The Louvre was originally built as a fortress in the 12th century by Phillip II (Philippe Auguste). The building was extended many times to form the Palace it is today. Remnants of the fortress can be found on the lower level. Continue reading
Europe
Notre Dame
This Gothic beauty has been built upon the remains of pagan temples. In 1163 under the presence of Pope Alexander III, it is said the first stone was laid. Continue reading
Let Them Eat Cake
Eiffel Tower
Everyone knows the Eiffel Tower. It’s like the Empire Sate building is to New York, Golden Gate bridge is to San Francisco. Continue reading
Musee D’Orsay
When a museum is housed in a building this pretty it’s easy to get distracted. The D’Orsay is housed in an old railway station. The building is beautiful. I realized we didn’t take a picture of the outside from across the river. Shame on us. Continue reading
The Phantom & Garnier Opera House
Lyric by Andrew Lloyd Webber
“In sleep he sang to me,
In dreams he came…
that voice which calls to me
and speaks my name… Continue reading
Rodin in Paris
Rodin is one of my favorite sculptors. I was pretty excited to visit his villa but too bad it was being renovated. Since we didn’t have access to the building we viewed his work in the garden and some other temporary areas – that just didn’t quite have the effect I was looking for. Either way he’s the man. I wish more present day artists created classics instead of abstract. Continue reading
Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here
Anyone who knows us knows we love cemeteries, abandoned places, creepy things and horror movies. We had to go to the catacombs in Paris. Continue reading
A Vintage Friend in Paris
Good friends are like a fine wine, aged cheese, an indulgent rich dessert…unique. They add that flare to your life that enriches it. Continue reading
Farewell My Friend – A Panoramic Look
There’s something about the barrenness of winter that mystifies me. What would send others indoors makes me want to wander outside. I love the whiteness of snow and crispness of cold in the air. I love how the streets empty out and I get to walk around as if I own them. A beautiful winter day is soul cleansing. A time of year where things die or lay dormant for the equinox of spring. To my delight this year we journeyed to the winter wonder land of Iceland. Continue reading
Jebus Mews & Andrea 