A Photographer’s Nightmare

A lot of research has been done for this trip.  Everything that was read suggested that Sainte-Chapelle was crowded with long lines.  The best approach was to arrive early and be there at opening at 9:30.  As the group rounded the corner at 9:00, they saw a long line 6 to 10 people across snaking down half a block.   It appeared that the research was correct and it would be a long morning.  They even had guards with guns holding the lines back and sometimes lawyer looking people came out and dragged someone out of line into the building.  (Seems a bit extreme).  Greg, our interpreter extraordinaire , explained that we were in the Department of Justice line for court and not Sainte-Chapelle. The church is surrounded by government buildings that use the same entry for tourist and people called to court. Once in the correct line, Joyce was ecstatic that the group was number one in line.  (There was a woman that tried to sneak up to first position but through stink eyes and proper body blocking the threat was averted.  The group also believes that the man who sets up the ropes for the lines does not enjoy his job and should consider seeking employment elsewhere). Retail Price:  10 Euro  History Moment:  Built in seven years, an impressive feat, the Sainte Chapelle was intended to house precious Christian relics, including Christ’s crown of thorns, acquired by Saint Louis.

Crypte Archeologique was next on the list.  Retail Cost:  5 Euros History Moment:  A display of ancient, Medieval & more recent remains found under Notre Dame during renovations.

The Conciergerie is a few minutes walk from Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame.  Now here is where Debbie got confused.  A definition of a concierge is a person who is employed to someone who is employed  to help guests arrange things.    Retail Price 8.50 Euro.  History Moment:  (Are you skipping these?  Debbie may ask you about them – Don’t cheat).  A medieval royal palace that became a revolutionary tribunal and Marie-Antoinette’s prison until she was executed.  Debbie will never think of a concierge in the same way again.  What exactly did they arrange for these prisoners?  A trip to the guillotine?

At this point, Don and Greg, left the group as they did not want to proceed to the Pantheon.  The other’s made a quick stop at the Creperie Genia.  At least, as quick as you can be in Paris.

History Moment:  In 1744, Louis XV recovered from a serious illness from which he said he was cured by invoking Saint Genevieve.  Louis XV built a monument dedicated a to Genevieve.  In 1791, the monument was transformed into the National Pantheon.  Famous French citizens are buried in the Pantheon. It is a spacious building with plenty of seats to rest tired feet.  Some of the famous citizens buried are Victor Hugo, Pierre and Madame Curie.  Retail Cost: 7 Euro

The next stop was the Musee de l’Armee (Retail value 11 Euro) – History Moment:  This is the Museum of French Military History and the Tomb of Napoleon.  The military history is interesting and goes through World War II.  The group walked around for awhile and were ready to visit Napoleon’s Tomb. At this point, the nightmare occurred.  Debbie dropped her camera on the cement floor.  Yes, you read it correctly.  She dropped her camera and she did this in front of everyone.  No need for a stage – just drop the camera.  After the shock wore off, Debbie picked it up and turned it on.   She is sorry to report that the camera no longer focuses and is out of service.   Debbie went into deep mourning and depression.  The group continued on to Napoleon’s tomb.  At the tomb, Debbie starts to understand that her whole concept of Napoleon and Josephine was all wrong.  She thought Josephine was buried in the tomb.  It was really his brother, Joseph.  Here is a little test of your knowledge.

• Was either married before they met? Yes, Josephine was and she was separated from her husband then he died.
• Did Napoleon and Josephine get divorced?  Yes, they did.  (What?  I thought they were the big love story!  This explain why it was Joseph buried in the tomb not Josephine)
• Why did he divorce her?  Because she could not produce an heir and Napoleon had a child with his mistress so felt it was Josephine’s fault. (Again, what???)
• Did she have any children?  Yes, two with her former husband
• Did one or more have affairs while married?  Yes, they both did.  (What? What?   Again what happened to the love affair?)
• Napoleon was Catholic.  How did he get a divorce?  The official who conducted the marriage it was not entitled to do so, the officer who witnessed Napoleon’s signature was too young, the bride reduced her age by four years to 29 and the groom gave a false address and date of birth.  (How many times, can Debbie say what?)

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