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Nancy and Doug Trips
Nancy and Doug Trips

Nancy and Doug Trips

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Our lifelong travel bug has given us our most prized ‘possessions’ - the many memories from business and especially family trips.
 “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” Read more🇨🇦British Columbia
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  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Sarria railing along the riverfront
    On the roadStop oneOak forestsGetting busierOJ breakVending machine in stone structureLunch spotFoxglove??wonder what these are for..perhaps corn storageLast drink before Portomarin 1420 hours 86 FPeople leave stones from home and other things...Pavement cobbles gravel... glad I upgraded my shoes!Last set of stairs into town. 1530 hours.

    Day 1: Sarria to Portomarin 23km

    June 10 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Perhaps St Christopher, the patron Saint of travellers, is looking out for me as I felt better in the cool, misty morning air after a pretty good sleep. Left at 0640, having a banana and yogurt that I bought the night before as breakfast didn’t open til 7 and expecting high temps. Stopped at 0830 for a bocadillo and my first Aquarius, which is like Gatorade but less colouring. Met Lily, a young woman from Hong Kong. Stopped three times for drinks and s tuna empanada and banis as with drinking do much so needed them. Avoided any problems, although an ambulance had been called for a man about my age, probably who was not feeling well, but it seems he got dehydrated or overheated. Arrived hot and sweaty into a lovely cool room and showered and had a rest.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Sarria train stationSat down at La Isla on the riverfront before check in1Padron PeppersWaterfront in SarriaMy Hotel, adequate, air con on but breakfast too late to be usefulA Escaleria da Donte main staircase to the Camino

    Travel to Sarria and CDG

    June 9 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today, Beth is heading home via Paris and Nancy back north to Sarria to begin the Camino walk. The young man at the front desk of the hotel strongly recommended that Nancy take the metro to the train station and Beth take a taxi to the airport. We both had our anxieties about finding our way. For Nancy, the metro path was rather confusing with directions initially to the Line 3 platform and then upstairs to get to Line 10. Rush hour, so she had let three go by and finally got on with all the other sardines. They are renovating the Chamartin station, so not straightforward but eventually found her way to the departure board. Platforms are assigned 10 minutes ahead. 300km/hr to Ourense, but the train halted just outside a very pretty looking town. The schedule had only 14 minutes of connection time between trains, but they held it for our late arrival. Followed the masses and some backpacks with walking sticks to one of two waiting trains confirmed as Sarria. Beth texted that she was at her gate with over an hour to spare. Whew…we did it, Beth!Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    1
    Austrias and Bourbons1496-1504 set of panels belonging to Isabelle of Castile recovered 1530 when Charles v inherited the31 Filipe 4 @ 9 yearsPhilip 11 artistic patron Renaissance Europe721755-6 Giaquinto Italian1112768 decorated the bedroom one of four panels1738 Glass paste mosaic and gilded bronze 1738 headbof studio casting given to Maria amalia who woul

    Galeria De Las Colecciones Real

    June 8 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    This is a fantastic extremely modern and wonderfully air conditioned museum that opened up next to the Palacio de Real in 2023. No downsizing of one of a kind Royal treasures here! The downloaded audio guide was excellent as were the English written summaries. It is amazing to see such old things in like new condition. Following this we headed back to prep for our next day picking up some decongestants on the way.

    NB edits to pix later.    Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    El Mancini overlooking the Royal Palace
    Fresco of main staircaseFamily of Juan Carlos ICharles I Spain. Note importantHercules fresco in the evening dinner room of Charles IChamber of Charles III finished 1815 Rococo marble silk wall coveringThat's a lot of desserts!Real Capilla: chapel of the monarchy 1753Present Kings Great Grandpa Alfonso XIII

    Palacio de Real Madrid

    June 8 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We didn’t have time to go to Versailles, so Europe's second largest palace (and still in active use) was the destination for our one day in Madrid. We found a café kitty corner to the palace and enjoyed our Spanish omelet and fresh orange juice. Then we met up for an English speaking tour of the palace. Beth liked it. We had a break and headed over to the Special Collections wing, which Nancy found amazing, but Beth had to break early due to coughing. Unfortunately, we were both feeling under the weather, and it was 30 degrees, so the bounce in our steps was affected today.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    11

