Hey readers!
I deeply apologize for the lack of posts this trip. I have learned that blogging on an iPad is not the most successful endeavor. Please bear with me!
I figured I would just give you a review of the hostel we stayed in and some of the highlights of Paris.
First, we are staying in a hostel called BVJ Montmartre. This is in a neighborhood in Paris near the Sacre Ceour, which is a part of Paris that I have never stayed in. However, I have found this experience to be quite comfortable and the area to be residential,which allows for more interactions with Parisians and their daily lives. Would I rather have stayed in the Latin Quarter? Probably, but everyone should try different parts of each city and this was a great option.
Now, here is an overview of some of the things we have done.
The Louvre
This famous museum is home to over one million works of art. It houses two of the most famous works in art history. The Mona Lisa is one and I have always found her to be smaller than expected and underwhelming, however famous. The Venus de Milo is probably the 2nd most famous piece in the museum and different from the Mona Lisa, I find her to be stunning. The museum also covers a large portion of Renaissance art and apartments that display furniture once used by Napoleon. This was by far Elizabeth's favorite section.
Notre Dame
I absolutely love this cathedral. Not only does it have a long history, but the inside architecture and layout is stunning. We were also treated to a mini concert by the choir that was practicing while we toured the inside. Old churches always make me feel super blessed and close to God so this was a great experience.
Musee de la Orangerie
This museum was by far my favorite! It is just off the Jardin du Tulleries and small in a lot of ways. However, it holds two rooms covered in panels of Monet's water lilies. Absolutely breathtaking. His use of color is so fantastic and I don't know how on earth he created these masterpieces. I actually much preferred this museum to the Orsay museum simply because of the Monet focus.
This is all an overview because there have been other museums, lots of wine, escargot and walking experiences to be sure. I will never get tired of this city.
Tomorrow, we leave Paris for Nice and the French Riviera. Our poor legs certainly deserve a rest we averaged 12 miles a day walking around Paris.
I shall holler from the beach!
AL
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Friday, June 5, 2015
Days Spent in Londontown
Hey everyone!
The last couple days have been nothing short of spectacular. London has had beautiful weather and the rhythm of the city has been amazing.
Yesterday, we went to see the Tower of London. I've been there a couple times, but our dear Elizabeth wanted to see the Crown Jewels so off we went.
After that, we went to Hyde Park to see the Peter Pan statue. Some of you may know that this is my favorite spot in the whole world. For those of you that wonder why, here is my response.
Each and every time I gaze into the hopeful eyes of Peter Pan, I am transported back to an earlier time. The youthful innocence that gazes back to me speaks to my very soul. A question I always ask myself is simple: do I wish I had never grown up? Perhaps. However, life must continue to tick on by. Each person must get older and experience new adventures that adulthood brings. For those that are lucky, that means life, love, and the chance to watch your children and grandchildren grow. Now, that is truly something that childhood cannot bring. Without the opportunity to grow and learn, one becomes stagnant and unfulfilled. And for me, that's just heartbreak.
Afterwards, we went to Notting Hill for some shopping and then on to Knightsbridge for some other necessary purchases. Liz described Harrods as excessive opulence, but truly fabulous. It is more than just the experience.
Later that evening, we went out for a night on the town in Leiscester Square.
Day 3
Today, we ran around the entire city. We started at the Tate Modern and the Globe and then made our way to Kensington for afternoon tea. Tea will now be a part of my daily regiment in London. Liz then dragged me to the British museum. She kept inquiring as to why Britain houses part of the Acropolis, which is a truly fantastic question. Perhaps the Greeks have something to say about that.
Tomorrow, we leave this beautiful city to travel to Paris. Life truly couldn't be any better.
AL
The last couple days have been nothing short of spectacular. London has had beautiful weather and the rhythm of the city has been amazing.
Yesterday, we went to see the Tower of London. I've been there a couple times, but our dear Elizabeth wanted to see the Crown Jewels so off we went.
After that, we went to Hyde Park to see the Peter Pan statue. Some of you may know that this is my favorite spot in the whole world. For those of you that wonder why, here is my response.
