Feeling really sad about Notre Dame and hope that they can save some of it. Buildings are the essence of the people who create and love them. So far there are no reports of casualties. Hope that continues.
The Notre Dame, 'Our Lady of tears', an irresistible draw, a treasure trove, the organ was saved. Money is pouring in to rebuild.
This terrible event brings to my mind the awful night when Coventry's beloved Cathedral suffered the same fate. It will bring back many memories to the older generations in Coventry.
Dreamtime, Napoleon had his coronation in Notre Dame, appointed himself Emperor of France. I visited the Notre Dame sometime in the eighties with friends. We had been to Chantilly Races. In the boot of the car outside we had a large suitcase full of blue films to sell, our pockets full of money from racing - what a mix, I'm sure Nostradamus couldn't have predicted that scenario.
I visited in the early 80s. The rose windows were astonishing. It's wonderful news that they seem to be intact. The blue was apparently impossible to recreate when I visited, although maybe they've mastered it by now. Like Coventry blue, some colour recipes were closely held secrets. I was afraid that Notre Dame might suffer the same fate as St Michael's but the inner, vaulted roof protected the place from the worst. Hopefully they get good weather until they can stabilise any weak points. The exterior is amazingly complete.