    Madrid

    Jun 7–9 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We decided to take the nearby tram to the bus Intramodal Station which was very smooth. Comfortable ride on Alsa Supra class arriving at 4 pm. Very crowded at the airport with long line ups for Uber and Taxi, took the Metro to Plaza Espana where we were staying.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Side walk cafe lunch
    1Finally Basque Cheesecake!Oops only took the after dessert picture

    A walk around the neighborhood

    June 6 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    After the Guggenheim we sought some lunch and found it in the Pedestrian mall behind our hotel. They had a table at Basko so we took it. Very pleasant although the last few days dampened by La Grippe (Spanish for a cold). Lovely dinner at Lake which means home in Basque with our group and I had Monkfish and there was Basque cheesecake, lemon ice cream and a light layered treat for dessert! We bid Adieu to our group.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Having coffee in old town Bilbao waiting for our laundry cycle
    Beth heading back with clean clothesTitanium used for lightness durability modality and reflective properties limestone floors roundedAlot of glass light and drama accented with interior white plaster wallsSnake Richard SerraThe Great TreeThe Mama (Spider)Hmmm...I wonder what Beth is thinking....1Pop Art Gallery: TulipThe Washing MachineAbstract Expressionism following WW I Title: Billa BourgheseMan from Naples 1982El Anatsui: made of stapled bottle caps and labels in chicken wire:Rising Sea, Nsukka NigeriaPuppy

    Bilbao

    June 6 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    The Guggenheim Museum of modern Art was built 1993-97 on site of an inactive factory in a ex prosperous city with 30% unemployment whose leaders envisioned a transformation. The Guggenheim administration in NYC were out of space so consideration was given first to a European location. Salzburg and Venice were in the running and but Bilbao was chosen as the best fit. It was financed by the local interests and paid for itself in 3 years 1.3 million visitors per year. Beth and I agreed that the architecture and setting were outstanding.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler

    Sheep farm

    Jun 5–7 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Our guide reminded us that Spain’s the 3rd most mountainous country after Switzerland and . We passed classic Etxhas. The laxta (latcha) sheep make a special strong cheese only made in the Basque Country. The raw milk is brought just under the boiling point. Rennet is added to coagulate it, this is traditionally made from the stomach of
    Lamb but now is produced under lab conditions.    Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Urretxun (Gipuzkoa) a Basque singer 1800s

    Travel to Guernica

    June 5 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We headed out to the fishing village of Getaria where the first person to circumnavigate the globe was born. Juan Elkano set out with Magellan in 5 ships. Magellan died and only the Victoria with 35 survivors returned. 1519-22. Also birthplace of the well known designer Christian Belen?? So who designed for royalty. He had connections to leave for
    Paris during the Franco years where he designed for all the big names: Grace Kelly, Jackie O etc. Then a stop and lunch in Guernica. Finally, we stopped at a sheep farm to make yogurt (quark) before heading for our stay in Bilbao. The Spanish Civil War 1936 -1939 started with Franco invading from the South of Spain via Morocco. He won because of support from the other two fascist leaders Hitler and Mussolini. A carpet bombing in the heart of the Basque country assembly house took place on Market Day in 1937; after this, Picasso painted perhaps the most symbolic anti-war painting ever. The painting was in New York until Franco died and then moved to Spain as Picasso wished. Beautiful rugged coastal views and inland mountainous areas with villages nestled between valleys were our views today.    Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Walkway along the River across from our Hotel Parma
    The heart of the City: O Kendall Square?A French soldier turned gardener designed all the gardens in the City1Tamarisk Trees with their pink frond like blossomsLa Concha BeachThe Sacre Coeur a top the castle in Mount UrguelMaria Christina's summer palace designed by a British architectThe Geand Casino one of 7 that existed during the Belle Epoch years.3 rd church on site first built in the 12th century when city foundedConstitution Square originally included a bull ringFire in 1830s devastated the city paving the way for the Queen's plan.Sacre Coeur1Enjoying a seaview lunch1View from our plates.Tourist boats going in and out of the harbour.As well as kayakersAbout the areaIn the Aquarium. Beth's feet are getting tired!

