Category Archives: Travel photos

Famagusta – Cyprus

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Famagusta on the east coast of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, was the first stop on our one-week self-driven tour. In mediaeval times (particularly under the maritime republics of Genoa and Venice), Famagusta was the country’s largest port city, trading with the ports of the Levant. In Turkish it is also called Gazimagusa which can be a little confusing. The old city is entirely surrounded by walls.  The town has a very interesting and colourful history. Unfortunately, during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Famagusta was bombed causing the entire Greek Cypriot population to flee into the surrounding fields. They have never returned. Many of the original Catholic and Greek orthodox churches have been turned into mosques.

Our first view of Famagusta citadel, outside the walls.
The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, originally known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas built in the 14th century
The entrance to the Palazzo del Provveditore, the Venetian palace of the governor, built on the site of the former Lusignan royal palace
Bougainvillea on the other side of the Palazzo del Provveditore
Church of Sts. Peter and Paul (1359) was converted into a mosque in 1571 and renamed as the Sinan Pasha Mosque
One of the few remaining traditional Turkish homes
A door indicative of past splendour
It’s amazing to see how many churches there are in such a small town
The walls of the citadel
The modern mosque outside the citadel which woke us up at 5.17 am every morning!

First Day in NYC – Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty & Times Square

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We are in New York. The last time I was here was in 1979. For Jean Michel, it’s the first time. We are visiting my two grown-up children, Leonardo and Black Cat, who live and work in NYC. We have no agenda. “We’re in your hands”, I say. “I want you to show me your New York”.

Jean Michel in News eating his first bagel
Jean Michel in News eating his first bagel

The first day of our stay is a Friday so both the kids are at work. We want to see the Statue of Liberty which is French of course. There is another one in Paris. So after going downstairs to News, the local café, and having a coffee and bagel (which we don’t think is anything special), we walk from where we are staying  in Union Square, which is ideally located in the lower part of Manhattan to the free Staten Island ferry on the southern tip of the island.

fire_escapes

The sun is shining, it’s very warm, it’s 9 o’clock in the morning and New York feels much better than it did the first time I was here. The first thing that strikes me are all the fire escapes on the front of buildings that we all know from West Side Story. Black Cat later explains their origin.

Initially there were only inside staircases but in 1860, two separate fires destroyed two crowded tenement houses. In both cases, fire and smoke blocked the sole stairway, trapping those on the upper floors and claiming a total of 30 lives. Following the twin tragedies, public outcry forced the legislature to pass a law requiring fire escapes on all newly constructed tenement houses, followed by retroactive installation on all existing tenements  In 1871, the requirement for fire escapes was expanded to include hotels, boarding houses, office buildings and factories.

This is just one of the many New York University buildings in West Village - I love the Coca-Cola truck
This is just one of the many New York University buildings in West Village – I love the Coca-Cola truck

We go past NYU, New York University, which occupies several buildings in the area. We come across several typiically American delivery trucks.

The triumphal arch in Washington Square
The triumphal arch in Washington Square

We walk through Washington Square which I later learn is Black Cat’s favourite park, very near to where she has a flat share with two Americans. It even has a triumphal arch built in 1892 in Washington Square Park to celebrate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration as President of the United States in 1789. Through it we can see the One World Trade Centre.

Two contrasting skyscrapers - the new One World Trade Center and one of the "wedding cake" skyscrapers from the 1930s
Two contrasting skyscrapers – the new One World Trade Center and one of the “wedding cake” skyscrapers from the 1930s

We walk down Broadway until we reach Ground Zero. I have never watched any footage although I listened to the live reports on the car radio in Black Cat’s company in Paris on 11 September 2001. I was taking her home from school at the time.  I was afraid that if I saw the videos I might never take a plane again. Today is 9 September 2016 and a man in a tourist booth tells me there is a parade at midday.

