back from london / paris yesterday afternoon. i was never one for travelling; i somehow (and often) find the whole process of packing, checking-in at the airport (and putting up with the nonsensical behavior of some airport officials.. god!), and flying for umpteen hours, a tedious affair.

but i have to admit, paris was beautiful; the whole world slowed down for me, and there were many moments of quiet bliss and solitude. walking for 3 hours (and uphill!) from notre dame and the original location of paris, up to the cathedral of the sacre couer (i'm a bit too tired to check the spelling, but it's sacred heart) on monmatre reminded me of the time alone i spent walking up and down the lesser known streets of moscow, finding hidden parks and smallish cafes on obscure street corners.

and london - well, there were just too many musicals i wanted to catch, and too little time. not to mention the disgustingly fabulous food we had at the super restaurants we went to.

too many thoughts, sights and sounds though; i've written down most of them (and you'd have seen some / all of it if the postcards i sent out actually get posted).

a random thought i collected last week (or was it on my travels?):
"the will is free; strong is the soul, and wise, and beautiful; the seeds of godlike power are in us still; gods are we, bards, saints, heroes, if we will!" - matthew arnold (1822 - 1888)