Jim Morrison's grave; the wall at which some of the holdouts of the Paris Commune were executed May 28, 1871; and Marcel Proust's gravesite. Some elderly woman came up to me, speaking in Italian, I think. All I could get out of what she said was JEEM Morrison, interspersed with other things. I thought she was looking for his resting place, and pointed in the general direction. She shook her head, walking off saying JEEM Morrison. Later I acted as an ad hoc tour guide, directing some guys from Strasbourg, France to the spot -- and it was the first time I had visited Père Lachaise. I also showed up with the right timing to witness a coffin unloaded from a hearse, and marched up the hill by pallbearers to the decedent's final sleep, just like in the movies. I did not take a picture, due to not getting my camera ready fast enough respect for the survivors.
.jpg)
I wish I had visited Pere Lachaise. There are some beautiful monuments.
ReplyDeleteCertainly the most impressive cemetery I've seen -- one of the most remarkable in the world I would imagine. Père Lachaise is also very large so can take some time.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Paris a few times when I was a kid, but we unfortunately never visited Pere Lachaise. Interesting photos, I still find it a bit strange walking around large graveyards looking for celebrities (I've done it myself a few times).
ReplyDeleteOn seeing Proust's grave stone I was reminded of his ill health and his dying in his early fifties.
ReplyDeleteHe had so much talent, a great shame.
Rob, Père Lachaise is notable for its composers, musicians, artists, writers and so on, but also for its atmosphere throughout. Some of the other cemeteries are great in Paris, I hear. Not too far from Netherlands! Ray, Proust did die too soon, it seemed a lot of talented people in this cemetery had their lives cut short.
ReplyDelete