After having lived here in Paris for almost 2 years, I finally went on a bateau mouche ride on the Seine. My friend P* works for the company taking photographs and offered a visit to me.

I had intended to take the cruise during the sunset period but miscalculated the time of arrival. The metro stop I had intended to use was closed. It was okay though because I was able to watch P* at work and see what a portion of her job was like. Busy! She can move fast. Not only is her job taking photos of the clients on the boat but she also takes her turn on the stand selling them. She told me that in the summer when the boats are coming in every 20 minutes it is insane. I can only imagine.

The ride was quite cold due to it still being winter but I have to say that I found it also to be rather calming. There is always something about being on or near the water that just seems to calm the soul. Is it a subtle reminder of the womb or the birth of man from the ocean?

It was a new perspective on buildings to which I have become quite accustomed. In the evening lights the familiar edifices glow. From the water they seem even more imposing from the low angle. I was much more aware of the intricacies of the architecture of Notre Dame. It really is a stunning masterpiece of architecture.