Saint Chapelle plus photos

This morning I went to Saint Chapelle, the chapel built by Louis IX to house the relics of Jesus that he bought from the emperor of a new Frankish empire for a huge amount of money - more than the cost of the building.  Buying the bits, most notably the crown of thorns, was a religious and a political act.  There is a lower chapel and built on top the main chapel , 33 m long, 11m wide and very tall ,completely surrounded by stained glass windows , starting with the Genesis story and ending in the apocalypse. It is quite awe inspiring and would have been more so on a sunny day. Most of the bits have disappeared . The crown of thorns is now in Notre Dame and on display once a month.

I had lunch at a place that is more a winebar with food. The food was delicious and the wine list was only about half comprehensible. Luckily, one of the cheaper wines was one I had never heard of -- petit manseng, so I tried it. Grown mainly in hot dry areas , SW France and , as I have since found out, in the Riverland area of Australia.

On the walk back to my appartment I saw a fleet - well, about 6- of motor bikes specially fitted with an enclosed shaped box on the back of  each bike to carry hanging, drycleaned clothes. Maybe they exist in Sydney.

Another thing- there are lots of beggars, like any city, but especially around here with lots of people coming and going. There is one man who I regularly see, just standing there, quietly holding his bowl out, asking politely. I smile at him as I pass and gently shake my head.  This morning I put a coin in his bowl which he very politely thanked me for. When I retuned after lunch, he started to ask, realised who I was, immediately pulled his bowl away and apologised profusely for asking me again. Several days ago I thought to myself - he has been in the same clothes for 3 weeks. But then I realised it would appear that I have been too. Same black pants , purple jacket and scarf. Mine get washed and dried overnight.

Inside Saint Chapelle

(Russian) Orthodox Cathedral of the All-Holy Trinity

 

Place de Vosges from Victor Hugo's 2nd floor apartment