Lively London

“When a man tires of London, he is tired of life.” – Samuel Johnson

We *are setting out on the subway* (*or “tube” as it’s lovingly called here)*.

We visited the Borough Market on the south side of town. Really nice!

*The pubs here have the most amazing flowers! (Sorry Roy* 😉)

*We were at the Tower of London to see the poppy display*.

*To mark 80 years since the Second World War ended, an installation of ceramic poppies flows through the Tower of London. Poppies symbolize remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.* *The Tower of London served many roles during the Second World War*. *As an historic military fortress, it guarded prisoners of war, supported anti-aircraft defenses and gave tours for visiting soldiers.*

*Ravens are ever present at the Tower of London.*

*And the London Eye is so colourful at night. (Not a typo but a nod to my British and Canadian friends 😉*

*Along the River Thames, we came upon this memorial wall*. *Generally memorials are dedicated to military wars so this was unusual and touching. I suppose Covid is a war of sorts!*

*Around the city we spotted many bee houses – quite impressive!*

*Took the tube out to Heathrow airport to pick up a car. We’re on our way to the countryside to visit our friend, Belinda, in Great Bedwyn.*

On the road again

“I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” Caskie Stinnett

*Sometimes, it’s even me asking that question!*

*Every flower competing for our attention.*

*Last week we were biking one of our many beautiful trails.*

*Where I spotted this bench – wise words, eh?*

*Hey there, couldn’t you find a larger map?*

*When you love a wanderlust, you learn to love wandering!*

*All packed up and ready to call an Uber. Yes, those are Canadian luggage tags. Not really feeling so proud to be an American these days!*

That’s all folks!

“No matter the day, no matter the weather, life is just better when we are together.”

*This lionhearted man has done it again! Planning, researching, booking, canceling, rebooking*. *Planes, trains, trams, car and many B & Bs. Fitting it all together like a giant jigsaw puzzle.*

*He loves maps and navigating and I love to drive – especially if you give me a car with a 6 speed manual transmission*!

*“The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever being able to do it.” –* Peter Pan

*“You can’t find happiness at the end of your journey if you didn’t bring it with you all along.” –* Katrina Mayer

*Yes, he worked hard at planning but now it was time for a little fun!*

*“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” –* Oliver Wendell Holmes

*“Life is short , live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish them.” –* Winnie the Pooh

*Dreaming up our next adventure, no doubt!*

*Back home in Rochester where the mural competition is in progress. The caption beneath this painting reads, “ Fear arises when we imagine that everything depends on us.” – e.elliot*

*So, I typically don’t get “political” on my blog but this year, of ALL years – it’s incredibly important for us to get out there and VOTE, my friends.* ❤️

Lovin’ London

“Traveling through life with curiosity rather than judgment is how one finds the magic in each moment.” – Erin Chatters

*I thought I’d just get this out there first thing – I promise this will be the last restroom (WC) picture I post – well, this year anyway*😉

*We had a day and a half to hit the London highlights so of course, Big Ben was a must see!*

*Refurbished a few years ago it is more spectacular than ever.*

*And if you’ve ever wondered what’s at the tippity top of this clock tower – here you go!*

*Dating from the 16th century, the Old Curiosity Shop survived not only the Great Fire of London in 1666, but the devastation of the Blitz.*

*In many of the areas in Central London we saw more bikes than cars. Taxes for vehicles entering the city has helped bikers and walkers alike.*

*We walked along the Regents Canal on this beautiful fall-like day.*

*While watching this “trash barge” (shout out to Cece) float by the engineer on board called out to us, “It’s just a load of rubbage!” – too funny!*

*Great place to walk or run but we were in no hurry.*

*Since the 1890s this was the Russell Hotel – but some yahoos have taken it over and felt compelled to rename it – can you tell we aren’t thrilled with the change?*

*Across from the Russell Hotel is beautiful Russell Square.*

*At first site I thought this was a grapevine arbor but on closer inspection I realized that trees are being trained to form the arch.*

