Like so many others in the Southern Hemisphere I woke to the news of the devastating fire that has destroyed much of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. I know I am not alone in passing my shock and sadness to the people of Paris, who are witnessing first hand the destruction of this magnificent cathedral that is so much a part of their lives.
My introduction to Notre Dame was in 1975 on my first visit to Paris . This was a year of many firsts- first overseas trip, first time away from home , first time travelling with John ( now my Husband ) but that is another story for another time.
I was totally captivated by the charm and history of Paris . The somewhat faded shots are from that first trip taken with my first 35mm. camera, a Kodak Retinette. That was back in the days of actual film and we all took slides when travelling and came home and bored the family witless with our holiday slide show.
Back in 1975 there weren’t the vast numbers of tourists , so unlike today, you didn’t have to queue for hours to enter Notre Dame. That was the only time we ventured inside although on my subsequent trips a visit to see her was a must.
My next visit to Paris was in fact much later than I had originally anticipated , 41 years in fact, life sometimes just gets in the way. I was just as excited in April 2016 to revisit my favourite sites as I was as a much younger woman all those years before.
This shot was taken on a meandering walk on a cold Spring day, as I fell in love with Paris all over again.
I was fortunate enough to return to Paris in late November , 2017, for a few days at the end of our European travels. This shot shows the scaffolding that was surrounding the restoration work taking place. I believe the spire showing is the one seen in news footage collapsing.
As I type this post I am hearing that the main stone structure was saved and in time the cathedral will be rebuilt. I can only hope that many of the treasures within the building were also spared.
This mustard yellow hat evokes memories of that day in Paris as it was purchased on the Isle de la Cite on our rambles around after visiting the Cathedral . I will add that it was a freezing cold day and was purchased out of necissity.
Today’s outfit also is a nod to Paris as it is a re-creation of one I wore to a fashion exhibition at the Arts Decorative back in 2016, with a couple of little twists. The beret is a vintage French one that I found locally and my gold butterfly shoes as much as I love them aren’t really suitable for all the walking required when you travel. My orange leather gloves were purchased from a little glove shop near our tiny Paris apartment.
The sadness of the destruction of the fire makes me think about how lucky I am to be able to travel but also makes you realise the fragility of things around us , be it buildings , landscapes or the world in general. Things can change in the blink of an eye, be it our health or circumstance or a place we want to visit is no longer safe or becomes inaccessible so if there is somewhere you really want to go – I say just go- one never knows.
Joining Jess for Turning Heads Tuesday, Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb, Mica Weekday Wear Link Up, , Nancy for Fashion Friday, Judith at Style Crone for Hat Attack.
It was horrific watching the fire live on the TV last night but this morning it appears that all is not lost. Thank goodness so many of the relics had been removed prior to the restoration.
Apparently 13.5 million visit Notre Dame every year – more than the Eiffel Tower. It was certainly one of my favourite sights each time I visited Paris.
Your travel photos are wonderful particularly the one with the gargoyle at the forefront. As for the hat and the gloves, beautiful.
You’re right, we are incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to travel and to see the many wonders of the world. xxx
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I can only imagine how horrific it must have been watching the fire live and not knowing at that stage if all was destroyed. Relief that all is not lost and in time Notre Dame will be rebuilt . Wasn’t it fate that many of the treasures had been removed.
Glad you enjoyed my few travel photos, even though it was so long ago I vividly remember taking the gargoyle shot. That really is the joy of travel to me the life long memories of places you visit and yes I do feel incredibly lucky to have visited many places around the world.
Many thanks Vix, enjoy Easter.
It was horrible, seeing the cathedral burn like that.
Would you believe it: I’ve never been to Notre Dame. And I lived in Paris for a year! That was in the 80’s, and I was a student. I’ve been back a few times since then, but somehow I always managed to avoid Notre Dame. It was the long line outside that always put me off. Maybe I should have gone, when I had the chance, back in the late 80’s…
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Shame you have never visited Notre Dame but I do understand about being put off by those long lines, that’s the reason we haven’t been inside since 1975 either. I was so pleased that the basic structure and some of the treasures have been saved and that in time the cathedral is to be rebuilt.
You have such fabulous taste in accessories Jill. I love both hats and those round sunnies suit you so well. I have not been to Europe, yet, so I hope to visit various countries in the future. I enjoyed reading about your time spent in Paris, and was saddened by such a landmark and important building on fire. You got some great picture andI did hear that they were able to save many of the relics and pieces in the building.
thanks for linking!
Happy Easter!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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Many thanks Jess , I have always enjoyed accessories, particularly hats and sunnies. I do hope you do get to travel to Europe some day Jess as I know you will love its history. I was so plaesed to hear that due to the bravery and quick thinking of the fire service many of the treasures inside Notre Dame have been spared and that in time the building will be rebuilt. Always my pleasure to link up, hope you and yours had a Happy Easter.