One of the two memorials at Ground Zero
One of the two memorials at Ground Zero showing the black pit in the centre

I have no idea what to expect at Ground Zero. We approach the first memorial, a black marble hole in the ground with water running down all four sides. Around the edge are the names of the 3000 people who died immediately or in the aftermath of the attacks. Roses and other small bouquets of flowers are scattered around the names.

The second memorial with a bouquet from the French firemen
The second memorial with a bouquet from the French firemen

I am overcome with emotion. It reminds me of when I saw one of the remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall near Checkpoinit Charly. There is a sort of hush around me and I see I am not the only person to be moved. There are people taking selfies which I find it difficult to imagine. We move to the second, identical memorial. Each corresponds to the surface area taken up by the fallen towers.

One of the police bands practising for the parade
One of the police bands practising for the parade

Nearby we hear bagpipes playing.  We are relieved to have a little light entertainment. It turns out to be various police bands from throughout the country practicing for the midday parade organised by the New York Police Department to honor its 23 officers who died at the World Trade Center.

Wall Street
Wall Street

After listening to various bands we think we’ll skip the parade but by the time we visited Wall Street nearby, it’s midday and we watch the beginning.

The parade about to begin next to Trinity Church on Broadway
The parade about to begin next to Trinity Church on Broadway

We continue our walk to the Staten Island Ferry. It’s excessively hot (we even buy hats) and the crowd is enormous but so is the ferry and, as it turns out, there’s plenty of room to get a good view of the Statue of Liberty as we go past. By now, the sky is somewhat overcast, to my disappointment. It’s just after 1 pm.

The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty

After a 25-minute ride, we leave the ferry (we have no choice) and have a coffee in the terminal before boarding the next ferry back. We have been told there isn’t much to see on Staten Island and by now our feet are beginning to feel the miles we’ve walked today. The ferry back is much more crowded as it’s now 2.30 pm.

Manhattan as we approach it from Staten Ferry
Manhattan as we approach it from Staten Ferry

We take the underground back to Union Square after buying a 7-day pass each. The underground station is horrendously hot and the air-conditioned train is cold by contrast. We are glad to be above ground again!

Entrance to the underground
Entrance to the underground

We have an appointment with Black Cat at her office in Times Square at 5 pm so are pleased to be able to relax a little at home before going out again. The construction site opposite, which started at 7 am, stops at 4 pm, which is a relief.

The rooftop of Black Cat's building
The rooftop of Black Cat’s building

Black Cat works in the most amazing building, with a help-yourself bar, lounge chairs and an eating area on each floor but the rooftop is the best! While we are there, we see a young lady stretched out on a sofa with her laptop propped up in front of her. It’s a whole other world! Black Cat takes us down to her office and introduces us to her workmates and boss. They are very relaxed and friendly. I’m even given a red publicity hoodie.

Times Square which I find very aggressive
Times Square which I find very aggressive

After walking through Times Square with its agressive neon signs, we cross Bryant Park and sit in garden chairs and listen to a guitar player. Black Cat tells us that she came to Shakespeare in the Park here during the summer. What a wonderful setting!

Bryant Park - an oasis of green surrounded by skyscrapers
Bryant Park – an oasis of green surrounded by skyscrapers

She then takes us up to the top of the 230 Fifth rooftop bar on 5th Avenue to see New York at night. There are crowds of people but we are still able to appreciate the amazing view. We don’t stop for a drink – we could be here forever!

The view from the 230 Fifth rooftop bar
The view from the 230 Fifth rooftop bar

We finish the evening at Leonardo’s flat-share on Lexington Avenue in Kips Bays where he has cooked us some excellent steaks. We start with a cocktail which seems appropriate in Manhattan. He takes onto his balcony which is away from the street and we are surrounded with the constant hum of air-conditioners.

By the time we walk back to Union Square, we are ready for bed! The weekend promises to be full on.

