my favorite city at last!

Its been four years since I last visited Paris. In the past I would usually visit once or twice with my parents.

This european trip was not planned but I guess its dad's gift to me. I left manila right after dad's first death anniversary. First day is all for myself since tomorrow bebeth arrives.

We are booked in Hotel Gotty Opera. I specifically asked our travel agent in Paris to book me near the Opera so I can just walk to blvd hausmman and other nearby places.

Right after I showered and napped a bit (hardly slept on the plane), off I walked to the direction of my favorite street, boulevard hausmman :) (thats where the big shops are).

Well guess what, as usual I got lost and ended up at the Bourse! So as not to feel I have wasted my time and energy walking to the opposite direction, I took the photo of the bourse itself :)

After asking some kind french people the direction of Boul Haussman, I was able to get to the big avenue itself.

By this time, my feet were complaining and stomach grumbling for it must have been mid afternoon.

Before I went up the 6th floor where the cafe is located, I just had to take a photo of the beatiful interiors of the supposedly biggest store in Europe (Germans would claim though that the biggest is Ka De Ve in West Berlin). Below is its famous dome.

Compared to Berlin's Ka De Ve, they allow tourists to take photo inside Galeries Lafayette.

When I reached the sixth floor, I immediately went to the self-service shop and got myself some turkey (which really looked like cubed chicken) and rice and a truly sinful Tiramisu gelato for dessert.

Why do you think I had to walk a long way to get to this great grand dept store to eat?? Check out the scenery just outside my window while taking lunch.

Yes its the Eiffel Tower. Actually the other side looked more elegant but everyone was huddled on that corner I couldnt find a space to take photos. Maybe the succeeding days will see if I we can take some meal again in the same place.

After my meal, my feet can no longer stand walking a few more to the metro. I took a cab for the Miraculous Medal Chapel hoping to hear mass. Will write about the church later in my Pilgrims blog.

Unfortunately there were not afternoon or evening masses, considering its a religious holiday!

Off I went to buy some cheese and ham for my breakfast at the nearby Le Grand Epicerie after which I proceeded to walk to the Eglise Saint Ignace, which Fr Nebres told me about. He said that I should watch out for the sign for it looks like just one of the shops.

Tough luch, the church was closed! Again this is a religous holiday! No mass, maybe the priests were also on vacation :)



A few steps away was the Centre Sevres if the Jesuit order. I wanted to go in but I rememered Fr Nebres saying it was only for males so I just took the photo of the signage.


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Took the Metro this time at Rue de Sevres- Babylon and bought the 10 tickets carnet which the late Jee taught me the last time I visited Paris. I used to buy the carte orange but she said the cartes of 10 is more realistic.

No I didnt get lost inside the metro, but since I had to change lines, it took me ages to find the right 'correspondance'!!!

Back to the hotel early evening with the sun still up and my whole body aching from the whole day of walking. I actually passed by two stores to buy fruits, milk, water juice, soda and cheese again for breakfst since they serve only continental.

Thats all for today, till tomorrow folks!