Notre Dame!

In our new grail-like quest to do all of the best touristy things in Paris, we knocked off Notre Dame today.

Ground was broken on the essence of gothic architecture, in 1163. The amount of labor required to build the church was amazing because there were no machines to help with the construction.

The first draft of the church was built without the belltowers or the spire which were added later. It is a extremely intimidating church with its exoskeletal flying buttresses and spine-like spire on the outside and the dimly lit inside adorned with stained glass from almost 1000 years ago.

The buildings in the neighborhood outside the church are almost comical with narrow windy streets and buildings that lean all directions. The area is a fantastic place to visit. More photos at...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59007731@N00/sets/72157594306175672/detail/