Cycling in Italy # 1 – Sanremo to San Lorenzo

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We have been driving most of the day. After a lunch stop in Cavaillon, famous for its melons where we have a delicious lunch under a shady terrace recommended by the lady in the bookshop where we buy a guide book, we have an afternoon tea break in Saint Laurent du Var, just next to Nice. It seems easier (and quicker) to go there than into Nice itself. We discover some beautiful oleander avenues and the pretty little village of Saint Laurent.

Lunch at Carte sur Table in Cavaillon
Lunch at Carte sur Table in Cavaillon

We cross the border into Italy and leave the motorway at Sanremo. Our destination is a B&B in Baiardo, up in the hills, about 20 km and ½ hour away according to my iPhone. We have reserved a room with a view. The GPS says 50 minutes. We find ourselves on a very narrow road with a succession of hairpin bends. We get lost a couple of times and tempers are getting frayed. I’m too stressed to even take photos!

The front gate of our B&B
The front gate of our B&B

Before we even reach the B&B we have decided that we are only staying one night and not the three we’ve booked. The further we get up the hill, the less sun and more mist we have. We see no other cars on the way, only three cyclists obviously in training for the Tour de France. We reach the address at last and ring the bell. No response. We try the house next door and a friendly German who speaks both English and Italian phones the owner.

Misty view from the balcony on arrival
Misty view from the balcony on arrival

She talks to us through the intercom and explains how to get in the back way. We bump over a dirt road and she is waiting for us at the door. She greets us warmly asking if the drive up with OK. She sees the stress on our faces and asks if we have a “navigator”.  Our GPS didn’t choose the right route it seems. There is a much easier one but which is just as long.

Our B&B from the outside
Our B&B from the outside (next morning’s photo)

We visit the room which is very pretty and see the mist enveloping the hills from the balcony. The deck chairs look a little superfluous. She apologizes for the weather and hopes it will be better next morning. We explain that we will only stay for one night, because 45 minutes of such horrendous roads twice a day is not part of our cycling schedule.

Breakfast view next morning
Breakfast view next morning

She is very understanding and says it’s important that her visitors are happy with their stay. We are relieved that we have a picnic with us and don’t have to go out again! We have a good wifi connection, thank goodness, and are able to find another place to stay for the next two nights. We sleep well and wake up next morning to bright sunshine and a most spectacular view.

We are able to have breakfast on the terrace overlooking several hills and valleys. The breakfast is excellent with freshly made apple juice, apple cake, scrambled eggs and bacon, fresh fruit and different sorts of bread. “Make the most of this”, I tell Jean Michel. “This is probably the best breakfast you will get in Italy.”

Ceriana on the way to Sanremo
Ceriana on the way to Sanremo

With instructions from our hostess, we take the easy road down to Sanremo which includes a couple of large villages, but it’s still 45 minutes so we don’t regret our decision to move on. We’ve found a one-bedroom apartment with a view in Imperia, only 15 minutes from the centre.

Parking around Sanremo proves to be impossible so we ask the GPS for underground parking. It is practically empty which is suspicious and no prices are displayed. I ask someone but my Italian isn’t sufficient to understand the answer. I try someone else who fortunately speaks English. “Not expensive”, he says, “just a few euros.” We lug the bikes up the stairs (there is no lift or ramp that we can see, and join the bike path from Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo, 25 km of converted train track, reputed to be one of the best bike paths in Italy.

Our first view of the bike path
Our first view of the bike path

It lives up to its name with beautiful houses, oleanders and plumbago along one side and the sea on the other. We turn left towards Ospedaletti, 6 km away, passing through a 2-km long tunnel which relates the history of a famous 298 K bike race from Milano to San Remo nicknamed “La Primavera” which first started in 1907. At Ospedaletti, we have a cappuccino at Il Golfo di Napoli.

In the longest tunnel between San Remo and Ospedaletti
In the longest tunnel between San Remo and Ospedaletti

We turn back in the other direction and pass Sanremo. What a wonderful place to pass through by train (though I imagine the soot and noise were less attractive to the inhabitants).

