John and I arose with the blacksmith again and in our daily tradition, set off to enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes before stopping by a patisserie for some yummy baked goods to bring home. After breakfast we were treated to yet another sound from the barracks--a symphony filled the air!! For the horses?? This has been a unique apartment location!
We tried again to visit the catacombs today. What a difference from yesterday when there wasn't a soul around. Today the line circled around the block and then some! We waited in line for a little over three hours, but it was worth it.
The catacombs are housed in old, abandoned quarries. In 1785 the graveyards in Paris were posing a health risk so beginning with the Cemetery of Innocents, bones from over 150 graveyards were moved here until 1859. At first the bones were just dumped, but in 1810 the Inspector General of Quarries turned the ossuary into a proper funeral monument. The bones are elaborately displayed but only with the skulls and long bones. The remaining bones are still in a jumble behind this facade.
(I hope this isn't a double post..) Michelle, now that you've seen the catacombs, I have a great book recommendation :)
ReplyDeleteMost excellent April! Don't forget about the YA book you were telling me about. Thanks again for London maps! See you soon!
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