    Day in San Sebastian

    Jun 4–6 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Modeled after Biarritz during the Belle Epoch era, the lamp posts are 1920s Art Deco. Queen Maria Christina took waters here for her skin and then helped develop it into a tourist, trade, and industrial centre, and it now has a population of 185,000. A modernistic convention centre now hosts the annual film festival that was established in 1953. The castle was built in the 11th century and atop is a statue of Jesus similar to Rio. We climbed Mount Urguel to the top. Once a fishing port, the area below is now a tourist hub where we enjoyed scallops and calamari frito overlooking the harbour. We then took in the aquarium, which was very good. The Basilica de Santa Maria was not open.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Back into the mountains: the Sierra Alto
    First glimpse of San SebastiánThe main beachFair at the viewpointA rainy orientation to the cityPintxo BarThe next day the weather cleared, view towards where we were yesterday

    Arrival San Sebastian/Donastia

    June 3 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Helen explained we are going through the Sierra Alto mountains where we saw again more Etxcha, traditional Basque home design. Traditionally, the 4th Basque son would be sent to America often to settle near Salt Lake City and work as shepherds. In Boise, Idaho, there is an annual Basque festival. San Sebastian is a foodie destination and home to the Basque cheese cake. We entered the next province listening to the history of the transition of power between Franco and Juan Carlos, who declared a democratic republic.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    67% of Pamploma s energy is from renewable sources
    Memorial2A pilgrim on his wayWe shared the poles Nancy bought the night before1ObanosBeth along the CaminoOur destination112th century Romanesque BridgeGetting wine out of the barrel at the restaurantAnother great meal!The full Route...we walked 1/4.Winery

    Camino walk

    June 3 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    We left Pamplona got our day on part of the Camino. First stop: El Alto del Perdon or Point of Forgiveness. This is a well photographed pilgrim viewpoint and the site of a Memorial to 92 Franco opposers who were killed. It is 770 meter above sea level. Pointe de Reina is 10 km away along the path of the wind and way of the stars. We were dropped off along the Way and walked through the village of OBano to our destination on the other side of the 12th century bridge in Pointe de la Reina. We were very fortunate that the rain held off until we were in the bus to a winery lunch in the country side. After we were done and had just closed the doors to the bus it poured all the way to our next stop! You could not have timed things better!Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Our host telling us how the collection was built.
    Model of a bullring.Tapas and chocolate, the young white wineOld photo of Running of the BullsAddress of the private Basque men's clubMeal set upA paella with pasta called:Pork cheeks with mashed potatoesPutting the men to work doing the servingPart of the gardens in Pamplona

    Bullfighting and a Special Lunch

    June 2 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Our guide Francisco used to give a talk on the street about bullfighting; until the wife of a MD husband bullfighting enthusiast established a spot to the memorabilia. He was joined by other collectors. She never had any interest in bullfighting until meeting him but she was glad to free up the living room where he had constructed a replica of a bullring and also that she can share the passion of her late husband with others. She opens the collection solely to the public the week of San Fermin….and to the Rick Steves group. As a person who has been raised around bullfighting it has appealed to Francisco. He told us that as Christianity gained in popularity it became unacceptable to have Roman gladiators, lions and criminals tear one another apart in the arena and bullfighting replaced this culture. The bull is poked by two stabs from the piccolo. The bullfighter attracts the bull through the motion of the cape and his objective is to save the bull. The performance is judged and if the result is negative, the bullfighter must kill the bull by one accurate stab through the spinal cord. It is a dangerous occupation that pays about €60,000 per fight. She served us tapas and drinks as well. Then we were treated to lunch at one of the private Basque Men’s Clubs where the men in the group
    serve the ladies! You gotta love this matriarchal society!    Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    The Holy Mary Alter
    The cold detached MaryA warm Mary that the Matriarchal Basque Christian could feel close to evolved in Art.Note thetwobitches at the base of her feet indicating the descent between ?Castilleand Aragon1Between 1390-1800 both royals and commoners were buried in the churchPre gothic capitalsIt is said to be the best preserved cloister in EuropeThe Ennunciation of the death of Mary.We are now the illiterate ones who don't know how to read the sculptures of the past...2000 year old Basue foundation near Roman villa in the Interpretive area.Romanesque bishop chapel: Muslim busy Christian introspection 1200s.Simple, non distracting...Where we r now...?a Barbie world...where are we really?In the middle between the past and future says this bishopOur guide: All you need to say is "I love you" perhaps the Beatles had it summed up...