Each and every time I gaze into the hopeful eyes of Peter Pan, I am transported back to an earlier time. The youthful innocence that gazes back to me speaks to my very soul. A question I always ask myself is simple: do I wish I had never grown up? Perhaps. However, life must continue to tick on by. Each person must get older and experience new adventures that adulthood brings. For those that are lucky, that means life, love, and the chance to watch your children and grandchildren grow. Now, that is truly something that childhood cannot bring. Without the opportunity to grow and learn, one becomes stagnant and unfulfilled. And for me, that's just heartbreak.
Afterwards, we went to Notting Hill for some shopping and then on to Knightsbridge for some other necessary purchases. Liz described Harrods as excessive opulence, but truly fabulous. It is more than just the experience.
Later that evening, we went out for a night on the town in Leiscester Square.
Day 3
Today, we ran around the entire city. We started at the Tate Modern and the Globe and then made our way to Kensington for afternoon tea. Tea will now be a part of my daily regiment in London. Liz then dragged me to the British museum. She kept inquiring as to why Britain houses part of the Acropolis, which is a truly fantastic question. Perhaps the Greeks have something to say about that.
Tomorrow, we leave this beautiful city to travel to Paris. Life truly couldn't be any better.
AL
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
First Day Back in London!
Hey everyone!
We have safely arrived in London in case anyone was worried! Ms. Riggins and Mom, we are mostly talking to you :)
Today, we immediately went to our hostel in Earls Court and then went and got something to eat at the local pub. I felt an overwhelming sense of déjà vu returning to London and Earls Court as it is truly one of my favorite spots.
Our lunch was a very classic fish and chips with cider. Elizabeth was especially content with her first official British meal.
Afterwards, we hightailed it for Westminster to see the Houses of Parliament and the famous Abbey. As we walked, we directed ourselves to Buckingham Palace, through Trafalgar Square and finally to Russell Square for a cider before heading back to the hostel.
Tomorrow, Elizabeth wants to go see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and Sara is off to the Tate Modern. As for me? I'm perfectly content to sit back and walk the magical streets of this wonderful city.
More tomorrow!
AL
We have safely arrived in London in case anyone was worried! Ms. Riggins and Mom, we are mostly talking to you :)
Today, we immediately went to our hostel in Earls Court and then went and got something to eat at the local pub. I felt an overwhelming sense of déjà vu returning to London and Earls Court as it is truly one of my favorite spots.
Our lunch was a very classic fish and chips with cider. Elizabeth was especially content with her first official British meal.
Afterwards, we hightailed it for Westminster to see the Houses of Parliament and the famous Abbey. As we walked, we directed ourselves to Buckingham Palace, through Trafalgar Square and finally to Russell Square for a cider before heading back to the hostel.
Tomorrow, Elizabeth wants to go see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and Sara is off to the Tate Modern. As for me? I'm perfectly content to sit back and walk the magical streets of this wonderful city.
More tomorrow!
AL
Monday, June 1, 2015
It's Time For a Summer of Bliss
Hello readers!
Well, it is that time of the year again and that means...another European vacation!
My favorite Swede, Emmie Derback mentioned to me once that it was her priority to get to Europe at least once a year.
Though I technically have already fulfilled this year's requirement, I shall never pass on an opportunity for travel, especially given how hard the life of a first year teacher is when you teach in the inner city of New Orleans.
Now, after spending countless nights agonizing over test results, grading papers and trying to determine the best way to mold my students, it is finally time for Europe.
For the first time, I won't be traveling alone and will be accompanied by one of my best friends, Elizabeth Riggins and my sister Sara. From this point on, I shall refer to her as Lil SRA as I have for many years.
We shall begin our journey by flying to Heathrow Airport in London tomorrow evening.
Well, it is that time of the year again and that means...another European vacation!
My favorite Swede, Emmie Derback mentioned to me once that it was her priority to get to Europe at least once a year.
Though I technically have already fulfilled this year's requirement, I shall never pass on an opportunity for travel, especially given how hard the life of a first year teacher is when you teach in the inner city of New Orleans.
Now, after spending countless nights agonizing over test results, grading papers and trying to determine the best way to mold my students, it is finally time for Europe.
For the first time, I won't be traveling alone and will be accompanied by one of my best friends, Elizabeth Riggins and my sister Sara. From this point on, I shall refer to her as Lil SRA as I have for many years.
We shall begin our journey by flying to Heathrow Airport in London tomorrow evening.