*I loved this little building in the corner of the park.*

*Pumpkin soup was on the menu and it smelled delightful.*

*You probably know us well enough by now to realize we love parks. This is Green Park and it was certainly green this day!*

*It’s a bit difficult to see but the two sides of the monument have a sheet of water running down them. Both quiet and peaceful.*

*Couldn’t help but think of our own Canadian friends and neighbors* ❤️

*The entrance to Green Park is not too shabby either.*

*The coat of arms of six Canadian Provinces were included in the Canada Gate in 1906.*

*These two coat of arms on one pillar were added later and the ninth on another pillar. I’m thinking the one with the mountains is Alberta – a little help Nathan?*

*The flower gardens were lush, even this late in the season. The woman on the left looks like she’s dressed to complement this gorgeous* *bed of posies!*

*Leicester Square incudes this fountain with Shakespeare* *atop. The square was extensively refurbished and remodeled for the 2012 Summer Olympics.*

*At first we didn’t like the “fence” that encircles the park but now that we’ve seen it a couple of times, we’re good with it. (I’m sure London is relieved that we approve!)* 😂

Trafalgar Square was also on our hit list – newest change is that the lions are off limits. People used to clamor all over the four gigantic cats! We love that they’ve been left in peace to enjoy their surroundings.

*Well, yes if you’re going to be at Paddington Station you absolutely have to find Paddington Bear and give him some love.*

*I never got tired of hearing this announcement. Say it with a British accent…see how great that sounds? Plus, we’re so much safer now*☺️

*On our way to the train station, heading to the airport, we spotted this sculpture. Difficult lighting early in the morning but the photographer did his best to capture it.*

*Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury – I thought a good way to finish this post was with this sculpture of Gandhi.*

Beautiful Bedwyn

“Traveling does what good novelists do to the life of the everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear.” – Freya Stark

*Murph and I have agreed that if and when we are anywhere near Great Bedwyn, England we will ALWAYS go there for a visit.*

*We traveled from Paris to London and then took a train an hour west to land in this village – Great Bedwyn.*

*We love this little general store where one counter is for purchasing baked goods or other necessities and the other is the post office!*

*Of course, many of you know that our primary reason for traveling to this village is to see our friend*, *Belinda.*
*“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” –* Tim Cahill

*Lovely view from Belinda’s living room.*

“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be somewhere else. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving people in more than one place.” – unknown – We have been fortunate to meet wonderful people on our many journeys. John and Belinda while on the Chunnel from Paris to England. Pamela and Dan while in Dingle, Ireland. Nathan when we went to Innsbruck, Austria. Luis in Porto, Portugal and most recently “The Doms” from Orange, France.

“*You meet people who you forget. You forget people you meet. But sometimes you meet those people you can’t forget. Those are your friends.” –* Mark Twain

*The three of us set out one morning – up through the brail.*

*And to John’s bench overlooking the countryside – once again we were joined together. We spoke of times together and what fun the four of us had.*

*We returned home by way of the tow path along the Kennett Avon canal.*

*One morning we walked the tow path. We took a bit of a side trip, up and over to Little Bedwyn.*

*Church of St Michael in Little Bedwyn*.

*We joyfully walked in and out of rain showers. By the time we got to Hungerford our hiking pants were caked in mud.*

*Even in the rain the boats slowly made their way – frequently stopping to go through locks.*

*It was roughly a five mile hike from Great Bedwyn to Hungerford, where we were meeting Belinda for tea. Tea? Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming!*

*Is it just us or do you think this looks like a little slice of heaven?*

*“There are friends in life…and there are friends for life.” –* unknown

*You didn’t think I’d forget about flowers once we were in England,*
*did you?*

*Fuchsia loves the damp weather that the UK offers up!*

“*She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” – unknown*

Rosy Roussillon

(Pronounced – rue see yon)

