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|  || Thursday, October 12, 2006 || Paris Weekend (3)Day 3 of Weekend : Sunday, otherwise Day 27 To the north of Central Paris, on the Right Bank, lies a quaint and pretty little place named Montmartre. And, perched high upon this hill of Montmartre, is a church, very formally known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart or, if you care to be French-ish, la Basilique du Sacré-Coeur. And so it was that on this cold and windy Sunday morning, I paid a visit to Sacré-Coeur.  It is a lovely church, and I think that it has very aptly been named Basilica instead of Church. The term 'Basilica' does so much better capture the exotic magnificence that is the Sacré-Coeur. It reminds me rather of the Taj Mahal.  [The view from the top of Montmartre]I did not take photos of the inside of the Basilica. It was not allowed, and anyway I don't believe in taking photos of the inside of churches. It pains me when that happens; it is as if the church is degenerated into some cheap and common tourist attraction. But then who am I to speak - there was I on a Sunday as a tourist rather than to worship. Oh drat it I still feel guilty for skipping church that day. As it was I did not enjoy my visit much. My conscience was pricking me for having skipped church, and anyway there was too much crowd going in and out of the Basilica. There was no silence and calm. I could not find the peace that one should have from being in a church and it unsettled me for the day. I suppose I deserved it. But one thing I did think was touching: If you should ever visit Sacré-Coeur and look seriously at the architecture, you will notice that right at the top of the Basilica, stands a statute of Our Lord, looking down from his perch on Montmartre*, on the city, houses and streets of Paris, as if keeping constant and faithful watch... which He is, of course.  [The town of Montmartre, itself a joy to be in] [A children's band which happened to be playing that day, playing as well as children can]* by the way you all do know that Montmartre literally means "Mount Martyr" and that Montmartre is a hill, right? *** Anyway, the final food installation for my weekend in Paris. Presenting...  [From left to right - Row 1: Lumpy and my Pierre Hermé buys, a showcase of Pierre Hermé's chocolate stuff, Lumpy in a Pierre Hermé paper bag; Row 2: Pierre Hermé shopfront, the powder blue box of my dreams, Pierre Hermé large macaroons; Row 3: the macaroons I bought with my chocolate cake - chocolate mousse, sponge, ganache and solid dark chocolate, with a bit of gold, more dessert displays, Lumpy with my cake and macaroons]How do I explain Pierre Hermé to you? Think luxury bags. In the world of luxury desserts, if Ladurée is to Louis Vuitton; then Pierre Hermé is to well I guess... erm... a Chloé? *sigh* I'm not good at this. This requires someone like Cuixian or Ali... But anyway, just walk away knowing this: in France, just as there are luxury bags, there are luxury desserts. If Ladurée has a standing in the dessert world somewhat like Louis Vuitton has in the bags world (without the piracy), Pierre Hermé would have a standing I guess like an Dior bag, being more cutting-edge and modern in terms of products (an impending flavour for its macaroons is foie gras and chocolate!!). Vive la France! P.S. Tried to tie a full Windsor for Lumpy with a ribbon. Ended up as a scout's tie instead. Oh well, he does look an adorable and brave little scout. |