    Pamploma santa Maria de Real Cathedral

    June 2 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    This a unique cathedral. There is a small fee to enter and the Bishop here has attached an interpretive centre unique in that there is a representation on where we are in in history as to the development of spiritual belief. The Holy Mary alter is 1000 years old. Mary was initially depicted as a detached God like unrelateable figure. The mattiarch 20 years later is depicted as touching Jesus and thus becomes more warm, human and relatable.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler

    Pamplona

    June 2 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    El Camino de Los peregrines. Pilgrims continue to enter through the old city walls at Portal de Francis, and Calle del Carmen leads to the towers of the cathedral. One of the first regions to convert to Christianity in Spain in the 4th century AD. The scarves worn during Running of the Bulls are white, signifying holy and red, the blood of Saint Fermin one of the first baptized who was decapitated by the Romans. In 711 AD, Muslims crossed over from Morocco at the Rock of G. It was not until they crossed the Pyrenees that they were defeated by Charlemagne. He married a Muslim woman to bring peace to the area. The major Christian pilgrimages are to Jerusalem, the Vatican, and Camino de Santiago where the relics of St James are. The latter was the most important pilgrimage as it could be accessed by much of the Christian world. In 1492, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, the Renaissance power couple, drove the Muslims from the Granada region. After Queen Isabella’s death, Ferdinand marries the Queen of Navarre as his deceased wife advised; in order to bring peace to the area. From 1512 to 1800 Navarre separates from Spain. c was Protestant but was baptized as Roman Catholic and marries to become King Henri 4th of France. Juana “the crazy” becomes Queen of Spain in the 1400s and marries the Hapsburg’s Phillip the 3 rd from the Netherlands. They were the most powerful family in the world. By 1700, there are no more heirs due to inbreeding. The Bourbons then take over.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Statue of Running of the Bulls near our hotel.
    Tapas Bar GauchoBacalau con gambaCider with octopus and mashed potatoes with truffle plus roasted mushroom with garlic and olive oilLobby of our hotelOur hotelCaption: come back to the Old Kingdom.

    Arrival Pamplona

    Jun 1–3 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    We descended through mountains of mixed forest and fir trees and gradually came into what appears to be a flatter dryer area and into Pamplona. Our guide told us this is a prosperous and modern city that is a leader in the manufacture of green energy equipment such as windmills and solar panels. Home of the patron Saint Fermin and the annual running of the Bulls when the city’s population expands to 1.5 million. We quickly settled into our modern hotel in the city centre and had a couple of hours rest before meeting up at 7 pm for orientation to the city. The tour would pay for one drink and pintxos and then we were on our own.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    One turn and we are in Spain!
    Lesia de SantiagoThe Alberta1MarkingHemingway stayed at this still operating AlbergueFlowers even where there is no place to plant them...how nice!Basque music over lunch1

    Over the Pyrenees to Roncesville

    June 1 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Helen told us about Operation Comet and how the Basques assisted the British airman from Nazi occupied France to neutral Spain. Also the song of Roland from Charlemagne's time: glamorizing the knights of old. We arrived in the village and of Burguete for a two hour lunch. Beautiful fresh salad and Beth had the shrimp/fish stuffed peppers and I had the roasted duck leg which was very good. One hour into PamplonaRead more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    1

    St Jean Pierre de Port

    June 1 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Our bus arrived at 9 am and it took about an hour to get to St. Jean Pierre de Porte the start of the 748 km Camino Frances. Lovely views and town. Popped into the church. Walked to the Citadel where the building is now the local school. Fred, Lillian’s partner took a picture of me with the Camino Frances veteran who had been very reassuring about the walk which she had done solo 5 years prior. Helen got us passports and I got my first stamp!Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler

    Bayonne afternoon

    May 31 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We went with A La Bolee creperie recommended by Helen thinking we d split a crepe but it was a one seat one plate policy so we ended up with more food than we wanted. We joined Susan and Allan from the tour who were very pleasant. We located a laundry and Beth got that done while Nancy bought a better rain coat for her walk. We did a wander over the Neve River bridge to Petit Bayonne which was built later and had a quick look at the A Dour River that empties out into the Atlantic. Feeling peckish we split a plate of grilled prawns before tucking in for the night.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Typical posted day agenda sheet
    Roman walls up to 6 meters thick. Holes are construction scaffolding sites that had not been filledMarie CathedralCloister used as cemetery and court.A Pilgrim carving in the capital of the cathedralHoly Mary Cathdral restored 19th c glass done in medieval style. Med paintings behind existingTransition between lower and upper town due to tide flow. Caves underneath protect the structuresNeve RiverHistorical old townPost Middle AgesThe Basque provinces, 3 in France and 4 in SpainTypical Basque home1885Le Manila: walking stickThe whaling diaspora in the 1600.. cod...red seaweedsLa peloton basqueSummaryLa ChinaPaganism was replaced by Catholicism 1600s

