Day 17

We went to the catacombs and did it ever take some effort getting there. We were instructed to walk miles (I think) to the nearest metro station. It really doesn't sound so hard just to walk, but really when you are in a foreign land far from your destination, the more appropriate word is navigate. So that is what we did. Map in hand, comfy shoes on, we brazenly tread across the city, farther than we have had to walk as of yet. Not only did we have to concentrate on not getting lost, it also becomes an issue to try and keep from becoming road kill when the sidewalks are shoulder width- if they even exist- and there is constant competition for the parts that don't drip mysterious liquid upon those unfortunate enough to stand below. We also had to fight the innate urge to shop along the way. We had been informed before we left the hotel that the catacombs are open from 8:00am until 12:00pm, after which they close and reopen at 2:00 and shut down for the day at 5:00. We left the hotel around 8:00am. With time pressing in, we made it to the metro. Nanny had bought a walking stick for an elderly cousin along the way, despite my nervous protest. After a few stops riding the metro, we got off in an entirely new landscape. Next we had to cross six or so lanes of traffic and track down a bus. I zipped across, now more accustomed to the European art of automobile dodging, unlike Nanny who understandable preferred to wait for a larger lull in cars. We had to ask more than one person for directions, and eventually found the bus we needed. The ride was bumpy and slightly confusing, but we made it off alright and followed the yellow signs and arrows that pointed our way to the catacombs. We made it there around 12:15, past closing time. A two hour wait lay ahead of us, but the sun was shining that there were fields and trees and it was a generally peaceful place. People began gathering around 1:45 and we finally were able to purchase our tickets. The tour did not allow us to take pictures but I did get some of the surrounding areas.


The journey back to the hotel was easier being as we had some idea where we were supposed to go and when we did make it back we were exhausted. However the day was not done, as we had arrangements to see the pope the next day and we had to pick up our tickets from the US bishops office. A very small rest and change of footwear later and we were on the road again. The office wasn't far and I had some idea of its location, but still it was a rough walk for our tired bodies. Once inside, a very cheerful nun with beautiful teeth gave us the lowdown on the event, such as where we were to enter, sit, exit, what to wear, and so forth. A priest gave us our tickets in an envelope, and when we opened them they were a yellow color. These tickets were for a special area around the pope, closer than the general public seats. Nanny was so excited that we had these special tickets that she felt rejuvenated and didn't even mind the walk home.