“You can fall in love at first sight with a place as well as a person.” – Alec Waugh

*I loved all the colors as soon as we walked through the town.*

*A bit of light reading for you to learn about the area.*

*Just look at this!!! Who wouldn’t fall in love with this place?*

*Well, here’s another explanation — you can be the judge!* 😉

*Striking contrast between the ochre and green trees.*

*Everyone was fascinated and in awe while walking along the trails.*

*A bit more reading – interesting stuff.*

…*because this is the very same arch. I just shot it from two different directions.*

Pretty Provence

“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” – Albert Einstein

We went to several small towns in Provence and I honestly don’t know where every one of these pics are from. I’ll do my best though – this was taken in Arles – lots of Paella cooking in the squares here 😋

*LUMA Arles building – designed by Frank Gehry was quite dramatic. It opened in June 2021*

*I loved this duel slide that’s in the lobby. Yes, we did see people using it!!*

*We took a side trip to Nimes – beautiful town* *with this ancient watch tower.*

*Of course, we had to go to the top for nice views of the city.*

*Nimes – gorgeous walkway, leading to Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Fountain).*

*1st century Nimes Arena is among the best preserved in the world.*

*Constantly trying to preserve these ancient structures. Here is a good example of before and after restoration.*

*Old church in Arles that’s been converted to a tapas bar. A little strange but I guess it’s a great way to save these little used buildings.*

*Vincent Van Gogh spent some time painting in Arles.*

*Here’s a perfect example of the genius of his work.*

*Entryway to the B & B where we stayed* *for a couple of nights in Arles – no hot water there, so not a great memory* 😂

*Les Baux* – *castle ruins that we took a side trip to see.*

*Kind of fun to climb around and to see the views.*

*A catapult demonstration* *going on below. Fun, when it’s not the real thing!*

*Very typical scene – almost every town & village had a lane like this as we drove in. Just beautiful!*

*Visited Isle-sur-la-Sorge — called the “Venice of Provence”. At its peak this town had 70 waterwheels and in the 1800s it competed with Avignon as Provence’s cloth dyeing and textile center.*

*Today only nine mossy waterwheels remain.*

*Our room in St Rémy had some low ceilings to say the least.*

*Tiny, almost deserted village we walked through.*

*I found this of interest but not positive where we were.*

*Greek salad – Provence style – so incredibly good! Who knew that fruit would work?*

Perusing Provence

“The best education you will ever get is traveling. Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences.” – unknown

The first town we went to in Provence was Orange – think (oh – rahnzh) you may think you can pronounce it but you really MUST have a French accent. But I digress – this place is known for its grand Roman arch.

*Arc de Triomphe – This 60 foot tall arch is in the center of a pleasant traffic circle.* *Technically the only real Roman arches of triumph are in Rome’s Forum, built to commemorate various emperors’ victories. But THIS arch was the model for those in Rome.*
*It was erected in about AD 19.*

*Pont du Gard – In the first century AD, the Romans built a 30 mile aqueduct that ran to Nimes, one of ancient Europe’s largest cities.*

*While most of it ran on or below the ground, at Pont du Gard the aqueduct spans a canyon on a massive bridge over the Gardon River—one of the most remarkable surviving Roman ruins anywhere.*

The aqueduct supported a small canal that dropped one inch for every 350 feet, supplying the city of Nimes with nine million gallons of water per day (about 100 gallons per second). Whew, a lot to process so I needed to cool my feet in the river!

This was our home for the next three nights. The owners, whom I regretfully did not think to photograph, were Dominic and Dominique.We affectionately referred to them as the Doms! Lovely place and lovely people.

