Many college admissions decisions are coming out this week, and my brother was in need of distraction and divine intervention. So we looked up at the horizon and saw the church which gazes over Paris: Sacre-Coeur sitting atop Montmartre.

From the base of the basilica, the view is quite inspiring.

And looking the other way, you get a pretty awesome (if far-focused) panorama of the city. La Defense, the city’s skyline and business district, is seen beyond the rain in the distance. The tower on the right is Montparnasse.

And this is where we met up with Arshya, back in town after finishing up her week of teaching les enfants de France! Adi was particularly excited and hungry to share a meal with her.

The village around Montparnasse is cute, if touristy. We finally tried the “croque madame” – the classic grilled ham, cheese, and egg sandwich, sans the ham. It’s…interesting.

We also went to a small chocolate shop where the confectioners make their goods in unique shapes. Like Notre Dame du Chocolat.

Reunited with our sister and with newfound patriotism, we went and saw the Arc de Triomphe, with the flame of the unknown soldier at it’s base.

We’re off to Rome for a couple days. Bonjourno!