France Cathedral of Notre-Dame

“I arrive 15 minutes before my entry time to a very long lineup. Fifty minutes later, frozen to the core, I show my QR code and follow the queue past the stunning portals. There is no opportunity to linger on the forecourt. I step past the ancient wooden doors into a glistening Notre-Dame de Paris. It’s brilliant. Full of light. My eyes dart up to the heavens and towards the altar.”

“There’s a constant buzz. I wish the souvenir medallion vending machines weren’t inside. The clink-clunk of coins gives Notre Dame a carnival or casino vibe. But what to do? To my left, there’s a group of people speaking very loudly. (Ugh, “Ugly American” in action!) While I find the familiar American English accent oddly comforting, I feel embarrassed. For them? For me? I think the noise removes the solemnity of this holy place of worship. How is God supposed to hear my prayers?”

“I’m not wearing my hat today, but I did notice the “no hats/caps sign” when I first entered Notre Dame. Unlike Sacré-Cœur, photography is allowed here. Inside, it smells like smoke from candles.”