We don't have specific plans in London yet, but merely some ideas about how to spend our time. We will be there on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, which eliminates Speaker's Corner and the Saturday Portobello Road Market. Fortunately, Notting Hill opens the market everyday but it is by far the grandest on Saturdays.
Elizabeth has indicated that she would like to do high tea somewhere and Lil SRA is interested in returning to the Tate Modern. I am interested in wandering around London and experiencing how residents live their lives there. I want to marvel at the Peter Pan Statue in Hyde Park and engage in conversation with locals at pubs. I should also like to further explore Camden Town, enjoy the London nightlife and get lost in Harrods. I should also like to take a small side trip to the town of Willinghale in Essex County. It holds an interest for me as a graduate of Georgetown University. I just spent the last year writing a thesis on my great-grandfather who was stationed in Willinghale during World War II. I want to go to that town and retrace the steps of young man from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky who was out to change his family's future.
Second stop: Paris, France
Our next stop will be Paris, France. Though London is my favorite city on Earth, I have long been convinced that Paris is the most beautiful city on Earth. I was there just a couple years ago with Emmie so I am excited to return with Liz and Sara. Sara and I have also been to Paris together a long time ago. We were much younger and pictured Notre Dame to be a place where gargoyles truly came to life.
On this trip, I expect Sara and Liz to want to see the Louvre and the Musee D'Orsay, which is one of my favorites as a fan of impressionism. I am also very interested in seeing the Rodin Museum and returning to the Galleria de Lafayette for some necessary purchases. I want to stroll through the Jardin Du Luxembourg and speak broken French with the locals along the Seine while making further necessary purchases.
Our last two stops will be Nice, France and Barcelona, Spain. I know that Sara and Liz will want to see Monaco so one of our days will be spent there and the other will probably be in Cannes. I am super excited to return to the Riviera to relax and spend some quality time on the beach.
Barcelona is the city I am most excited about because I have never been there. I am not sure what to expect outside of tons of paella, red wine and the Spanish nightlife.
Be sure to keep up with me on this latest European experience. I just know it will be an extraordinary amount of fun.
Peace, love and Europe.
AL
Friday, January 2, 2015
Last Days in London
Hey everyone!
I haven't been diligent about posting this trip and that is simply because I have been having far too much fun roaming around London with my favorite Swede, Emmie Derback.
On the 31st, Emmie and I wandered to a part of London that I have always wanted to venture to but haven't not ever gotten a chance. Camden town in London is one of the chicest, trendiest parts of the city that boasts a tremendous street market and great vibes. The market was one of the best I have been to and Emmie and I had a ball walking around buying little things and sampling food from different countries.
I haven't been diligent about posting this trip and that is simply because I have been having far too much fun roaming around London with my favorite Swede, Emmie Derback.
On the 31st, Emmie and I wandered to a part of London that I have always wanted to venture to but haven't not ever gotten a chance. Camden town in London is one of the chicest, trendiest parts of the city that boasts a tremendous street market and great vibes. The market was one of the best I have been to and Emmie and I had a ball walking around buying little things and sampling food from different countries.
After a day in Camden, Emmie and I went out for New Year's Eve to watch fireworks. We managed to get a decent spot in Trafalgar Square for the show and then hiked it over to Knightsbridge by Harrods for some Champagne at the Mandarin Hotel with some fellow Hoyas. It was a truly fancy and divine night.
On New Year's Day, we went down to the Tate Modern, which was one of the few museums open. Though Modern Art is truly not my favorite, it was interesting. I do prefer Monet, Van Gogh, etc to the eccentric and weird style of modern artists. Afterwards, we traveled on down to Notting Hill to roam the gorgeous streets of the Portobello Road market and the neighborhood. It was one of my favorite activities because Notting Hill is a place where I have always felt I could live and be really happy.
Emmie and I being dramatic at the Tate Modern
The lovely streets of Notting Hill
Today, January 2nd was our last day in London. We spent the day wandering around the iconic London sights of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park and Abbey Road. Emmie and I also shopped around Oxford Circus and Bond Street for some necessary purchases.
Now, I am sitting here and writing this blog knowing that tomorrow I must fly back to the United States and back to my life in New Orleans. I am beyond sad to leave this magical city simply because it makes me so happy. There are few places in life that give you that warm fuzzy feeling and London does that for me. The people, the energy, the Peter Pan statue, the theatre, and so much more make this place a truly wonderful city.
