Wednesday 19th of May.

Bonjour.

Today we went off to visit the catacombes. This is where in about 1785 it was decided to dig up the overflowing cemeteries and place all the bones down in the old quarry tunnels under Paris. It was on Annette's must list and she had threatened to start one at home if she didn't see it. Took the metro and only had to line up for about 15 minutes to get in. It was way way underground. Lots of spiral stone steps to get down and then wonderful stone tunnels just like what a real cellar should look like. Loved every minute of it. This was the only place they didn't check your backpack when you entered but checked it when you left to make sure you were not pinching any bones.

This is the only place where I haven't had to tell Annette not to touch the displays. In fact I couldn't get her to touch any of the bones (not that I did). Here I am trying.

Turned around and Annette must have changed her mind about touching the bones. I told her no way was she going to get away with smuggling out a couple of skulls in that manner.

Didn't take too long to walk through it and back up to ground level. I'm glad we went. A bit sad really.
Back on the metro. Speaking of which some of the trains have truck wheels attached to the outside of the train wheels and have a flat rail to run along. This seems to make them more stable. I know they travel faster than the others. I'll try to get a photo tomorrow before we leave. This is what a station looks like. All clean but no toilets in any of them.

Got some lunch and Annette took pity on some sparrows and with a bit of coaching were taking food from her hand.

After lunch we went off to another map shop and were able to buy all the maps we required so it's back to walking along the Seine to Rouen  and if all is going well north to Dieppe. We were both excited about that and didn't realise how disappointed we had been.

Next a visit to the inside of the Notre Dame. I was impressed but it is very dirty inside. When it was built it must have been full of light and colour. Now it it dark and dirty. Nothing that could not be fixed if they wanted to, just soap and water on the windows and inside. After that off for a walk around the area and back to the apartment. As I said before toilets a few and far between so when you see one you stop and use it whether you need it or not. One outside the Notre Dame. Very small and you go in one door and ladies to the right, gents to the left. Strange being within 1 metre of a line of ladies all saying wee, wee, wee, whilst you have the business in hand, so to speak. I told Annette I gave it a few extra shakes and she said she thought I was taking a bit long and that she could see the back of me through the window. Lucky I didn't turn around.

This busker got the better of Annette as he was singing real french songs and sounded pretty good. She said it was the only time she has heard it whilst in Paris. His cd was purchased. She probably won't get to hear it for 3 months.

Seen a few of these getting around. Even I wouldn't mind having a go at riding one of these. They seem to get around the same as the others except you don't have to worry when you stop or park it as it will stay upright on its own.

You just can't take her anywhere. Looks as if the catacombs are minus two.

Back to the apartment to get the blog up to date as I'm not sure when you will hear from us next. I have a trip report on the first leg of the walk that takes 4 days but it the opposite direction. We should arrive in Rouen either Monday the 24th of Tuesday the 25th. It is going to be interesting. So until then .....

Au revoir