Along the bike path
Along the bike path

As we go past Taggia, we see a large church so decide to explore. Closer up it proves to be quite recent so we join the bike path again. The next section is the least attractive of the entire route, but we eventually get to San Stefano al Mare and are feeling puckish but don’t seem to be able to leave the bike path. I see a lady emerging with a pram so we follow a ramp down to a children’s playground. I’m not keen on any of the waterfront restaurants so we push on further.

Il Sandolino at San Bartolomeo
Il Sandolino at San Stefano al Mare

We come to a likely-looking restaurant near the marina called Il Sandolino where I have a fritura mista (mixed battered fish and seafood) and Jean Michel has a tuna steak. Both are delicious but very copious. We choose a very cold and very welcome frizzante (slightly bubbly white wine). Riding under a bright blue sky at 30°C after a miserable 20°C in Blois is hot work even if the bike route is flat most of the way.

Another tunnel!
Another tunnel!

Back on the bike path we continue to San Lorenzo past more seascapes and through another tunnel. We will have been through 4 altogether but none as long as the first one.

A bikestop along the way
A bikestop along the way

As the town looks totally deserted, we turn around to go back to Sanremo and are surprised to see that the sky is looking a little murky. We arrive back at the car just before it starts spitting! It didn’t even occur to me to take our rain capes with us.

The people who built this house were no doubt delighted when the train stopped running
The people who built this house were no doubt delighted when the train stopped running

We end up paying 6.80 euro for our 4 ½ hours in the car park so the man was right – it wasn’t expensive. However, we saw that we could have parked right next to the bike path in an above-ground carpark about 2 k from Ospedaletti where they also have rental bikes. It would have been simpler.

By now it’s 4 pm and it’s a half an hour’s drive to our apartment in Imperia. Our cycling holiday is off to a good start!

Colmar – the Magic of Alsace

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Alsace is one of France’s most picturesque regions and has a lot in common with its neighbour, Germany, in terms of architecture, customs, cuisine and even language. It is famous for its white wines and the vineyards grow at the foot of the gently sloping Vosges mountains.

The slopes of the Vosges mountains
The slopes of the Vosges mountains

I have been to Colmar twice before, once with Black Cat when she was thirteen (18 years ago) and once with Jean Michel, 14 years ago, when we spent two weeks visiting such lovely little villages as Roquewihr and Haut Koenigsbourg and tasting wine. I remember liking it on both occasions, but am a bit worried that I can’t remember it at all except for one particular place on the canal. Jean Michel only remembers a couple of things as well.

Built in 1609, La Maison des Têtes (House of Heads) owes its name to the large number of masks and grimacing faces which decorate the façade. The magnificently sculpted oriel rises to three levels. The statue of hte Alsace barrel maker was placed at the top of the gable when the building was used as a wine exchange.
Built in 1609, La Maison des Têtes (House of Heads) owes its name to the 110 masks and grimacing faces which decorate the façade. The magnificently sculpted oriel rises to three levels. The statue of the Alsace barrel maker was placed at the top of the gable when the building was used as a wine exchange.
A typical street in Colmar
A typical street in Colmar

With a little over two hours before sunset, we head straight for the tourist office after checking into our hotel and follow the itinerary proposed in the brochure. A more leisurely visit would have been better just to soak up the atmosphere and appreciate all the lovely half-timbered houes. We are also surprised by how busy the centre is. Lots of school children and their parents suddenly flood the streets.