So London, it has been pleasure and I guarantee that we will meet again very very soon. Elizabeth Riggins and I have talked about moving here someday so maybe we will meet again as residents.
Until then, I will have wonderful memories of our family vacation with an adopted Swede for many years to come.
AL
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Stonehenge, Bath and Finding Emmiecat
Hey everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted the last couple of days, but they have been filled with activities.
Monday, we were very touristy and took an excursion to see Salisbury, Bath and Stonehenge! I had not been to any of those places so it was awesome for me to get that opportunity.
Salisbury is a small English town that features a glorious cathedral. Some of the inside features as well as the stain glass windows are modeled after the grand Cathedral in Chartres, France. In any event, the building is spectacular and houses one of the last remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which invoked some of the first ideas of Democratic society.
I doubt I have to say much Stonehenge probably because most of you are familiar with it and because not much is known about it. It is thought to be some type of worship symbol for either the moon or the sun. In any event, the stones took a century to move to that location and are quite famous.
Bath, England was our last stop and is home to the Roman Baths. In the early days of the AD era, England was occupied by the Romans who loved to bathe and made it part of their daily social life. Bath has naturally hot springs so this place was a haven for the Romans. The baths have been conserved now and Bath brings in tons of tourists every day to view them. Bath is also quite charming on its own and I wish we could've had more time to walk around.
On Tuesday, Dad took us on a walking tour of Charles Dickens London. These included spots where Dickens wrote and lived. We were even lucky enough to get to go into an office building where he wrote and read part of A Christmas Carol thanks to lovely little English man.
After that, we made our way to the Bangladesh section of London where we had lunch. I was deprived of this meal because it was finally time for the lovely Emmie Derback to make her appearance in London! Last night, I met up with her and one of her British friends and we had a night on the town. Today, we are going to explore Camden and other hotspots of London before meeting up with Vanessa Dorismond and her sister for the New Year.
More later!
Sorry I haven't posted the last couple of days, but they have been filled with activities.
Monday, we were very touristy and took an excursion to see Salisbury, Bath and Stonehenge! I had not been to any of those places so it was awesome for me to get that opportunity.
Salisbury is a small English town that features a glorious cathedral. Some of the inside features as well as the stain glass windows are modeled after the grand Cathedral in Chartres, France. In any event, the building is spectacular and houses one of the last remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which invoked some of the first ideas of Democratic society.
I doubt I have to say much Stonehenge probably because most of you are familiar with it and because not much is known about it. It is thought to be some type of worship symbol for either the moon or the sun. In any event, the stones took a century to move to that location and are quite famous.
Bath, England was our last stop and is home to the Roman Baths. In the early days of the AD era, England was occupied by the Romans who loved to bathe and made it part of their daily social life. Bath has naturally hot springs so this place was a haven for the Romans. The baths have been conserved now and Bath brings in tons of tourists every day to view them. Bath is also quite charming on its own and I wish we could've had more time to walk around.
On Tuesday, Dad took us on a walking tour of Charles Dickens London. These included spots where Dickens wrote and lived. We were even lucky enough to get to go into an office building where he wrote and read part of A Christmas Carol thanks to lovely little English man.
After that, we made our way to the Bangladesh section of London where we had lunch. I was deprived of this meal because it was finally time for the lovely Emmie Derback to make her appearance in London! Last night, I met up with her and one of her British friends and we had a night on the town. Today, we are going to explore Camden and other hotspots of London before meeting up with Vanessa Dorismond and her sister for the New Year.
More later!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
First Day in London!
Hey everyone!
I am so ridiculously happy to be back in London. The city is even more beautiful than I remembered and the Christmas lights only add to the appeal.
The city is full of Europeans and few Americans, which is the way I prefer it because it gives you some perspective and view into the lives of real Europeans.
Upon arrival, we got to our hotel yesterday and then went for a long walk around South Kensington and Knightsbridge. I love both of these areas, which feature couture shopping and elegant restaurants. Our first meal in London wasn't super elegant though as we ended up eating pub food, which of course means fish and chips with beer...or mulled wine if you happen to be me:)
Today, we started our first full day in London with the Victoria and Albert museum, which features a ton of cool art recreations, vintage fashion and rooms filled with ironworks, architecture and so much more.