    A Morning sightseeing in Bayonne

    May 31 in France ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Our group was given a tour of Bayonne by a local named Claire. She explained that under Franco the Basque language and customs were forbidden. Our generation was not allowed to learn Basque but the next was. This area came under British rule with stained glass of the crest of Richard the Lionhearted. The Nazis had an appreciation for the architecture of the area and moved in on many buildings thus saving them from destruction during WWII. We had a sampling of pasteurized and unpasteurized sheep cheese of the area; Claire’s husband is a shepherd and sells his milk to the producer of the samples from the market. It was Saturday so the market was in full swing. Next a young woman from the Basque Museum provides insights into the history and customs of the Basque. Her grandparents taught her Basque, her mother French and her father Spanish and she picked up English from school and friends.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Stop Saint Leon in Bayonne, 43 stops from start at au Jardin in Biarritz
    First views of Bayonne and the old wall.Ver nice room with a sitting area...Comfortable king bed.....And a courtyard view from outside our windowTour team leader Helen who is a Brit transplanted 17 years ago to Andalusia.The hotel is located within the executioners tower, one of three Roman towers built in the 300s ADGreen shutters marks a farming family, blue seafarers, oxbow redExcellent dinner!Salad...yum!Group sharing...rainy but warm walk home.

    Arrival Bayonne

    May 30 in France ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We took the 1.40 E bus ride 50 minutes to Bayonne and found Hotel des Basses Pyrenees built into the ramparts of the old wall a 10 minute walk away from our stop at Saint Leon. As we walked into town we could see the ?moat,wall and cathedral which looks impressive. Arrived 2 hours before the meet up with our group. Introductions, an orientation stroll and then a very good dinner with generous helpings: salad and Hake on garlic mashed potatoes. Nancy found the hake similar to halibut, just abit softer and moister…Beth liked it too.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    1Les Halles poisson market.
    Isn't this the fish in that basket in Mama Mia?Interesting sea plant to try if Nancy sees it on the menu...Beth will probably be less keen.Great selection of fromage.It must be artichoke season!Hotel near Plaza BellevuePlace de BellevueLooking over the Grand Beach: Surfers ParadiseGorgeous weather today. Basque Country is the wettest spot in all of FrancePaellaOld Fisherman's PortBasque fishermen housesFishing and WhalingA tribute to the Commune...reprises have disarmed since 2018. Franco was very nasty to the Basques.Pedestrians bridge1Too soon to leave Biarritz!

    Biarritz

    May 30 in France ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Checked out at 11 am. and back at 2 pm. after a 5 km walk along the sea promenade, taking in the views. In 1660 King XIV, the Sun King, married a Spanish princess Maria Therese (who at age 21 was reported one ugly with only 3 teeth!) thus ending the wars between France and Spain… in the small town, just a stone throw from here called St Jean de Luc. We are just 22 km from the Spanish border. Napoleon III, in addition to remodeling Paris, designed Biarritz to be a major destination for the 17 and 18th centuries of the upper crust, and since the 1950’s a surfing culture has developed. It is very clean, and although some of the original concrete and pavement is weathered in the charming Eutopean way that makes trips easy, it is a prosperous looking place. We took in the central market and then walked the long promenade with its beachfront views passing through the old fishing port then via a pedestrian bridge out to the rocks with its statue of the Mary. A quick break at the B and B, and we were off by bus and our meet-up with the Rick Steves tour.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Waiting for our track to come up on the departure board
    ? Another Camino walkerWhizzing by....Dinner at California KitchenPollack is a soft bland fish...looked great thoughSurfing culture and lots of young people living it upNot sure what this says but probably entertaining poster in bathroomSunset walk after dinnerWho built this?Old and new glitz1Pedestrian walkway out to the rocksBack at our hotel