14th century weinhof or corn loft
14th century weinhof or corn loft
Houses along the canal
Houses along the canal
The multi-coloured pink sandstone of the Cathedral
The multi-coloured pink sandstone of the Cathedral
The inner courtyard
The inner courtyard of the old customs house built in 1480
More houses along the canal
More houses along the canal
The other end of the canal
The other end of the canal
The varnished roo of
The glazed tile roof of the old customs house
Pfister House built in 1537, probably the best-known monument in Colmar
Pfister House built by a silver merchant in 1537, probably the best-known monument in Colmar
Far left, Maison Adolph, probably the oldest house in Colmar built in about 1350, with gothic pointed arch windows. Left, le corps de garde,, built in 1575. The loggia was used by the magistrate to hand down sentences.
Left, Maison Adolph, probably the oldest house in Colmar built in about 1350, with its gothic pointed arch windows. Right, the guard building, constructed in 1575. The loggia was used by the magistrate to hand down sentences.
A busy street in Colmar
A busy street in Colmar
A little canal in the middle of the town
A little canal in the middle of the town

At 6.30 pm, we have finished the tour and can have a well-earned glass of local riesling and a flammekeusche, the thin-crust onion, bacon and cream tart so popular in the area.

Drinking wine in Alsacian glasses accompanied by flammekeuche
Drinking wine in Alsacian glasses accompanied by flammekeusche

We find another venue for dinner and another well-known local dish: sauerkraut, pork and potatoes followed by an ice-cream kugelhof. By now, the streets are nearly deserted.

Rue des Tanneurs
Rue des Tanneurs

No sign of any harvest bread or vin nouveau. Next time maybe! Tomorrow we’ll be back in Blois.

AllAboutFranceBadge_bisThis post is my November contribution to Lou Messugo’s All About France link-up. For other posts about France, click here.

Travel Photos – Venice in the Rain

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The first time we came to Venice 7 years ago, at about the same period, we had stunning weather. This time, we arrived in the rain and it seems it may last quite a few days. But the moment we started walking through the tiny streets from Ospedale vaporetto to our home exchange in Castello just behind Piazza San Marco, I felt the magic of Venice descend upon me. Here are my first impressions.

First sightning of Venice from the vaporetto that took us from the airport
First sightning of Venice from the vaporetto that took us from the airport
San Michele Cemetary on an island just opposite Venicei
San Michele Cemetary on an island just opposite Venicei
The arched bridges so typical of Venice
The arched bridges so typical of Venice
One of the typical palaces on a minor canal
One of the typical palaces on a minor canal
The gondolas didn't do much business while it was raining but each time there was a lull, the canals were full!
The gondolas didn’t do much business while it was raining but each time there was a lull, the canals were full!
The famous Bridge of Sighs, with an unusually empty canal beneath due to the rain
The famous Bridge of Sighs, with an unusually empty canal beneath due to the rain
The Fenice opera house o on the right with two different palaces on the left
The Fenice opera house o on the right with two different palaces on the left

Travel Photos – Vendôme

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Considering the number of canals that run through it, I’m surprised that the mediaeval town of Vendôme on the Loir River (not the same as the Loire), 35 k from Blois, is not called the Little Venice of Beauce after the surrounding flat wheat country. It turned out to be unexpectedly pretty. Every time we turned a corner, we saw a little canal, an archway or a tiny street lined with architectural marvels. Although it was bombed during World War II and many of its half-timber houses destroyed, much of its mediaeval architecture has survived. Although we started out sunny, clouds came over during the first part of the day but after lunch the blue sky returned and the panorama from the ruined castled above the town was quite striking.

Porte Saint Georges, at the entrance to the town on the Blois side, 15th century. The Renaissance medallions were added in the 16th century
Porte Saint Georges, at the entrance to the town on the Blois side, 15th century. The Renaissance medallions were added in the 16th century

 

One of the town's many archways. This one leads from the town hall, originally a college, into one of the interesting little streets of Vendôme
One of the town’s many archways. This one leads from the town hall, originally a college, into one of the interesting little streets of Vendôme. Note the low bull’s eye window on the left.

 

Looking towards Porte d'Eau, fortified in the 13th and 15th centuries. A dam was built to control water for one of the town's many watermills.
Looking towards Porte d’Eau, fortified in the 13th and 15th centuries. A dam was built to control water for one of the town’s many watermills.

