Sacre Coeur
This church is conveniently located right up the street from my hostel. On the good word of Annie, (the receptionist at Vintage Hostel) I make my way to Anvers metro station and beyond up to the steps and church- apparently there is an amazing view of Paris from the perch of Sacre Coeur.

So I walk and walk and come upon a small street that has several souvenir shops, all selling the same stuff at the same price- how do they stay in business if they are not owned by the same person?? Anyway, in amongst these shops is a fabulous chocolate shop that's main attractions are the 3-4 ft tall monuments of Paris they have made out of chocolate! Yup, I got pics.

There's also another shop that has not so ordinary souvenirs of Paris, this was one I frequented and purchased some of my families lovely gifts at.
Sacre Coeur is a towering church on top of a hill overlooking Paris with winding steps going up so as to remind the poor people that go there they are getting closer to God by coming there. And poor people they have. On the main platforms and stairs there are people begging for money, even at the entry way and exits there's people gathering 'alms for the poor'- I resisted the urge to say 'I'm not maid Marion, there is no Robin Hood, go away.'

Once inside the church you are reminded that it is a church and so we are to be respectful- no pictures please- what!!! Its a national monument and they want me not to take pictures? Ok, I obey this rule for about 2 seconds until I see other tourists snapping away.
The architecture and stained glass are amazing (and this isnt even their best work). I can definitely see the romanticism of church, especially if you are poor (or were back when this church was new), you do feel elevated, rich and privileged to be in such a beautiful building.
But the feeling doesn't last long. I found the gift shop- filled with pictures and books about every pope that ever lived. Oh, and candles- for a price you can light a candle. I know this is significant, but honestly I never looked too much into Catholicism to figure out why. Found a few bibles- confusing as hell!!! (No pun intended!) And of course, Jehovah's name isnt anywhere- not even in the beginning where they may put a little note saying 'uh, yeah, we replaced it with lord.'

Moving on. Oh yeah, did I mention the guards? At the front of the church, beside the sign that said no pictures, are two guards. I was just about to exit the church when I thought to get one last pic- I had my phone up, in front of my face, and then I heard 'sht- ssshhhht.' I drop my phone to see the guard scowling at me. Fine, I wont take that pic , but I got a dozen more you didnt see!

So I leave, to be greeted by someone who wants free money. Sorry, spent my last alm on beer.

Upon leaving, descending the numerous stairs I see a young man climbing up the stairs carrying a 12 pack of Heineken. I felt like stopping him and telling him 'dude, they wont even let you take pictures in there, I wouldnt bother with the beer.'- but refrained.