Photo Diary of Paris- Day One

After arriving in Paris and checking in to our hotel we went for a very long walk beginning in Montparnasse. We strolled through the streets before visiting the Jardin de Luxembourg, the Pantheon and the church of St Etienne du Mont. I love that even in gardens in Paris there are beautiful artworks amongst the greenery. The Jardin de Luxembourg has multiple statues of varying sizes and design ranging from more contemporary nude figures to centuries old vases. Despite the cultural value of such objects their impact was dampened, or put into question, by the sharp contrast with the human suffering around them. I don't think I have ever seen so many solitary homeless men and women in one area, and they were being totally ignored by the surrounding crowds. It was really quite affecting, particular once you witness the grandeur and solemn beauty of the many churches in Paris which offer such people shelter and respite.