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We were in London for our first two days, we took the bus tour to see London Tower, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and the Mews, Kater is imitating Kiwi's "smile". The tour guide was hilarious. There was time to stop, leave the bus, tour around, and return to another bus with another story teller.
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Buckingham Palace houses the stables (Mews) for the coaches for the Monarch. It is open to the public to visit (for five pounds). Kater loves horses, so you know were we went -- to see the stables. We were visiting the week prior to Queen's Elizabeth's silver jubilee (50 years on the throne) so the preparations were grand to say the least. Here is one of the horse drawn coaches that the queen still uses. The detail to the craftsmanship was incredible.
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Off to France!!!
Avaigon was the temporary home of the Vatican. As you see Kater (in her red coat) walking with my brother and his wife toward the outdoor court yard, you can see and feel the history in this area of southern France. It was a great history lesson. The weather was cool in the shade though warm in the sun. |
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Cassis is a Mediterranean coastal town were we spent the day walking around and having lunch. It was a beautiful town, where the artist, fishermen, boaters and tourist blend together. The sky was a beautiful blue and the sun was strong against my fair skin. It was the type of place that I know I could spend several days exploring, before moving on to something else. |
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In Aix en Provence, where my brother has been living this year, we stayed in converted monastery to hotel. It was in the center of town. As we walked down the street, I had to take a picture of Uncle' Sam that served American food, and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream.
Aix was a quaint town. On Saturday morning the little squares turned into a giant market, were you could purchase anything farmed or produced in the region. It was fun just walking around, listening to everyone speak French, and be a part of another culture. |
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Paris was next on our exploration plans. As we walked to the Louvre, we saw the following example of how Paris solved its trash removal problem since September 11, 2001. Simon, our tour guide, told us later that the city changed to the clear bags so police and other officials could see if something other than trash was placed in the receptacle. They change it daily, and even the trash pickers can look to see if they want to pick through the garbage. Very innovative - and a nice way to package our trash. Oh yes - this is across the street from the Louvre. |
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When we arrived in Paris, we found some very interesting situations. Here is Kater in front of the entrance to the Louvre. This was one of the most intriguing aspects of the trip. |
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The Louvre's entrance was designed by I.M.Pei, the same architect that designed the east wing of the National Gallery of Art in Washington. He took a very hard projects and brought it together to blend the history of France with the simplicity of modern life. When you walk into this entrance park, they may be up to five thousand people in the museum, though you feel like you're the only one. Space and light provide the backdrop to a remarkable architectural structure.
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Clark Kent, eat your heart out! Changing in to your Superman outfit would be a bit different in this telephone booth. There are three booths in a cluster, and it is surrounded with glass. Great place to hide in a rain storm! Most people have cell phones in Europe. It is easier to get one than a regular wired phone. As we walked down the street, we saw two girls walking with one another, talking to different people (I assume) on their phones. I must admit, without my cell phone for the past ten days was nice and I felt vulnerable. I realized how dependent I've become without one.
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As we left the Louvre, we saw several of these Golden Mummies at different parts of our walk. When you put money in the collection pot, they bow to you. Simon - our guide - told us these were the most unassuming people. As I past one, I could see they were 'plump' at the belly button. I assume there are Mummys in waiting. I will have to go back and find out! |
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You can not go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. This icon of Paris and France was built for a World Fair in the late 1800. It was to be removed at the end of the fair. The colors of the tower against the blue sky was just breath taking. We did not spend any time at the tower, though I know it is at least another day trip the next time I return. |
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Again - the night shots are to provide the contrast the sky provides to the French buildings and sky line. After our trip on the Seine, I saw this picture as we walked across one of the many bridge connecting the left and right banks. These pictures do not capture the richness of the colors. You'll just have to go and see it for yourself.
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I found these French ads all over the place. Simple and elegant ways of getting a message to someone.
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I thought the Paris information board is a great way to get information to motorist during the day. The information is about anything important to the general population. I like how they were designed and placed in areas where not only drivers, but pedestrian could read it as well.
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