While in Paris, I found myself wishing that our country was older. Cobblestone streets, castles, cathedrals– I wish we were surrounded here in the U.S. the way we were surrounded in Paris. All of the religious sites we went to were unexpected favorites for us. We felt enveloped in the devotion and love and diligence that went into what must have been the most painstaking work in erecting these grand tributes. Even with the crazy lines and camera flashes, we had beautiful, peaceful moments in these places of worship.

Sainte-Chapelle

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Even though there are cigarette butts and metro stops, panhandlers and tourist traps, you still feel like you’re in another time. An old world.