    Gare Montparnasse / arrival Biarritz

    May 29 in France ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We left Hotel Eugenie at 0930 hrs via Bus 74 to Gare Montparnasse which is large with 28 tracks. Found our way to the proper level for our train starting here and terminating in Hendaye, and we are getting off two stops before at Biarritz. I'm surprised that most houses just outside of Paris had clay tile roofs. Largely seemed fields of hay, wheat, and vineyards. Prolonged stop at one station, and it was most of our travel time. Nancy who had her head buried in Penguin updates, panicked momentarily as to whether we needed to get off. We laughed later as posted just our window the station was labeled Dax. Sadly, the interruption was due to an investigation of a death or accident on the tracks. We googled restaurants and noted it was a public holiday called Ascension, and many people were taking two days off. We arrived about two hours late, and then, due to the holiday, there was a prolonged wait for the bus with final arrival at Maison de Lierre at about 8 pm. Found our way to dinner at California Kitchen, where Beth had fish and chips and Nancy fish tacos. We both decided pollock is a rather bland fish, but the dinner overall was good and we sat outside as it was warm with temperatures tomorrow of 30 degrees. Walked part of the waterfront and viewed the last rays of sunset before heading home. There was quite a party atmosphere and this is a hilly town of lots or ups and downs.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Arrival at Pigalle station.
    Across the street...lunch!A popular place!Wow! These prices are good!!In front of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de MontmartreViews of ParisGargoyles originated in medieval Europe to warn against Evil and serve as rain spouts.Colourful MontmartrePortrait painter in Place du TertreJacques Brel got his start here, Woody Allan movie at Le Consulat, meeting place of artists.We took a break at Le Consulat, watching the world pass by...buildings around here are 900y old!Two of the original windmills remain.La Maison Rose on Rue de l'Abrevoir, foot of Sacre-Coeur is one of Paris' most photographed spots.After a Google wander with unplanned detours: The Moulin Rouge!We had previously decided that getting out to a show at 11 pm was beyond our abilities!

    Montmartre

    May 28 in France ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We got off M12 at Pigalle Square and across the street was our lunch destination at Bouillon Pigalle. Opened in 2017, this brasserie recreates the atmosphere of the Parisian restaurants in the 19th century by the Duval butcher group with the intent of serving French food from all regions at reasonable prices. And reasonable price they are. Beth opted for the salmon spinach pie in puff pastry with a side salad and 250 mL of Chardonnay (€20) and Nancy had escargot, Ravioli Dauphine made with Conte cheese and topped with leeks, rose wine, fruit compote and an espresso (€28). The tables are close and we had amicable tourist companions: A couple from Thailand who are American/Thai and a couple from the USA who immigrated there 20 years and were enjoying a 3 week first visit to Europe. The Thai woman coaxed Nancy into the snails which she had described as acceptable but not as tasty as the ones in Vietnam served with hot sauce. We had a leisurely 2 hour lunch and set out to walk to the Place du Tertre, a hang out for portrait artists and tourists. Along the way, we decided to take the funicular (€2.50) and enjoy the view from Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. Walking back down we came across La Maison Rose and Dalida’s statue. We found our way down to take a picture of the Moulin Rouge before heading back about 8 pm via Bus 74 from Blanche station. Tomorrow we say “Au Revoir” to Paris and travel 784 km by high speed train to Biarritz in the south of France.Read more

  • Nancy and Doug TripsParis, Basque Country & CaminoTraveler
    Hey! It's Mona!
    The hordes clustered around Mona Lisa circa 1503-06The Wedding at Cana by Pablo Veronese 1562: Christ joins a Venetian party.To the left: painter Veronese, to the right TitianThe Coronation of Napoleon by J-L David, 1806, the painter is just above Napoleon's crownGuide to identifying people in the huge painting of Napoleon's coronation.Liberty Leading the People, Delacroix 1830, 1800s romanticism and neoclassicalismLooking down on the hallway of Renaissance sculptures.Beth examining Michelangelo's statue The Slaves: he was a master of the male formMannerist Style: a lighter lengthened sculpturePsyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss by Canova 1787Place de la Concorde1Beth amused at Nancy's first try of Escargot ... surprisingly Beth declined a bite!

    The Louvre Part 2

    May 28 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We both agreed that we enjoyed the museum using the audio guide but were ready for lunch and a change of pace. So we headed to catch the bus for Montmartre. Finding bus stops at times proves elusive even with Google Maps. We ended up walking through the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde and from there took Metro 12 to lunch.Read more

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