Tea & croissant: The underground dead

 Another not-to-be missed Parisian attraction, the Catacombs has an air of mystery to it. Actually, most of the air down there is quite cold and I think there's a ventilation system. Otherwise, it's all just dead stale air. No pun intended.

This is the entrance to the underground. Wise to be here early or be prepared to queue up to an hour.

 We were there not very early and there was already a line. Even though it started drizzling, people still got into line behind us. Luckily, the rain didn't get heavier so we weren't soaked. That was a good thing because once underground, the temperature dipped a fair bit.

Before reaching the actual catacomb, you have to descend what seemed like an eternity of spiral staircase then these not-very-wide walkways. There are precautions for the elderly, hypertension, pregnant and cold temperature. What you should also take heed is to ensure you don't wear those glasses which auto dims unless they do it on the fly. Otherwise, stumble in the dark as your glasses struggles to undim. True story, bro.

 One of the many odd nooks and cranny. When they first surveyed the place, they found many uncharted paths and decided to close it altogether to avoid people from getting in and losing their way out.

 Such carvings are found throughout the place to signify which era the bones were from.

 It was a very long and winding road. There are few spots for you to stop and rest but don't count on them.

 Vous etes invite a ne rien toucher, et a ne pas fumer dans l’ossuarie. (Stop! This is the empire of the dead.  You are asked to not touch and to not smoke in the ossuary.)
Any French speaker would like to verify that translation? 
 

 My first impression was nothing short of discomfort. To be so close to something that was human is just a little disconcerting.

 It did make me feel a little small, that the time I have on this planet is not that long.

 Of course, it was downright creepy especially when it feels like they are staring at you in the face.

 It was clear that they created the place to make it more alluring for the masses instead of just stacking up the bones.

 All throughout, the bones were arranged in a way to best fit them all. Why wasn't cremation an option? Why isn't it an option?

 You have to give them credits for doing a marvelous job.

 I mean, look at that. Each line stacked almost perfectly in line.

 This was a well that was used during its construction for the workers. Would you dare to go in at night?

 We weren't the only visitors but it certainly didn't feel crowded at all. There were the occasional group tours of which the tour guide would be more than happy to be rid of you.

 More French. Even if it was in German, I probably wouldn't be able to tell you what it says 😏 Don't ask me what my 1year of German lessons have taught me.

 Each section signifies bodies from different years/cemeteries.

 I was tempted to pick up French at a point of time but with German, Chinese and Spanish, I should rethink of my capabilities.
Or the lack of them.

 Do you think that Asians would allow for such things to happen in their backyard? Given how we cannot tolerate another while alive, you'd think that we would be better when dead.
I think it's just going to be the same. Otherwise, we won't have cemeteries based on religious affiliations.

 If you are a medical student or doctor, it's going to be quite fascinating identifying the bones and what tales each crack could tell. If you're just an ordinary joe such as yours truly, it's still quite magnificent to come so close to the dead.