I had never been there so it was nice to check something off of my London list. The rest of the afternoon featured a walk to Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the theatre district.
Naturally, it wouldn't be a trip to London without me venturing out on my own, so once my parents were ready to retire, I returned to Trafalgar Square and walked back to our hotel while browsing shops and theaters on Shaftsbury Avenue. The area is near Covent Garden and is absolutely divine.
Based on my time in London, here are some tips for travelers to this fair city.
1.) Utilize the Tube.
The London Tube is one of the best transportation systems in the whole world. It can take you from Heathrow Airport all the way through Central London and beyond. There are stops at every major location and stations are only a few blocks apart. It can truly be a great and easy way to see a lot of the city while fitting in with the locals!
2.) Don't be afraid to get "lost" in London.
London is incredibly hard to get lost in as the city is well directed and easy to navigate. With that being said, don't be afraid to wander without a map. There are no "bad" parts of London in my opinion and it can be super fun to be walking back to your hotel from some part of the city and stumble upon a totally new neighborhood. And if you do get truly lost, the numerous Tube stations will help you find your bearings.
3.) Dress up for museum, theatre outings and meals in London.
London is a very chic city with tremendous fashion. It makes for a better and classier experience to dress for each occasion appropriately.
4.) Do some local activities.
These might include things like riding the Tube on the afternoon commute, taking a walk in Hyde Park or mingling with locals at the neighborhood pub. One of the most fascinating things about traveling to a foreign country is seeing how locals live their daily life. Some of your best moments in London might not be touring Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace. It just might be a conversation with a local in a pub!
Here are some shots from today! Tomorrow, we are breaking from London for a day to visit Stonehenge and Bath. Having done neither, I am excited to see what they have to offer!
Until tomorrow!
AL
I am so ridiculously happy to be back in London. The city is even more beautiful than I remembered and the Christmas lights only add to the appeal.
The city is full of Europeans and few Americans, which is the way I prefer it because it gives you some perspective and view into the lives of real Europeans.
Upon arrival, we got to our hotel yesterday and then went for a long walk around South Kensington and Knightsbridge. I love both of these areas, which feature couture shopping and elegant restaurants. Our first meal in London wasn't super elegant though as we ended up eating pub food, which of course means fish and chips with beer...or mulled wine if you happen to be me:)
Today, we started our first full day in London with the Victoria and Albert museum, which features a ton of cool art recreations, vintage fashion and rooms filled with ironworks, architecture and so much more.
I had never been there so it was nice to check something off of my London list. The rest of the afternoon featured a walk to Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the theatre district.
Naturally, it wouldn't be a trip to London without me venturing out on my own, so once my parents were ready to retire, I returned to Trafalgar Square and walked back to our hotel while browsing shops and theaters on Shaftsbury Avenue. The area is near Covent Garden and is absolutely divine.
Based on my time in London, here are some tips for travelers to this fair city.
1.) Utilize the Tube.
The London Tube is one of the best transportation systems in the whole world. It can take you from Heathrow Airport all the way through Central London and beyond. There are stops at every major location and stations are only a few blocks apart. It can truly be a great and easy way to see a lot of the city while fitting in with the locals!
2.) Don't be afraid to get "lost" in London.
London is incredibly hard to get lost in as the city is well directed and easy to navigate. With that being said, don't be afraid to wander without a map. There are no "bad" parts of London in my opinion and it can be super fun to be walking back to your hotel from some part of the city and stumble upon a totally new neighborhood. And if you do get truly lost, the numerous Tube stations will help you find your bearings.
3.) Dress up for museum, theatre outings and meals in London.
London is a very chic city with tremendous fashion. It makes for a better and classier experience to dress for each occasion appropriately.
4.) Do some local activities.
These might include things like riding the Tube on the afternoon commute, taking a walk in Hyde Park or mingling with locals at the neighborhood pub. One of the most fascinating things about traveling to a foreign country is seeing how locals live their daily life. Some of your best moments in London might not be touring Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace. It just might be a conversation with a local in a pub!
Here are some shots from today! Tomorrow, we are breaking from London for a day to visit Stonehenge and Bath. Having done neither, I am excited to see what they have to offer!
Until tomorrow!
AL
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