Les Pompiers

The day before Le Quatorze Juillet, France's Independance day, made for an abundant amount of adventure. I braved the morning drizzle to take some time for quiet repose at Place des Vosges, beautiful park in the 4th. It was lovely to sit and enjoy people watching, read, journal, daydream, etc. I then wandered around a bit, only to discover a harp player next to a door that led to another park, pictured to the R. I even found a café with euro coffee. A morning of awesome discoveries.

Afterward met up with some girls for an organ concert at Notre Dame. Indescribable, the music vibrating through the long church and through your body. It is incredible what God can inspire.

As the rain continued to threaten a few of us watched our first french movie. Only understood about 80% of the dialogue, but still a cute one.

Finally prepared for Les Bals des Pompiers, or Firemen Ball, where all the fire houses in paris open for a night of dancing and festivities. We did some research and decided on the 6th. We arrived to find a line around the block, most decided to stick it out, and after 2 hours we found ourselves in a packed courtyard with much drinking, little dancing, and lots of people. We laughed through about an hour and decided to head home, an adventure in itself involving two buses and a couple blocks walking. Overall not all it was hyped to be... But still a learning experience.

We didn't get up in time to catch the parade today, but will soon be off to picnic and enjoy fireworks near Le Tour Eiffel.

Apt search continuing, might have found THE place, but will have to wait til she gets back from vacation, keep the prayers coming : )

Much hugs and love and cocorico* from Paris

*cocorico: excessive or ostentatious patriotism