Paris, France The lines were long and the air was nippy. But having reserved ahead, we were moved right into the priority lane at the Louvre. We kept thinking that June crowds these days must unimaginable. There are inadequate toilet facilities, few eating options, and no way to avoid being bumped into by teenagers or run over by strollers.
Paris, France One observation since our last trip here five years ago: Paris is suddenly a city where almost everyone has a smattering of English, including sign-makers and advertisers, so things have really changed from our very first trip 50 years ago.
Continue reading “The old and the new”Paris, France We have arrived in the City of Light, but it is as rainy and grey as London. Tomorrow should be better.
Continue reading “On to Paris”London, England Our brief London visit is coming to a close, but we’ll make sure to return for a longer stay soon. This was just a touching-base trip, but we leave with heavy hearts, and every cold-and-flu medication that Boots offers.
Continue reading “Monday with the Mughals”London, England We did start the day with ambitions. Don had a list of exciting tours planned at the British Museum, and I was going to gravitate back to Trafalgar Square and visit the National Gallery.
We tried, we really did.
Continue reading “We tried…”London, England Today I went to the National Portrait Gallery, wherein you will not find two notable Americans. But there are famous Brits galore, and I challenge my local friends to identify all whom I showcase here.
However, today we Yankees also celebrate the birthday of George Washington, born in 1732. (The Father of our country must be turning over in his grave to see what time has done to our poor country. But, we will try to soldier on.)
Another very special American — in my book, at least — is my pal Don, who also celebrates a birthday today.
He is still incapacitated by a bad cold and spent the day in bed.
Continue reading “Two notable Americans”London. England It was mostly warm and sunny today, so our destination was particularly apt. Along with our friends June and Alan, we headed for the Saatchi Gallery, where an overwhelming exhibit of flowers in many artistic contexts was on glorious display.
Continue reading “Feels like spring”London, England It was a damp and grey day, which didn’t prevent our friends from planning a lovely quest for art. But one of the four of us didn’t join the hunt. Poor Don is down with a nasty ‘thing’ which manifested itself by a constant and awful cough, and a general feeling of despair.
Continue reading “One Down”London, England We’re in a hotel where we’ve stayed several times. I got my hair cut around the corner where they still have me in their system. And we had great fish and chips at our favorite corner pub. That was yesterday, when we were still recovering from being airlifted across the Atlantic.
Continue reading “Old Friends”New York, NY Yes, we’ve gotten out the suitcases again. The weather isn’t ideal, either here or at our destinations, but that makes it all the more desirable as a time to travel. We’re all for fewer crowds and cooler weather!
Next week we’re headed back to London, hoping to spend time with our friends. Along with some art and fish and chips, we just need to take in the air and the scenery again.
Then it’s off to Paris. We were last there just after the Notre Dame fire, so it seemed fitting to return to see its rehabilitation. And then there’s the food…
Rounding out this short trip will be some time in Vienna. We enjoy it so much that we may even stay longer than planned. And, yes, there’s the schnitzel.
So, come rain, snow, or sun, we’re looking forward to a winter break. Hope you can join us.
