Bonjour from the south of France!
We are now in Orange--a small city in the south (obvious) . It is full of Roman ruins from ages past, and it's brimming with history and character. How exciting to be here!

This morning, we spent our last few hours in Paris in the "Cite"--an island in the middle of the Seine river in Paris that houses the city's oldest buildings and historical landmarks. We attended 9:30am mass in Notre Dame, which was amazing!

The Notre Dame's Gothic architecture dissapoints some people who are used to the gold-guilded churches and elaborate decor. Personally, I get the chills being in this church. They are DEFINITELY good chills. The stained glass windows inside combine so many unique and extraordinary colors, and they complement the flying buttresses and vaulted ceilings quite nicely. As you walk in the Notre Dame, there are individual chairs in rows facing the altar, which is very modern (the altar) and made of what appears to be granite. (I wasn't too keen on the altar, since it's modern flair didn't really fit in). Then behind the altar, there is an area with seats and a sacristy, as well as a beautiful marble statue of Mary holding Jesus. Behind them, there is a crucifix. All around the inside of the church, there are chapels dedicated to saints--mostly, these were saints with French significance. I lit a candle in front of a crucifix that was quite large right near the doorway of notre dame. 

As we were in mass, I couldn't help but look around and marvel at all the different people from around the world celebrating Pentecost mass in Le Notre Dame! It was very moving. Mass was celebrated by 6 priests (woah!) and afterwards, there was a Laude with excellent singing and music, and a procession. An experience I will never forget, that's for sure!

After mass, my mom and I did some souvenir shopping along the streets near the cathedral. There were many cute shops to explore and choose from. Also, we indulged in a lemon and sugar crepe right along the seine and a beautiful bridge. 
The crepe was very delicious, and the area was so picturesque and very "Paris". On the bridge, we saw a man with a piano on a cart, and his friend on a double bass, and they were improvising wonderful music. I needed my music friends with me to help me appreciate these talented street musicians!

After some great pasta for lunch, we headed to he train station to catch the TGV high speed train to Avignon. We said au revoir to Paris, and off we went on this train that was moving faster than 150mph!

The train wasn't just for Avignon--it was also for passengers travelling to Marseille--a coast town in the deep south along the Med. Sea. It only stops for 2 minutes in Avignon. Think about it: 40 people. One tiny door. Luggage. 2 minutes. We can't lose anyone.

Well, we did it! But we had all of Avignon laughing hysterically at us as we hustled all of the girls off, and made a chain, passing luggage and more luggage through the little door. We were successful, and even had 30 seconds to spare! I was exhausted afterwards, since the adrenaline was pumping hard from throwing overpacked bags on the platform. But all is well, we made it to Orange, and our hotel is beautiful.

Our dinner was delicious--pork and vegetables with potato, bread, and Rose wine for the adults (yippee!! Local goodies!). Dessert was apple pie. Bon appetit!

We are all exhausted and ready for our roadtrip to Cassis, the fishing village 2 hrs south, tomorrow morning. More to come!