"Where Would You Like to Go Today?"

Like many of you. my wife and I now both work from home. As we've been blessed to travel quite a bit over the years, we have accumulated a number of Starbucks wonderful You are Here mugs. Some we've bought and some were given to us as gifts from people who visited places we've been before we began our collection. 

In the mornings, a cup of coffee is a must, the first for necessity, the second for pleasure. One day a couple of weeks ago, she asked me a question when she was on coffee duty: "Where would you like to go today?" meaning, "Which mug do you want?" So, now it is part of our morning routine to ask each other that question.

Today's destination? Paris, the City of Light. (You probably already guessed that, right?) Yes, as with any large city, Paris has its many frustrations. But it also has its delights!

Can there be a section in any big city as charming as Montmartre? This artist colony behind Sacré-Cœur basilica enchants guests with its quaint shops, small cafes, and a slew of artists painting portraits and landscapes. We've seen it during summer, but we found it just as charming in the midst of winter when strings of blue lights adorn the buildings like strands of pearls.

Photo by Lionel Bonaventure.

There's not much more I can say about the Eiffel Tower than hasn't already been mentioned. The photo above was just taken after the quarantine had been announced. It's not too often you see an empty plaza around it!

While the Louvre is justified in the public's love for it, we find the Musee d'Orsay more of a match with the kind of paintings we love. The Impressionists fill the galleries here in this old train station converted to a museum. A visit here can last well over three hours! And like many of the city's museums, there are a number of free days throughout the month. Hidden bonus- There's a great little cafe hidden inside the Musee d'Orsay beneath the iconic clock.

An official Disney photograph.

After these photos, you can guess the struggles Tony Baxter and his Imagineering team had in designing Disneyland Paris! When your park is going into one of the world's most beloved and beautiful cities, you've got to up your game. And they did ever! This park is the inspiration for my article, The Theme Park as Work of Art.

It's your turn. Where would you like to go today?

(All photos copyright Mark Taft unless otherwise noted.)

France Celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus

Within the beautiful Sacre Couer basilica in Paris, France, is a rarely photographed piece of art- a stunning representation of the Risen Christ. Yes, the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Normally in a Catholic church, basilica, or cathedral, the crucified Jesus is shown. The reality is He is Risen- it's not a myth, not a lie, nor is his body to be found in the ground. In fact, Jesus of Nazareth foretold of the event himself In the Book of John, chapter 2:13-25: 

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.  So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.  To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”  His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?”   But the temple he had spoken of was his body.   After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.


Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

Incredible- right? Yes, even more so when you read that last line- "for he knew what was in each person".  I can handle Jesus dying on the cross for my sin and being risen from the dead to prove He is the King, the only sacrifice for my sin (and yours!), but it kills me to realize that Jesus knows what's in my heart, what I think, and knows what I do... and still loves me... and He still loves you.

Our world wants to divide sin into categories- but we have all sinned and fall short of what God requires. So the question stands- Who do YOU say Jesus is? Your relationship with Him will determine your future once you pass from this world. There's no other measurement. Is He your Savior, your Lord? Do you believe He rose from the dead after dying for your sin? Will it be Heaven or Hell? Not imaginary theme park lands, both places are real. The way of salvation and the payment for your sin has been made on your behalf, and now the choice it yours and yours alone. Who do you choose? Jesus or your own way.

An American in Paris: A Tribute (Day Four)

I have so enjoyed reading my own trip reports! It sounds funny to say this, but as I have been reading, a flood of memories returned- also making me want to once again visit the gorgeous city! Or at least look at the thousands of photographs I took. 

Let me encourage you to journey to this amazing city! I know that the terror of the last week will not stop the people of Paris, nor will it stop me from returning. The only question now is when.

Please enjoy the last piece of the series. May God Bless the people of Paris!

-----------------

Alright, I'll admit it: I cheated with this first photo, since I took it on Day Two, when we visited Notre Dame. Given it is written in the Disney font, I couldn't resist. It perfectly captures how I feel about this city with a special Disney flair.

It was a long but glorious Day Three spent at Disneyland Paris. I absolutely love the place and always depart with a mixture of thankfulness and sadness. Sadness as I know it could always be my last visit, but thankfulness that I could spend another day there due to God's goodness to me. 

We slept in until the very last minute, rushing to shower and check out. Walked to the shopping center at Val d'Europe for a quick late breakfast bite and some strong French coffee. Then it was back on the RER train to our motel by the airport- and back to the City of Lights for our last day.

