Dying to get in there

We decesended into the catacombs.  It was eerie and fascinating.  They were created in the 18th century when the cemetaries were closed for public health reasons.  The human remains were moved to disused limestone quarries.  Millions of bones.  It looked like walls were constructed out of the largest bones with skulls as "decorations" and the rest of the bones were thrown behind the wall.  It was strange to think of each skull representing a life with all its joys and pains.  I said it would be cool if you could touch a skull and hear the persons life story.  Yeah, Ernie thought it was creepy too.  We were respectful, but you couldn't help but come out with "Dem Bones" every once in awhile.  I would not like to be in the catacombs at the resurrection.

It was a full day.  We also went to a park called le Jardin de Louxembourg.  The huge gardens face one of the many palaces in the area.  It was a beautiful, warm Saturday afternoon and the park was full of Parisians enjoying the day.  Kids playing soccer, mothers pushing strollers, lovers having picnics, bicyclists, and a couple hundred people sitting in chairs in the sun watching everybody else.  I think people-watching is the national pastime.

From there we went to the church of St. Surplice.  It's the church featured in The DaVinci Code where they look at the sundial on the floor and whatever -- I don't remember.  Very nice church, but I couldn't find the sundial even with two go-rounds. 

Stopped to eat at a restaurant.  We usually order from "le menu" which is the prix fixe meal.  They offer a couple of appetizer choices, main course choices, and a dessert.  Sometimes a drink also.  It's the best deal.  We learned that in France fast service is bad service so we are getting used to waiting between courses.  We were in a small place without many other customers.  We watched the waitress remove and repolish her nails while we were waiting for dessert.  Seriously! 

Ernie took dozens of pictures but they weren't there when he tried to download them to the computer.  I think he finally accepts the death of the camera.  He was in the denial stage.  So, buying a new camera is of our goals for today -- which is getting off to a very late start after too much walking yesterday!

There is a church (St something) right outside the front of the apt. and we were treated to church bells announcing mass all morning.  A lovely way to spend the morning.  I guess we should have actually gone to church!

Maryl