Catacombs

"STOP! THIS IS THE EMPIRE OF THE DEAD!"

Probably one of the last major tour hot spots left on my list of places I need to go while here was the Catacombs. Thankfully, I was able to cross it off my list last Saturday. The Catacombs span across nearly the entire city, underground of course. There is a main entrance for tourists in which you can pay to enter. However, it is possible to go exploring for your own entrance into the depths of the Catacombs and explore the underground city solo. But, I'm not about to do that.

Unfortunately, no flash was allowed throughout the entire walk so the majority of my photos turned out quite dim like the one above. But with a couple camera tricks I managed to get some visible carnage. Enjoy.

Just a couple fun facts:
- There are over 6 million Parisian remains in the Catacombs today.
- Bodies were initially thrown into the catacombs (relocated from cemeteries due to public health concerns) and it wasn't until much later did someone come along and re-organize them.

Alright, well tomorrow it's predicted to hit 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Awesome!

-Michael

Musée d'Orsay & Le Petit Palais

Brrrr!!

It is freezing in Paris, well at the moment it's about 34 degrees F, so technically we aren't freezing yet. It began to snow yesterday but I was inside a classroom for the bulk of it which was nice considering I wasn't clothed properly. Anyways, I've been taking advantage of my free time and this past Thursday I visited two museums to check out two art exhibits. The first was the Jean-Leon Gerome exhibit at le Musée d'Orsay.

This poster is displayed all over the city in various metro stops and billboards and really caught my eye so I took it up on myself to go and check out the real deal. Unfortunately, you cannot take a photograph of ANYTHING in the museum so this is all I have for you guys. This gladiator painting here by Gerome is titled "Pollice Verso," and inspired scenes for the Scott Ridley film, Gladiator.

After the d'Orsay I still had enough time in my day to check out another exhibit. This was one much smaller and more appropriately was at the Petit Palais which is located on the Champs-Elysees. I wasn't sure of the photography situation at this museum but I always feel a little strange taking a photo of a photo and because this particular exhibit I was visiting was titled "100 Photos" I have no photos of the actual pictures that I observed.

But here are some photos of the exterior and interior of the museum itself.

The exhibit featured photos from world famous photojournalist Pierre Boulat and his daughter Alexandra Boulat who followed in his foot steps and became a photographer herself. Their combined exhibit presented photos from all over the world; exposing cultural traditions and the effects of war in certain countries. Also, photos of celebrities such as Truman Capote, Edith Pilaf, and Yves Saint Laurent.

After my museum visits I went to a friend's place here in the city and helped her prepare for the pseudo-Thanksgiving meal we decided to have with a few other American compatriots. It was a great night of food and friends.

Tomorrow, I'll be posting a blog about my visit to the Catacombs so stay tuned!

-Michael

Château de Versailles

So, one night I had this dream that I woke up and was back in California. My initial reaction? I was happy to be home! But then I realized I hadn't done nearly enough in Paris during my time so, since then I've felt very motivated to run out and do as many things as possible. Well... because of school, cold weather, and money I can't say that I've accomplished too much but today; after my morning run I was sitting in my apartment thinking of what I could do. And then it hit me!

Versailles :) Thankfully, it is quite easy to get to the Chateau from Paris. One (RER) train will take you directly there. I didn't have much time to explore the grounds as I would have liked but because it's only about a 40 minute ride away, I'll be going back soon enough.

There is currently a semi-controversial art exhibit taking place at the Chateau. Japanese artist Takashi Murakami has temporary installed some of his art pieces throughout the grounds. His art style contrasts incredibly against this traditional Chateau but I really enjoyed this one piece that I found and probably would have liked his others as well. Although, due to a time constraint I didn't have time to find them.

Next on my list? Perhaps the Catacombs! Stay tuned.
-Michael