*Beautiful courtyard for breakfast each morning!*

Orange’s ancient theatre is the best preserved in existence, and the only such theatre in Europe with its (awesome) acoustic wall still standing. Built in the first century AD, the huge theatre celebrated the glory of the empire and cemented Rome’s presence in Provence. Strolling along the outside of its massive wall is an impressive experience today – *imagine how it must have intimidated visitors 2,000 years ago. Today the people in Orange still enjoy this venue – it holds 10,000 citizens.*

…with its Palace of the Popes. For nearly 100 years (1309- 1403) Avignon was home to seven popes. Who knew that popes lived in France back in the day? I liked this pic because you can also see the kitchen garden.

*Les Halles –* *or market. In 1970, the town’s open air market was replaced by this modern one (more efficient, with a parking garage overhead, hoping to compete with supermarkets in the suburbs).*

*We stepped inside for a sensual experience of organic breads, olives, and a festival of mold cheeses.*

*The market’s jungle-like hydroponic green entrance wall reflects the changes of seasons and helps mitigate its otherwise stark exterior.*

I found this carousel to be quite interesting. I’ve never seen one with two levels. Twice the fun!

*The squares in Provence were often lined with the most wonderful Plane trees.*

*The trees are quite ancient and very much respected and protected. I love the way this café built their table around the tree!*

*Makes me wonder just how many people have climbed these stairs over the centuries…*🤔

*There he is! Once in awhile I take control of the camera* 😉

Parcels of Paris

“People travel because it teaches them things they could learn no other way.” – Lance Morrow

*After our time in Volendam we hopped a bus to the metro and over to Amsterdam Central train station. From there we took the train into Paris.*

*Checking in to our home for the next three nights.*

*We love this hotel because it’s very close to the Place Monge metro stop.*

*Of course, we had to go see the Eiffel Tower. This is an obligatory pic when talking about Paris. As you know the Olympics took place here this summer so the Tower was appropriately “dressed”.*

*We stayed there until it got dark to see it lit and in all it’s glory!*

*Okay, we’ve all moved at one point in our life and we know it’s a miserable job. But check out this process in Paris.*

*Narrow homes & several stories up add a whole* *new dimension for this move.*

*We walked over to a bike shop to rent bikes and I spotted this encouraging sign hanging on the wall there.*

*So, the plan was to ONLY ride along the River Seine – right Murph*?

*Yup, next thing I know we’re up on the street and riding along side the traffic!*

*We did go through this cool bike*/*pedestrian tunnel though.*

*It really was a kick to ride along the Seine with views like this!*

*Just can’t get away from the Eiffel Tower!* ☺️ *Nice piece of Lego art.*

*We biked up to Notre Dame to check out the progress after the horrific fire in 2019. I have to say they are really moving along and plan to open this December.*

*My absolute favorite site at Notre Dame though was a huge exhibit, around the base of the Cathedral that is entirely dedicated to all of the people who have and are working to restore it.*

*The lighting was very tough for Murph* *to get very clear pictures. But I still wanted to include a few.*

*These photographs gave credit to* *engineers and architects but also to the stone masons, crane operators and scaffold builders. They applauded approximately 500 workers, no matter their status – and I loved that!*

*Ok, we were back on our bikes. It was a warm day and I spotted a mister. I could not resist cooling off and making a new friend at the same time!*

*Is it just me or do you think this is pretty cute, too?*

*Saw this sign in the Metro* *advertising the movie “Inside Out” – or at least that’s what it’s called in English…*🤷🏾‍♀️

*By the time we arrived in Paris the Olympics were over BUT not the Paralympics.*

I guess I was in a hurry because I took such a quick shot of this pic that it turned out blurry. But this poster tells the story of just one of the many athletes that competed this year in the Paralympics. This child, Yana, 13 years old had both of her legs blown off **TWO** years ago in the war in Ukraine and she’s running this year!!! I can’t even wrap my mind around that.

*Luxembourg Gardens were absolutely gorgeous.*

https://videopress.com/v/wkheCCaW?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

While walking around the city we stopped to listen to these street performers – so reminiscent of when our kids (and more recently, our neighbor Madi) were in the marching band. Very cute ☺️