Sunday, October 02, 2005


Doune castle--don't forget your coconut. Posted by Picasa

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The harvest in Burgundy started Sept. 14. Posted by Picasa

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St. Vincent de Sargossa (the patron saint of vintners) watches over Corton Charlemagne. Posted by Picasa

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The view from our picnic outside the Village of Pernard. We had no cups, so were slugging our Aloxe-Corton from the bottle. Posted by Picasa

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Et moi, je pense aussi! Posted by Picasa

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It sparkles at night. Posted by Picasa

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As seen from the top of the Arc de Triumphe Posted by Picasa

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As seen from the Eiffel Tower Posted by Picasa

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Whoa, that's really tall! Posted by Picasa

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As seen from the bell tower of Notre Dame Posted by Picasa

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Check out Henry VIII's codpiece! Posted by Picasa

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Obligatory Beefeater photo--here guarding the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London Posted by Picasa

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Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were beheaded here. Posted by Picasa

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Ste. Chapelle Posted by Picasa

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Je pense, donc je suis. Posted by Picasa

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Who thinks Michelangelo was gay? Posted by Picasa

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I got yelled at for this one (don't worry, I didn't use a flash). Posted by Picasa

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mmmmm...Venus de Milo's ass Posted by Picasa

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mmmmm....Venus de Milo Posted by Picasa

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Mt. Saint Michel  Posted by Picasa

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Lyon

From London we caught the Eurostar through the Chunnel to Paris. In Paris we had to book a train to Lyon 2 hrs. later. This made me nervous because it was my first attempt at French, but it turned out the ticket agent knew more than enough English.

We got to Lyon and it was absolutely gorgeous! However, we were disappointed to find out that Rick Steves was incorrect in stating there were bus tours to Beaujolais out of Lyon. This was upsetting because it was one of the reasons we decided to stay 2 nights.

However, we busied ourselves with a trip to the Resistance Museum where I learned a whole hell of a lot about the French Resistance during WWII. It was based in Lyon both because of its central location and because Lyon has so many winding streets and hidden passageways, it was easier to elude Nazis and hide printing presses.

After the museum, we went to explore some of the passageways in Vieux Lyon--leading to beautiful courtyards. It was really cool.

Then up the hill to the Roman Theatres and the Basilique de Notre Dame de Lyon. This church was spectacular! Inside were elaborate mosaics, beautiful statues, and glass all devoted to Mary. It was beautiful.

Lyon is also known for its food. I was a little scared at first because my French is bad and virtually no one in Lyon spoke English. But we got by just fine. The restaurants were great, and in the mornings there's an outdoor market where we bought a picnic including some of the best grapes I've ever had.

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London (as told from my trip journal)

Besides the Alabama 3 concert, the Royal Library, and the Dali museum, we were also lucky enough to catch a Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Tate Modern. Truly a treat to finally see her paintings up close.

Also saw the exhibit at the Royal Gallery--used Rick Steve's Tour because we only had about 2hrs. BUt that was perfect. Started in Medieval times and ended with the impressionists. Highlights were the 2 Vermeers (standing and sitting at virginals)--I never realized they were a pair representing virgin/whore archetypes. And two van Gogh's--Sunflowers and his Chair. I never knew before that Impressionism could be viewed as a response to the invention of the camera.

We also went to a production of the Tempest at the Globe. It was disappointing for V. but I enjoyed it. It was difficult because they decided to cast just 3 actors for all 11 parts, plus 3 actresses for Iris, Ceres, and Juno. My guess is that this was an attempt to highlight the point of view that Prospero had just lost his marbles, and he was spending way too much time inside his own head, so to speak. It almost worked, but I think the starkness--no props or costume changes--aked just a little too much of the audience's imagination. I had trouble following, and I've read the play at least twice and seen at least 2 other productions.

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