Our top priority was the Musee d'Orsay, the old train station filled to the brim with amazing sculpture and the incredible work from the Impressionists. My favorite works of art are found here, and every visit to Paris must include a stop.

To call the museum building a converted train station is to do it a severe injustice. It is a work of art unto itself! At about the 5th floor, guests find a nice little cafe with a cracked glass mirror that elegantly and artistically reflects the gorgeous and large clock found on the back wall.

On Sundays, entrance to most of the museums is free. Easy on the budget but difficult as crowds are packed- absolutely packed, making leisurely touring next to impossible. No matter, we were not going to miss a visit.

Following our tour, we took a rest and ate at this little cafe shown above. The service was fine but the diners were a bit rushed mentally. We had places to go, but the elegant surroundings and the delicious quiche were both meant to be savored. 

Exiting the museum, it was starting to get dark, but this didn't stop us from going a bit of exploring. Our last destination would be Monmarte, a most beautiful section of town. The artists colony of Paris.

We were not disappointed! The decorations, the beautiful blue lights that sparkled in the night sky, the festive spirit of Christmas everywhere we looked. Lovely. Just lovely.

Are these too may photos? I think not! But then, I am the photographer, and it was our little getaway- an unexpected, totally surprising little gift from God in the midst of a business trip. Who would have guessed?

Sneaking into a little chocolate shop for our last Parisian treat of the evening, we stumbled upon a glorious chocolate version of the Eiffel Tower. 

Of course, we walked out with a few tiny morsels to share. The perfect way to reward ourselves for walking all evening.

It was getting later and later, but we chose to avoid the obvious. It was time to go back to our hotel, as we were departing tomorrow for the business portion of my trip. One last look behind us for a quick shot of Sacre Couer. 

We did not stop to see my favorite landmark as we had on each previous night. I now regret it. But this photo is a perfect way to end my four day trip report. The memories I have of this trip are among my most treasured. It was an anniversary trip to remember.

(All photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

An American in Paris: Day Four

Alright, I'll admit it: I cheated with this first photo, since I took it on Day Two, when we visited Notre Dame. Given it is written in the Disney font, I couldn't resist. It perfectly captures how I feel about this city with a special Disney flair.

It was a long but glorious Day Three spent at Disneyland Paris. I absolutely love the place and always depart with a mixture of thankfulness and sadness. Sadness as I know it could always be my last, but thankfulness that I could spend another day there due to God's goodness to me. 

We slept in until the very last minute, rushing to shower and check out. Walked to the shopping center at Val d'Europe for a quick late breakfast bite and some strong French coffee. Then it was back on the RER train to our motel by the airport- and back to the City of Lights for our last day.

Our top priority was the Musée d'Orsay, the old train station filled to the brim with amazing sculpture and the incredible work from the Impressionists. My favorite works of art are found here, and every visit to Paris must include a stop.

To call the museum building a converted train station is to do it a severe injustice. It is a work of art unto itself! At about the 5th floor, guests find a nice little cafe with a cracked glass mirror that elegantly and artistically reflects the gorgeous and large clock found on the back wall.

On Sundays, entrance to most of the museums is free. Easy on the budget but difficult as crowds are packed- absolutely packed, making leisurely touring next to impossible. No matter, we were not going to miss a visit.

Following our tour, we took a rest and ate at this little cafe shown above. The service was fine but the diners were a bit rushed mentally. We had places to go, but the elegant surroundings and the delicious quiche were both meant to be savored. 

Exiting the museum, it was starting to get dark, but this didn't stop us from going a bit of exploring. Our last destination would be Monmarte, a most beautiful section of town. The artists colony of Paris.

We were not disappointed! The decorations, the beautiful blue lights that sparkled in the night sky, the festive spirit of Christmas everywhere we looked. Lovely. Just lovely.

Are these too may photos? I think not! But then, I am the photographer, and it was our little getaway- an unexpected, totally surprising little gift from God in the midst of a business trip. Who would have guessed?

Sneaking into a little chocolate shop for our last Parisian treat of the evening, we stumbled upon a glorious chocolate version of the Eiffel Tower. 

Of course, we walked out with a few tiny morsels to share. The perfect way to reward ourselves for walking all evening.

It was getting later and later, but we chose to avoid the obvious. It was time to go back to our hotel, as we were departing tomorrow for the business portion of my trip. One last look behind us for a quick shot of Sacre Couer. 

We did not stop to see my favorite landmark as we had on each previous night. I now regret it. But this photo is a perfect way to end my four day trip report. The memories I have of this trip are among my most treasured. It was an anniversary trip to remember.

(All photographs copyright Mark Taft.)