Paris,France - Day 4

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Wow, another exciting day has come to a close. First thing this morning we went to the Catacombs of Paris. We decended down a round of stairs for quite some time and then entered the underground stone-coated tunnels. It was like something out of a movie. We walked for quite some time before encountering the area where they have the walls of bones. When I say walls, I mean 6-foot high, about 9-12 feet deep, and I am not sure of the entire length, but we walked for quite some time. It was quite surreal even though I have seen many pictures before. We spent awhile down there travelling the path that is set for you (thank goodness the blocked off all of the forks in the tunnels with iron gates to keep you moving on the desired track). Each section of bones was labeled with a sign indicating what cemetary they were removed from. This would not be for the faint of heart or anyone out of shape (a handful of older persons had to stop in the middle of the stair well that returns us to the surface in order to rest), but was well worth the venture and 8 euros.

Then on to the Salvadore Dali museum. This museum is not all that extensive and does not have the classical paintings you think of when it comes to Dali, but is still fun (plus there are plenty of 10% coupons floating around...check with your hotel). Short and sweet, we then walked to nearby Basilique De Sacre Couere. Beautiful church with utterly amazing views of Paris. Lots of people, mostly tourists, so eating and shopping are easy for those not fluent in French.

We knew we would be calling it an early night, so only one last stop remains, La Cave de Bulles. This is a beer specialty shop that I read about on beeradvocate.com. I heard the owner, Simon, was a great guy so we headed on over. Simon is by far the nicest person ever and extraordinarily helpful. He was excited to talk beer with me and we chatted for half an hour. He then helped me select an assortment of French craft/microbrews to take back with me, as well as a couple to drink tonight. He was even so kind as to bubble wrap them for me. He was awesome. He also likes to trade beers, so next time I'm here I will load up with USA beers for him.

Back to the hotel and what do we run into? I giant protest/demonstration with thousands of people filling the boulevard right in front of our hotel. So we had to charge through it to get across...but did so easily. There didn't appear to be any violence of any kind, so it wasn't scary or anything. Actuallly there was a cafe with a keg selling beers to the protestors....and yes I joined them for a moment and had a pint. Then back into my room for the night.

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Photos

My new look
Nobody in France wears these things...but I'm gonna bring it back!

La Cave de Bulles
I love you Simon..best store ever.

Protests
I believe this had something to do with the gov't raising the age of retirement?

Comments

[Duane]

Looks like that waterballoon on the side of your head is just about ready to burst. Hehe.

[Barb]

Amazing
The pictures so far are amazing. Sounds like alot of beer drinking. Good thing Brandi is there to direct you where you need to go. Enjoy every minute. Look forward to reading more of your adventures.

[Akurk]

I wish
In Paris, a single beer is around $10.00 or more with a meal, so unfortunately I didn't have too many in Paris...but Belgium is shaping up to be much, much better in the beer world.

[Grandma]

Now you both behave over there, no talking to strangers,be in by dark and for Godsake keep your door locked!!!I am so glad to see all that you are doing and how much fun it must be! Grandpa would've loved this! Linda here....did you fill my suitcase with chocolates yet?!! I'll be at the airport to pick it up, so no need for delivery. We all love you both! Be safe for real. P.S. I didn't even know about your blog until now while deleting emails. I think this is geat to share with all of us.