Linda's Journal
September, 2003

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September 6th

There are interesting cemeteries all over Paris. I recently visited a new one to me called Passy Cemetery. There was a recent tomb there of a flight attendant who had died when the Concorde plane crashed. It is a small cemetery but had some interesting things to see.

I liked this little angel pointing to the cross.

Colorful madonna and child atop a tomb for a child.

This horse was on a tomb of an mosaic artist.

I guess they don't want the weather to ruin this one.

A recent photo at the Louvre with a reflection in a pool

I went out with my friend, Chris, to take photos of this good lucking couple. We took them all over Montmartre to get some different shots.

The happy couple

September 20th

Various buildings in Paris that aren't opened to the public are opened for one weekend a year. I wanted to see at least 3 in one day but underestimated the crowds that showed up. Even though I arrived at opening time there was still a line stretching back for blocks in front of the Elysees Palace, where Jacques Chiroc lives.

Our first view of the line. From here a 3 hour wait.

I don't know why, but when, after an hour, we reached a sign that said "Three hour wait from here" we didn't really believe it. I thought the line would move much faster, and, after already waiting for an hour, I didn't want to waste the time I had already waited. Well, the sign was right, in fact it underestimated the time. When, 3 hours later we reached the front entrance, went through baggage check, there was yet another line because it was a narrow hall to move through when entering.

Line from inside the front door

Did I mention that it was also hot? At least it wasn't in the 100's-more like the 80's but hot in the sun. There was a bathroom to use on the way, and some water, but no food. Lunch time came and went before we got in. It was beautiful, rather like Versailles but in a lesser scale with a few more modern touches since it is still used. Chiroc's private quarters were upstairs and we didn't see them. We didn't exit until after 3 in the afternoon and decided to call it a day.

Steps near entry

Interesting brass on stairs

Stange modern sculpture in the midst of all the antiques

Garden outside

One of various sitting rooms

Another with more gilding

Hallway in a large entertainment area containing huge table

Gorgeous ceiling hard to show all of it's glory in a photo

RF stands for Republic of France