Friday, October 31, 2014

Catacombs of Paris

The catacombs was the most odd experience of my life.  I didn't know if I should have been afraid of amazed.  Entering the catacombs is like a scene from a horror movie.  You enter this  little black shed and then go down, and down, and down a circular staircase that seemed like it would never end (good workout when it was time to come back up though!).  Once in the catacombs there is barely any light and you are essentially surrounded by dead peoples' remains--EVERYWHERE! The catacombs are home to about 6 million dead people.  If you're allergic to limestone, I highly recommend you sit this one out because the walls throughout are composed of limestone.  This is the world's largest grave (if you can call it a grave).  The catacombs came about because there were too many dead people in Paris and not enough space to properly lay them to rest in the ground, so we got the catacombs to solve the space problem.  If you're ok with being in tight, dark, and damp places (the roof of the catacombs is made of dirt and limestone and leaks water) then I say visit the catacombs.  You may have some doubt about ever coming back out, but you will and it is amazing what people have created.


http://madefromhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Paris_Catacombs_a-1024x768.jpg


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Paris_Catacombs_Entrance.jpg



Monday, October 27, 2014

Champs Elysees

The Champs Elysees, or Les Champs as the Parisians say, is a famous boulevard in the eighth district of Paris that is known for its shopping.  The Champs Elysees runs from Place de la Concord and Place Charles de Gaulle (where is where the Arc de Triomphe is located.)  The boulevard is known for its luxury, designer stores, cafes, theaters,bakeries, and much more.  Every year on 14 July a military parade takes place on the boulevard to celebrate Bastille Day.  If visiting Paris, this place has got to be on your list.  Walking the boulevard makes you feel like a million bucks!