The Chattanooga Girls Choir

Day 8
Mon., July 5, 1999

We were up at 7:15 this morning for an 8:00 breakfast...which, with the leisurely attitude of the French towards meals, meant a 8:30 breakfast. By 9:30, we were on our way to Notre Dame Cathedral, a short drive away. What an imposing structure -- apparently the effect the 12th-century builders desired. Tall spiky spires, flying buttresses, gargoyles -- rather intimidating, but also spectacularly beautiful. The girls went inside and oo-ed and ah-ed at the huge stain-glass windows, then they grouped together to sing under Mr. Huey's direction. They finished one song, then Mr. Huey was informed by a cathedral official that the choir needed a permit to sing in Notre Dame. Well, they sounded really good for that one song, and they can say they sang in Notre Dame!

Our next stop was at the Louvre. The choir divided into chaperone groups at that point and had 5 hours to eat lunch and explore Paris as each group wished. Some went on a nearby large Ferris wheel, some shopped, some walked to the Paris Opera House to tour the interior, some walked the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe, but it appears that everyone went to the Louvre at some point or another to see the incredible art there. (By the way, all the chaperones agreed that the bright green Spring Concert T-shirts were invaluable today -- Paris is mobbed at this time of year, but we could easily spot our girls in a crowd!) Everyone had a story to tell when the groups got back together at 5:30. One group told of getting stuck in an elevator in the Louvre for almost 10 minutes! Apparently, Abbey, Charity, Krystal, Emily H., Merry Madeline, Jackie, and three chaperones were in a small elevator, going to the first floor, but the elevator door would not open. The girls were scared and were very uncomfortable from the close quarters and the heat, but the chaperones called on the in-elevator phone and were told help was on the way. The girls were great -- though they were upset, they reassured each other and said a prayer together, and soon the Louvre security had found a way to raise the elevator the second floor and get the door open. It was an experience the girls will not soon forget! Other stories were not quite as dramatic, but it seems it was a memorable afternoon for everyone.

After everyone had finished dinner this evening, our tour guides came in carrying a little cake with a candle. It was Penny Tullock's birthday! Then the guides sang an ...uh, let's say "enthusiastic" rendition of Happy Birthday to Penny. She was then serenaded by Mr. Huey on a harmonica (!) accompanied by some Grace Moore girls. The choir gave her flowers and a Monet calendar and sang Happy Birthday to her. Penny was trying not to cry. It's wonderful to see how much the choir appreciates the talent and warm personality of their accompanist.

Our planned trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower tonight had to be postponed due to a sudden lightning storm that had moved into the area. Current plans are to go tomorrow night instead, weather permitting. The seniors will also have their dinner out with Mr. Huey tomorrow night, an annual tradition at the end of each tour.

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The 1999 Girls Choir summer touring choir in the garden behind Notre Dame.

One of many beautiful (and very large!) stained glass windows in Notre Dame.

Rebecca and a famous smiling friend at the Louvre.
(Note the sea of people in the reflection from the protective glass case.)

Happy Birthday, Penny! with Love, from Brendon and Malcolm.

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