May 15, 2013

Yesterday was a day for walking and museums. I wanted to go to the Pompidou but when I arrived they were closed. I went to the Branly instead, a wonderful collection of artifacts from cultures all over the world. More anthropological than artistic but still very interesting. I don’t have much time in Paris left so I’m planning on doing all the museums in the next couple of days. Tomorrow is the Louvre, Monday is the Musee d’Orsay.

A collection of hand painted movie posters from Nigeria.

Lovely wheat paste outside the Pompidou.

Another hand painted movie poster from Nigeria.

Wall of murals outside the Pompidou.

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May 6, 2013

Versailles was beautiful. CROWDED. Long lines made it difficult to really appreciate the beauty and the history. The Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon were very beautiful and much more intimate than the main palace. Easier to enjoy due to smaller crowds.  I enjoyed the gardens much much more! Wonderful to be outside in “nature” exploring. The gardens are open to anyone and are filled with lots of people doing all sorts of things, running, biking, picnicking. Great to see the contrast between huge ornate palaces and neighborhood folk out for a walk.

The last couple of days have been spent battling a cold and twisted neck. Trying to make it out the house at least once a day for a small adventure.

Working out plans for the rest of my trip! Can’t believe it’s already been a month…

I will spend some time in Paris with friends from California who are passing through, then on to Belgium for a couple of days, then Berlin and Copenhagen! Then home!

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April 22, 2013

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Bike rides everywhere, the bike sharing program (Vélib) is amazing and so convenient. Sunshine and brisk breezes. I’ve been exploring gardens and bookstores and churches. And people watching! And walking. I’ve got blisters on top of blisters. It’s fantastic.  And discovering a dish that is made of a wheel of melted Camembert, bacon and honey. Served with crispy baguette.

Struggling with French, mostly people are very nice. Planning my train trip for the end of May/start of June: I think mostly spending time in Spain!

Took myself on a date to see Funny Face (in English!) at a lovely small theater. I’m looking forward to more adventures in cinema! (La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin)

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April 13, 2013

A bike ride along the Seine to Notre Dame. A walk thru the alleys of Quartier latin, I come across an English language bookstore (Canadian!). I buy a book and look and look at all the others. The store is small. So small that several times large stacks of books are knocked to the floor. The owner sighs, but obviously has chosen his fate.

Got caught in the rain (hail!) without an umbrella. A small cafe offers a chance to dry off and drink a cappuccino.

And then Patsy Cline comes on the radio in the cafe and it makes me so happy! And the sun comes out and I’m on my way…image

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April 11, 2013
Here I go! Paris in 2.5 hours. (at St Pancras International Station - Eurostar Terminal)

Here I go! Paris in 2.5 hours. (at St Pancras International Station - Eurostar Terminal)

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April 10, 2013
Oh hello! (at Houses of Parliament)

Oh hello! (at Houses of Parliament)

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April 10, 2013
Nice…head?

Nice…head?

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April 10, 2013
My feet hurt too. Lot’s of walk walk walking and stand stand standing.

My feet hurt too. Lot’s of walk walk walking and stand stand standing.

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April 10, 2013
HEY @littledaughtersiobhan I found you a happy birthday robot in London. (at BrewDog Shoreditch)

HEY @littledaughtersiobhan I found you a happy birthday robot in London. (at BrewDog Shoreditch)

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