After the quick post about Paris I thought I should  write further about our experiences in that interesting city.

Like every big city, some areas are great while others are not so good.  We visited Notre Dame Cathedral and greatly enjoyed the cathedral along with the surrounding neighborhood.  Afterwards, we visited the Sacre Coer (another cathedral).  It sat high on a hill with a panoramic view of Paris.  It was all amazing and helped to create a very enjoyable last day in Paris.

I’m writing now in a Starbucks in Cologne, Germany. The 2 hr. 45 min train ride here was pleasant and restful this morning.  Upon leaving the train station, you enter into the shadow of the Cologne Cathedral.  We had a great time exploring it (well, at least I did since this is why I’m on this sabbatical).

Tomorrow is free time exploring the city (as well as is the rest of today).  No plans–just want to enjoy the city, the people, and the culture.

So far, in spite of some problems that are probably inevitable in a trip like this, it has been a great experience.  Standing in these cathedrals that are hundreds of years old, connects one to Christian history in a remarkable way.  Truly inspiring.

On steps of Sacre Coer looking over Paris: