Grand Opera Feb 24, 2005 To see a performance at the Paris Opera House should be high on anyone’s list of must sees when in Paris. This is one of the few events that I remember the actual date that I was there (birthday). All other dates for attractions and towns are close approximates (typically within two or three days) no further than a week off at the very worst. All I can say is wow, stunning, incredible. While the seat was nothing to write home about the whole cultural experience was one that I’ll never forget. I hope to return [View Full Entry]

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Villa Savoye By Le Corbusier, 1929 Typical tourists are lucky just to see the most recognizable sites in a major city. I’m never just satisfied with the easy and convenient sites. I’m known for going to out of the way places by difficult and inconvenient means just to satisfy a hankering. I’m a sucker for architecture the good, bad and the plain ugly. If I’ve read an article on a place, seen a photo of a structure, or been told that I must/mustn’t see an architect’s work I’ll be very tempted to cross sea and climb mountains to reach it just [View Full Entry]

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All I can say is that the day I toured Versailles it was fridged with snow flurries. The gardens went on for miles and miles and despite all the walking I did I was still so so so cold. The cost to build this palace x10 is unimaginable. You’d need to visit to appreciate the size and opulence. My photos do not scratch the surface. If I was to say anything further, no matter how eloquent and elaborate it would still be an understatement and would not do the place justice. Use your imagination! [View Full Entry]

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Another great iconic Parisian landmark, thanks Napoleon. Paris seemed to spiral out from this point (especially noticeable when at the top). I found myself here on a daily basis. The Champs-Elysees was the harmonious shopping street that is the place to be seen and to see. Definitely a must visit. Looking at these photos is great for me it’s like I’m reliving the memories all over again. [View Full Entry]

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I am one of the lucky few to see Paris in the snow. I took full advantage of the opportunity and walked the 11 miles from my hotel near Bastille to the Arc de la Defense. The Parisians seemed to take the day in stride by staying home from work. The pristine city seemed that much more elegant, adorned with the blanket of snow. [View Full Entry]

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An hour and a half train ride out of Paris one finds a skeletal stone and glass monument (900 years old) rising out of the rolling fields of Chartres. I felt a visit to Chartres Cathedral was a mandatory must do while in Paris. One can study the French gothic in school and pretend to know what you’re talking about or you can experience this ecclesiastical architecture in the first person. The chilling weather followed me to Chartres. The towers were closed due to snow and ice. The Englishman that Rick Steves speaks so highly of cancelled his tour. The stone [View Full Entry]

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I’ve got months and months of photos to get through and have decided to let the photos do most of the talking. If you have a specific question about a location drop me a line. I made it to the Louvre and spent the full day (the museums late closing day) walking, looking, pondering and hoping that I’d get a chance to come back. Yes, I did see the Monna Lisa. While I was impressed there was so many more great works within a minutes walk of the painting that were going ignored I decided to spend my time with them. [View Full Entry]

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No Damsel in distress just an extra large woman stuck in the spiral stair. Plenty has been said about Notre Dame - Paris. I spent many an hour here over the two week period (nearly as much time as I spent in the Pantheon - Rome). Enjoy the photos! [View Full Entry]

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From the outside this miniature masterpiece is not much to look at ; the real treat is on the inside. Proves the proverb “Don’t judge a book by its cover” and disproves the saying “beauty is only skin deep”. This little chapel packs a punch. The builder pushed the structural limits of glass and stone. The ratio of glass to stone is higher here than any other period structure that I know of. No expense was spared when it came to the quality and color of glass used to fill the gapping voids between the tracery and mullions. On a brilliant [View Full Entry]

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Note to self. Purchased EasyJet ticket while in Venice, in that internet cafe (garage) in the back of a clothing shop. Hard choice -- take a night train or a quick flight? Hands down I'll fly. [View Full Entry]

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