 

A beautiful Renaissance door next to Trinity Church
A beautiful Renaissance door and mullion window next to Trinity Church

 

The east end of Trinity Church rebuilt in 1308.  On the left is the building with the Renaissance door.
The east end of Trinity Church rebuilt in 1308. On the left is the building with the Renaissance door and more mullion windows.

 

The ruins of the 11th century castle
The ruins of the 11th century castle on top of a hill, understandably a favourite promenade for the locals.

 

The stunning view of Trinity Church from the castle ruins
The stunning view of Trinity Church from the castle ruins with Trinity Church on the right and Saint Martin’s bell tower on the left with the Loir River in the foreground.

 

Built in 1866 to house the library, museum and archeological society. Now contains the library.
Built in 1866 to house the library, museum and archeological society. It now contains the library.
One of the many canal views.
One of the many canal views. Note the round tower on the left.

 

Another canal view
Another canal view Imagine it in the summer when all the planters are full of flowers.

We had an excellent lunch at Le Rond de Serviette, a recently opened restaurant on Rue Poterie with excellent reviews. Main dish under 10 euro. Friendly service.

 

Wednesday’s Blogger Round-up: La Maison du Chou – Autumn in France – Driving in Europe

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So what’s on the agenda this Wednesday? Mary Kay from Out and About in Paris takes us to the Maison du Chou where she has discovered the lightest choux à la crème, while French Moments delights us with ten stunning photos of autumn in France. Meanwhile Carolyn from Holidays to Europe brings us some very useful tips for driving in Europe. Enjoy!

Something Sweet for Monday – La Maison du Chou

by Mary Kay from Out and About in Paris, an American by birth, Swiss by marriage, resident of Paris with a Navigo Pass for the metro that she feels compelled to use

chouWhether it’s an unexpected glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as you round a corner or a chance encounter with a beloved friend in a bistro on the Île Saint-Louis, the best things in life are often unplanned and completely spontaneous. In Paris, I know exactly where to go for the most delicate macarons and the richest hot chocolate. What I didn’t know, at least not until yesterday afternoon, was where to find the lightest choux à la crème.

If you would like to serendipitously discover these delightful cream puffs freshly filled with a mousse-like mixture of sugar and fromage blanc, stroll down Rue Bonaparte past the famous Deux Magots Café in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood of Paris. In your best flâneur style, casually turn right on Rue de l’Abbaye and left when you see the quaint Place de Fürstenberg. Read more

Top 10 Most Beautiful Photos of Autumn

by French Moments, a Sydney-based organisation with an international focus which promotes the French language and culture to English-speakers worldwide. Their French team is all about the language, culture and experience.

In this post we have compiled a selection of French Moments’ photos of autumn all taken in France’s North-East and Lyon.

autumn

Summer has now been replaced by autumn and the trees have put on a fabulous colour display with yellows fading to reds. Under the beautiful blue sky of an Indian summer or on a misty morning, the colours of autumn sometimes do not look as good in a photograph as they really do to the eye. Read more

Tips for Driving in Europe

by Carolyn from Holidays to Europe, an Australian based business passionate about sharing their European travel expertise and helping travellers to experience the holiday in Europe they have always dreamed of

When planning their travels in Europe, many Aussies are keen to hire a car for at least some of their trip but are, understandably, apprehensive about driving in large cities. Driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road can be hard enough, but navigating your way through busy streets that are often very narrow and one-way, can quickly raise the blood pressure. So, what do I recommend?

The rail network in most countries in Western Europe is excellent and it’s often the first choice of transport for travellers but for those wanting to visit more rural locations or countries where the rail system is a little less sophisticated (or barely exists, such as Croatia), driving is the next best thing. Read more

 

Monday’s Travel Photos – Sofia off the beaten track

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When visiting a new city, I’m always on the lookout for things I haven’t seen anywhere else or that catch my attention because they are unexpected. Sofia provided lots of opportunities!

