Christkindlmarkts, literally ‘Christ child market’ in German, are a special holiday tradition in many parts of the world. Originating in Dresden, Germany around 1434, Christkindlmarkts, or Christmas Markets, are where local craftsmen sold their wares in the winter, giving townsfolk something to look forward to besides cold weather. When the tradition began, the markets only lasted a day or two, and unlike today, craftsmen laid their products out on the streets for citizens to peruse, deciding which of the handcrafted items they wanted to purchase, as well as affording the opportunity for villagers to mingle and share laughter, as well as food or drink, while they shopped. The markets were a bright spot in what could be an otherwise dreary winter.
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Dec 23rd, 2007
by Tahira Khan
Everyone who has ever visited Paris automatically thinks to visit the Eiffel Tower, enjoy art; the Louvre Museum, and even gaze upon the architect at Notre Dame, but few think of the vast underground quarries beneath the city. The Catacombs of Paris or quarries of Paris, are used limestone quarries that have been converted into a place to deposit the bones of millions of former citizens, a huge underground crypt. This famous burial ground has been depicted in books, movies, and even computer and video games. Parisian officials began moving remains due to scarce real estate, placing them inside the quarries in 1786, though they didn’t complete their relocation until 1860. The world underground is eerie, bones stacked upon bones as you walk through the passageways, the sound of water dripping off the walls in the dark tunnels almost surreal.
The entrance to the world beneath is an unassuming door, across from the Denfert-Rochereau Metro station exit. The sign on the door reads simply Entrée Des Catacombes, to many this is the Denfert-Rochereau Ossuary, or the Empire of the Dead. There are approximately 186 miles of underground tunnels, although only about a mile of this is open to the public. Entrance to the tunnels is a long spiral staircase made of stone, into a small gallery and the tunnels beneath the streets. The walls in the tunnels are covered in graffiti, dating from the 18 th century onwards. Bones make up another layer of wall. The distance from the actual wall and these bone walls usually measure six to twelve feet. These bones are not intact skeletons, though there seems to be a regular pattern of skulls at the top, giving the tunnels an even grislier appearance. Each stack of bones is marked with a plaque listing which cemetery they were moved from and in what year they were moved. This unique glimpse into what almost seems to be another realm will leave you reminded of your own mortality, while also giving you a sense of the unexpected history that can be found beneath the city.
In contrast to the gloominess of the Catacombs, you will welcome the elegance of De Crillon Hotel Paris, ideally located near the major tourist attractions in Paris. The rooms offer unique panoramic views of the city, allowing you to soak in the beauty as you relax in comfort. Order room service, or take in the ambiance of the restaurant, where you will find a sumptuous buffet for lunch or dinner.
The hotel offer a fitness facility, conference room and great room service, ensuring your comfort for the duration of your visit. De Crillon hotel Paris is the perfect place to pamper yourself as you enjoy Paris to its fullest.
Jul 23rd, 2007
by E Cho
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