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
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