A Visit to Le Pere Lachaise (cheap flights to beijing)

March 1st, 2010 admin Posted in travel |

By Albert Garcia

Le Pere Lachaise is a beautiful and historic cemetery. For a grave-hunter, it is a vital stop on a trip through Paris. It is most probably the worst-laid-out cemetery. But, in spite of the frustrating layout, it is an amazing place to visit.

The Cimitire du Pre Lachaise, which occupies 44 hectares on the eastern border of Paris, is one of the city’s less noticeable attractions, yet features on many a visitor’s itinerary. The cemetery is named after the Jesuit priest Pre Franois de la Chaise, who was confessor to Louis XIV. It became the most prestigious burial ground in the whole of the city, due to its location and royal connections. Created on the orders of Napoleon in 1804 by the famous architect Alexandre Broignart its design is based on that of an English park and features not only many large trees, but also sculptures and monuments by illustrious French artists. Some 70,000 graves adorn the site, with famous names including writers, such as Molire, La Fontaine, Honor de Balzac and Oscar Wilde, singers Edith Piaf and Maria Callas, composer Frdric Chopin and impressionist painter Camille arro. Jim Morrison’s grave invariably attracts the most attention, despite attempts by the authorities to discourage the cult atmosphere that can threaten to disturb the otherwise respectful ambience. Pre Lachaise is the largest green space in Paris and the peaceful surroundings make it a popular place to escape the bustle of the city.

The gravesites at Pre-Lachaise vary from a simple, unadorned headstone to towering monuments and even elaborate mini chapels dedicated to the memory of a well-known person or family. A lot of the tombs are about the size and shape of a phone booth, with just adequate space for a mourner to step inside, kneel to say a prayer, and leave some flowers. It’s a beautiful and tranquil place-full of history and death, yet somehow strangely uplifting.

The cemetery manages to compress an increasing number of bodies into a restricted and already crowded space. One way it does this is by combining the remains of multiple family members in the same grave. At Pre-Lachaise, it is not uncommon to reopen a grave after a body has decomposed and add another one. Some family tombs contain dozens of bodies, often in several separate graves.

Although the tombs of Pre-Lachaise date back as far as 200 years, they are not all equally well maintained. Each family or estate is in charge for the upkeep of its own monuments, and while a few are in excellent condition even after centuries, many have not been touched in decades. So it is very common to see tombs that have collapsed or otherwise fallen into disrepair. Often the engravings are completely worn away, making it impossible to tell who was buried there or when; maps of the cemetery show only the most famous occupants. In recent times, Pre-Lachaise has adopted a standard practice of issuing 30-year leases on gravesites, so that if a lease is not renewed by the family, the remains can be removed, space made for a new grave, and the overall deterioration of the cemetery minimized.

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Make sure you complete your camper’s checklist

By Chris Sims

Whether you are a beginning camper or an experienced one, it’s always good to have a list of camping equipment you need to take with you. In fact what I do is have a trunk-like plastic container filled with the non-perishable supplies that I always take camping. This way everything is ready to go. Once a year in the beginning of camping season, I update the items and do a supply check.

Food - It’s a good idea to have easy to prepare food. Make a list before you go of meals you want to prepare and go shopping. You can always check the internet for good camping recipes. Have on hand dry condiments such as salt, pepper, spices, sugar, and powdered cream. Be sure to bring staples such as coffee, bread, potatoes, catsup, mustard, onions, bacon, eggs, and marshmallows. Camping convenience foods you may want to include are granola bars, instant oatmeal packs and peanut butter and jelly for quick eating. Don’t forget something to drink.

Sleeping Equipment - As you are aware, the tent is a very important part of camping. Make sure it is waterproof and has a canopy for rain run off. Include a tarp or ground cloth for under the tent. Make sure the tent is always stored in a dry place to keep it free of mildew. Include sleeping bags to keep you nice and warm and an air mattress to keep you off the ground. Don’t forget the pillows.

Lighting - There is nothing worse than walking around a campsite without light. Bring a lantern either powered by propane or batteries. Include a good heavy duty flashlight and it’s always good to have a spare one. Don’t forget the extra batteries.

Cooking Utensils - Include a frying pan, camp stove with fuel, pot with lid, grill, spatula, coffee pot and tongs.

First Aid Kit - A great ideas is to put together a waterproof container filled with the following supplies that you keep stored with your camping equipment and is always ready to go. Be sure to include Tylenol or other pain reliever, antibiotic cream, antiseptic, band-aids/bandages, tweezers, allergy medicine if needed, sunscreen lotion, bug repellent, antacid tablets and a box of pre-moistened towels such as baby wipes.

Personal Items - Once again it’s a great idea to keep these items stored in a waterproof container for easy accessibility. Include bar of soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, razor and shaving cream, deodorant, comb/brush, makeup bag, washcloth and towels.

Miscellaneous Supplies - Here are some things that will help make your camping experience a good one.

Water bottles

Tools such as hammer, screwdriver and pliers

Aluminum Foil

Paper plates, napkins and plastic knives, forks, and spoons.

Paper towels

Trash Bags

Tablecloth

Charcoal

Fire starter log

Matches

Small shovel

Duct tape for emergency repairs

Compass

Small shovel

Pocket knife

Weather radio

Dishpan, scrub pad and dish soap