I was able to squeeze one last post out of my Paris pictures. On our last full day we decided to head over to Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise and then explore the Montmartre area. I didn't realize, until now, just how much that day revolved around dead people.
The cemetery was beautiful in a mysterious sort of way. I kind of wish it had been a little rainy or foggy, not that I didn't love the weather, but just because I think it would have added a little drama to walking around a graveyard. Several famous people are burried here and we did a little search for all of the graves listed in the Rick Steve's guide. Some of the A listers include: Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Frederic Chopin, Jim Morrison, and Colette. I'm not even going to pretend like I knew who all of those people were going into it...I was on a mission to see my man, Jim.
Bet you didn't know Jim Morrison went to Paris to try to clean up his act and focus on his writing. Instead he just continued to drink, do drugs, and gain weight, and eventually died in his bathtub. (Ok, maybe you did know that) But, I bet you really didn't know that the cemetery wasn't going to let him be burried there until they found out he was a "writer".
The original headstone on his grave was a bust of him, but was stolen and replaced with this simple one. I couldn't help but like the grafitti on the surrounding graves and trees.
Mr. Chopin's grave. People bring fresh cut roses and place them all around.
This little man gave all the flowers fresh water, threw out the old ones, and swept around the area. I wondered if he got paid to do it...but I want to believe he was just a devout fan.
After we were done with the cemetary, we grabbed lunch and headed to the Montmartre area. This area is where all the "starving artists" lived. At the top of this hill (Paris' highest point) sits Sacre-Coeur Basilica. From the front steps of the church you can get a great view of the city.
See? A great view.
After walking through a neighborhood market (remember the strawberries, fig with foie gras, and chocolate eclair I mentioned) we continued our exploring. Here you have Picasso's studio apartment. As many as 10 artists lived here and they all shared just one water faucet.
I wonder if the lovely door provided them with any artistic inspiration.
On down the road lived Mr. Vincent van Gogh.
Maybe it's just me, but this place (top floor) looks a little better than Pablos. Plus, he just had one roommate.
We got a little turned around, but eventually made it to the Moulin Rouge. This area used to be peppered with "moulins" or windmills used to crush grapes, grain, and gypsum rocks. Now only two remain, and both are dance halls.
Ooh la la. Cue the Christina Aguilera.
To be honest, this area was a little trashy. Lots of risque stores and shops. No wonder it's called Pig Alley. However, overall I really liked Montmartre.
Now, I think that I've posted pictures from all of our Paris adventures. I hope everyone has as much fun looking at them as I had taking them. Also, little side note, I realized I have had my share of spelling/grammar mistakes in the last few posts (and probably this one too), but it's only because I'm usually rushing to write them. Things are beginning to get busy around here, but I'm trying to do my best with updating. Speaking of which, I'm about to run out the door to meet John Ralph for dinner...soooo ciao for now!!
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