Sewers, lightning, and Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Paris

This evening, while we were watching the evening prayers and song at Notre Dame, a massive thunderstorm broke out. As a consequence, we got completely drenched – though it was in a jovial kind of way. We then pushed onto the most crowded subway train I have ever seen, filled with people seeking respite from the deluge and lightning. The contrast with all of our earlier time here was stark: none of us was carrying anything more substantial than a t-shirt, having been spoiled by hot days and warm nights since the 26th.

Earlier in the day, we visited the Paris sewers. Inside of actual stinky sewer tunnels, there is a self-guided tour that explains the development and functioning of this system. While it is not entirely pleasant, it is probably something every dweller of a big city should experience directly at some point. Otherwise, one is failing to understand an important means through which city life in the modern form has become possible.

Aside from the vaults and voices of Notre Dame, today included our first sampling of crepes. There was also an energetic water fight between Mike and Hilary, who were both so thoroughly sopping already as to make a few extra buckets largely irrelevant. Finally, there was further sampling of the fine food available here, although we still haven’t actually had food served to us at a restaurant.

Rain made us decide to skip the Canal Saint-Martin, but I am hoping to see it before my departure tomorrow.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here.

2 thoughts on “Sewers, lightning, and Notre Dame”

  1. You know, the sewers are probably not on your standard package tour of Paris.

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