Deep below the streets of Paris, there is an amazing networks of tunnels that were used originally for mass burial of people who succumbed to epidemics or other disasters.  The Catacombs of Paris became especially useful during World War II as the French Resistance was able to "get lost" while communicating important information.  The most striking feature of this underground maze was how over 6 million people's skulls and bones were so neatly arranged along many of the walls (see lower right, the end of the hallway is lined stacked bones and a few rows of skulls).  Admission was granted to only a limited amount of people at a time to avoid crowding and keep a sense of silence and serenity to respect those who eternally rest there.

One of our favorite places in Paris, near the Panthéon of the 6th Arrondissement is the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.  The palm trees are brought inside for the winter since they are in huge pots. This park is actually quite large and often offers free concerts on summer evenings, face-painting and other children's activities, and even has a small zoo.  There is also a government building on the grounds of the Park. (lower right)