Happy Bastille Day!Today we visited a cemetery. It sounds kind of morbid, but it was actually quite interesting. Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the largest in Paris and dates back 200 years. There is a long list of famous people who are buried there, including Oscar Wilde, Frederic Chopin, Rosini, Rothschild, and Jim Morrison, lead singer of the American rock group, the Doors. He is buried in The Poets' Corner of the cemetery. I have to wonder why he was buried in Paris istead of the United States. It seems he went to Paris to take a break and get his life back on track, and was only there four months before his death. When we visited his gravesite, there were several displays of affection for him. Our photography focus for the day was black and white with a spot of color. I hope you like them.
We were close to the red light district of Paris so we went to get a few shots of the infamous Moulin Rouge, a cabaret built in 1889, best known as the birthplace of the can-can dance. It is still in operation today and its red windmill is easily seen.
Next, we went to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, located at the highest point in the city. We could not take pictures on the inside, but the mosaic in the apse is one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. The Basilica is built of travertine stone, which exudes calcite. This is what makes the structure always appear bright white. U2's music video "Two Hearts Beat as One" was shot here. Because it is Bastille Day, the streets were crowded with people. There is a great view of the Eiffel Tower from here.Upon returning home, Jeannie and I went to do laundry. Let me tell you; if you're ever in France and you need someone who speaks English, just head to the local laundromat. Everyone in the laundromat were Americans! So, you guessed it, here is where I finally made a connection in France! Janell Rardon is from Virginia and, guess what, she is an author! Not only is she an author, she is also a teacher, a spiritual leader, a public speaker, and she homeschools 22 kids. She is devoted to helping families live in the spirit of God. We thoroughly enjoyed talking with her. You can click here to check out her blog. Oh, the reason she is in Europe? Her husband surprised her with this month long trip for their 25th wedding anniversary. How sweet is that?
Later, Jeannie, Michelle and I had dinner at a fabulous seafood restaurant. What a great way to end the evening...good food, good friends, good memories!
Tomorrow is the last day that we will be together as a group through FSU. We will be taking a peaceful journey on the River Seine...a fitting way to end our journey together. It has been a life changing adventure with a great group of people, many of whom I will keep close contact with, all of whom I will keep close in my heart. Thursday morning will be bittersweet as we end one journey, while many of us will be headed off to other places. Some are heading home; some are squeezing in another country or two while they are here. Jeannie and I will be going on to Switzerland and Italy before going home, so I'll continue blogging my way across Europe. I must say, I'm excited about seeing these last two countries, but I am also getting anxious to get home to my family and friends...
Too see a video of the finale of fireworks from the Eiffel Tower, please visit my friend's blog: Florida Coal Cracker Chronicles
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