Shot of the Day – 11 – Chopin’s Guard

In December 2009, we spent a few days after Christmas in Paris. As those who know me might imagine, a personal highlight was a damp, somber morning in the magnificent Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

Chopin’s Guard, Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris (29 December 2009)

One day, I will do a more comprehensive spread on this place. Over 100 acres and more than 200 years old, the cemetery is a Gothic masterpiece. Large, elaborate crypts surrounded by big, old trees…weathered and overgrown in places, the cemetery still accepts new internments but attracts many visitors because of the long list of notable residents.

Next to the tomb of composer Frédéric Chopin was this cat…rather oblivious to the passing tourists, apparently focused on keeping his vigil on the musician’s last resting place…or any small, edible creatures that might appear.