A Sensory Exploration Of Europe With Thalys
A sensory exploration of the cities that make up the Thalys train network and a sampling of the experiences they offer beyond the big ticket sights.
Read MoreTag: France
In Photos – La Tour Eiffel
Awaiting the illumination of the 125-year-old iconic Parisian landmark on a pleasant summer evening on the Champ de Mars, ought to have been a romantic experience. But the presence there of an unbelievably large number of people with the same intention ensured it wasn’t. With no sign of a stubborn sun giving way to dusk […]
Read MoreFavourite Five To Return To
It must be quite apparent from my effusive travelogues that I leave a piece of my heart in most every place I visit. And given a chance I would return to every one of them……almost. Sadly, the inverse relationship between time and my ever lengthening bucket list makes return trips impractical. Compiling a hypothetical list for the ‘Top Destinations […]
Read MoreHere Fell Le Bon Roi Henri
“The place where a certain catastrophe occurs becomes a dreadful, inescapable witness of it; and the absence of that silent character would leave the greatest historical scenes incomplete” ~ Victor Hugo in “The essential Victor Hugo” By all accounts Henri of Navarre – King Henri IV of France – was a good king. Revered by his […]
Read MoreLes Rues De Paris
R is going to be away on an unexpected business trip to New Zealand at the end of next this month with colleagues, and having been given to understand in no uncertain terms that my accompanying him would be a distraction, I suddenly find myself with two weeks of free time and no real plans. The […]
Read MoreParis – Flea Market Finds
The Village Saint Paul is a block of medieval buildings in the historic Marais neighbourhood in Paris, sandwiched between Rue Saint-Paul and Rue des Jardin Saint-Paul. It is a lovely tranquil space to while away a lazy weekend afternoon if you are in the vicinity, rummaging through antique and second hand stalls. The weekly Brocante […]
Read MoreParis – Oddly Juxtaposed
The integrity and identity of historic urban spaces the world over, is under threat from unbridled growth and global integration. Especially in third world countries, where cultural heritage takes a back seat to new found aspirations of development & progress, despite the efforts of conservation groups. But when managed sensitively, it is the very contradictions […]
Read MoreParis – Allée des Justes
A 60 metre stretch of road bordering the Shoah Memorial, in the Marais, once known as the Rue Grenier sur l’Eau, renamed ‘Allée des Justes‘ in June 2006, in tribute to those that did not forget the meaning of community. A pity our supreme court did. PS: I was amazed when my post on the […]
Read MoreParis – Power Nap!
No history lesson today. Just my envy of those that can grab a quick shut eye, any time, anywhere! I can never sleep during the day. Except when I am in a moving vehicle. Then I slide into deep slumber. Carcolepsy, I believe that is called! Doesn’t kick in when I am behind the wheel […]
Read MoreA Passion For Egypt
A few treasures from the Egyptian Antiquities section of the Louvre Museum & reflections on plundered art and antiquities around the world.
Read MoreParis – Surprise Finds!
There is no saying what unexpected surprises await you on Paris street corners. Take a look at what I found at the intersection of Rue Aubry le Boucher and Rue Quincampoix, near the Centre Georges Pompidou! Thank you for visiting, and have a great weekend.
Read MoreThe Pigeon Feeder Of Rue Montorgueil
It was obvious the flock knew him well. They flapped around in frenzied anticipation and then swooped down to his feet in an impatient huddle. I hadn’t noticed the arrival of the bent old man with the beatific smile until then, intent as I was on collecting supplies for our picnic on the Seine. He dragged […]
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The Urge To Wander 