Three seniors on a bench
Three seniors on a bench
Just a small plaque to indicate that the ruins were of a Turkish barracks
Just a small plaque to indicate that the remnants of some 16th century Turkish barracks
I loved the fact that they were advertising toilet paper in the window
I loved the fact that they were advertising toilet paper in the window
The sleeping woman in front of the National Art Gallery
The sleeping woman in front of the National Art Gallery
The poetry wall
One of 28 poems on 28 buildings in Sofia as part of the European Wall-to-Wall poetry project to illustrate European unity
I was very amused by the contrast between this little girl and her mother
I was very amused by the contrast between this little girl and her mother
Putting up parasols in the park as it starts to spit
Putting up parasols in the park as it starts to spit
This is the best outdoor gym equipment I've ever seen in a public park
This is the best outdoor gym equipment I’ve ever seen in a public park
This vacant allotment is opposite Sofia's largest department store
This vacant allotment is opposite Sofia’s largest department store
Contast between old and new
Contast between old and new
Bikes inside the Ministry of the Environment
Bikes inside the Ministry of the Environment
The stall was offering some sort of workshop for children
The stall was offering some sort of workshop for children after school
A hotel entrance
A hotel entrance
One of many fruit and nut stalls
One of many fruit and nut stalls
We saw many women walking along with similar bouquets in their hands
We saw many women walking along with similar bouquets in their hands
A makeshift shop in a doorway
A makeshift shop in a doorway

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Monday’s Travel Photos – Palais Royal, Paris

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Regular readers will know that I have the great fortune to actually live in the Palais Royal overlooking the fountain. I shall never tire of taking photos. Here are some taken on a sunny afternoon at the beginning of September. This time next year, we will be in the throes of moving permanently to Blois to live in our beautiful Renaissance home, Closerie Falaiseau which is currently a holiday rental.

Restaurant du Palais Royal
Restaurant du Palais Royal
You can just see the time canon on the right
You can just see the time canon on the right
I snapped this while the photographer was still getting ready
I snapped this while the photographer was still getting ready
Just relaxing!
Just relaxing!
Our appartment is directly opposite the fountain
Our appartment is directly opposite the fountain
Galérie Vivienne
Galérie Vivienne
Oysters on Sunday on our balcony
Oysters on Sunday on our balcony
Looking down towards rue de Beaujolais
Looking down towards rue de Beaujolais
Taken looking left from my balcony
Taken looking left from my balcony

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Monday’s Travel Photos – Szentendre, Hungary

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Szentendre, pronounced San-ten-dray, is a charming little town on the Danube about twenty kilometers north of Budapest, very popular in summer it seems as it is easy to get there by boat, bus, train or bike, but only crowded between about 10 am and 6 pm. After that, you can wander down the main street and only meet the locals. And we had one of our best dining experiences this summer at Muvesz in the Main Square. The architecture is mainly 18th century baroque and there are no fewer than nine churches!

The Main Square with its cobblestones
The Main Square with its cobblestones
Blagovestenska Greek Orthodox Church
Blagovestenska Greek Orthodox Church and the Baroque cross erected in 1763 to celebrate the fact that the plague bypassed the town
The Marzipan Museum
The Marzipan Museum
We often saw these tiled roofs with their unusual dormer window
We often saw these tiled roofs with their unusual dormer window
A local shop where the Hungarian owner was very helpful and friendly despite our lack of a common language
A local shop where the Hungarian owner was very helpful and friendly despite our lack of a common language
Painted angels
Painted angels
Blagovestenska Greek Orthodox Church
Blagovestenska Greek Orthodox Church

Cycling through the town after 6 pm
Cycling past the colourful merchant houses after 6 pm
The waterfront at Szentendre after the 2013 floods
The waterfront at Szentendre after the 2013 floods
Stone church with painted medallion
Stone church with painted medallion

 

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