I love the Statue of Liberty standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. I have had a love affair with New York City for decades. The optics with NYC skyline and this neoclassical sculpture symbolizing freedom are magical.
Glad you got to visit the other statues. Sounds like an amazing trip.
The bones in a catacomb, I’d have been out of there quickly. What was the reason for stacking all those skulls there?
Just burial or other significance? The Statues of Liberty are all beautiful. Surprised Paris has six and we have only one. I like the torch and tablet with inscription the best. The meaning these days is a little hypocritical considering our border “complaints.” The criticisms of immigrants are way overblown as these refugees have to live somewhere. OK, not the fentanyl mules or dealers. But so many are innocents with no place to go. I feel badly for them and now they are political fodder which exacerbates the situation. Looking forward to next installment. From HOT, 🥵, terrible air quality SC, USA. 😘🕊️
I was too lazy to summarize what I learned. I had AI do it.
The Catacombs of Paris (Catacombes de Paris) are a fascinating and eerie underground ossuary in Paris, France. Here’s why they exist:
1. Overflowing Cemeteries: In the past, Paris faced a significant problem with overflowing cemeteries. The consequences of decomposing human remains led to health issues, and the Cemetery of Holy Innocence was even elevated 2.5 meters (8 feet) above ground due to excessive bio-waste.
2. Ancient Stone Quarries: To address this issue, the city decided to consolidate its ancient stone quarries. These quarries had been mined for limestone to build Paris into a thriving city since the 13th century. The centuries-old tunnels beneath the streets of Paris provided the perfect solution.
3. Transfer of Remains: Starting in 1786, nightly processions of covered wagons transported remains from various cemeteries across Paris to a mine shaft near the Rue de la Tombe-Issoire. The bones were then distributed and piled into the galleries by quarry workers.
4. Final Resting Place: Over time, more than six million people’s remains found their final resting place in the catacombs. These tunnels, originally created for practical reasons, now hold a silent and haunting record of Parisian history.
Today, the Catacombs are a unique attraction, and although they comprise only a small section of the vast underground mines, Parisians often refer to the entire tunnel network as “the catacombs”
I'll do my best to publish the next part soon-ish. Pledged to walk 50k this week (while working full time) so I will have to steal some writing time somewhere.
I am loving these Paris tours and you are an exceptional guide. Fun chasing down multiple statues of liberty. Can't wait until you visit the language museum! Thanks!!
I love the Statue of Liberty standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. I have had a love affair with New York City for decades. The optics with NYC skyline and this neoclassical sculpture symbolizing freedom are magical.
Glad you got to visit the other statues. Sounds like an amazing trip.
Yes, love NYC as well. And yes on an amazing trilogy of trips.
More on the other statues soon-ish. Walking for World Water Run this week.
The bones in a catacomb, I’d have been out of there quickly. What was the reason for stacking all those skulls there?
Just burial or other significance? The Statues of Liberty are all beautiful. Surprised Paris has six and we have only one. I like the torch and tablet with inscription the best. The meaning these days is a little hypocritical considering our border “complaints.” The criticisms of immigrants are way overblown as these refugees have to live somewhere. OK, not the fentanyl mules or dealers. But so many are innocents with no place to go. I feel badly for them and now they are political fodder which exacerbates the situation. Looking forward to next installment. From HOT, 🥵, terrible air quality SC, USA. 😘🕊️
I was too lazy to summarize what I learned. I had AI do it.
The Catacombs of Paris (Catacombes de Paris) are a fascinating and eerie underground ossuary in Paris, France. Here’s why they exist:
1. Overflowing Cemeteries: In the past, Paris faced a significant problem with overflowing cemeteries. The consequences of decomposing human remains led to health issues, and the Cemetery of Holy Innocence was even elevated 2.5 meters (8 feet) above ground due to excessive bio-waste.
2. Ancient Stone Quarries: To address this issue, the city decided to consolidate its ancient stone quarries. These quarries had been mined for limestone to build Paris into a thriving city since the 13th century. The centuries-old tunnels beneath the streets of Paris provided the perfect solution.
3. Transfer of Remains: Starting in 1786, nightly processions of covered wagons transported remains from various cemeteries across Paris to a mine shaft near the Rue de la Tombe-Issoire. The bones were then distributed and piled into the galleries by quarry workers.
4. Final Resting Place: Over time, more than six million people’s remains found their final resting place in the catacombs. These tunnels, originally created for practical reasons, now hold a silent and haunting record of Parisian history.
Today, the Catacombs are a unique attraction, and although they comprise only a small section of the vast underground mines, Parisians often refer to the entire tunnel network as “the catacombs”
That is fascinating and unexpected! Thank you! 😘
I, for one, cannot wait. And OF COURSE no coffee. With raisins?
I know, right?
I'll do my best to publish the next part soon-ish. Pledged to walk 50k this week (while working full time) so I will have to steal some writing time somewhere.
I am loving these Paris tours and you are an exceptional guide. Fun chasing down multiple statues of liberty. Can't wait until you visit the language museum! Thanks!!
Thank you so much Rena - any thoughts on where I should go next?
ooooh yes, the language musuem. That's my people in there for sure.