Today was our last full day in Paris and we decided to get on one of the tour busses which circle the main attractions with a get on /get off where you like system. We travelled to Notre Dame Cathedral where we went inside. The architecture is amazing, as is the artwork inside. Everywhere we go we seem to see ceilings painted with wonderful pictures. I am afraid that the Sistine Chapel may end up being just another painted ceiling. As you wander through a place like Notre Dame you can’t help but marvel at the place, and wonder at how craftsmen with hand tools created this masterpiece. The relative darkness of the place makes the wonderful stained glass windows even more brilliant in their colour and design. As we left the Cathedral the bells were ... read more

This leisurely Sunday began with a stroll up MontMartre. We started from the famous Moulin Rouge, where we will be returning tonight for dinner and the show, and walked up Rue Lepic passing some famous landmarks of the area. We stopped at a cafe near the top for a drink and some people watching. Further along we found a market with artists selling their wares and services. We accepted the invitation by one to sketch our pictures while we stopped for a coffee at the local cafe. His efforts produced an interesting likeness, a unique memento of the day, and 100 Euro for him. A bloke selling post pack tubes appeared on cue and we parted with more cash to ensure our artwork got home OK. Beyond the market lies the church which overlooks the city. ... read more

The train to Paris was uneventful, 20 minutes through the Channel Tunnel and we arrived in France travelling through wheat and corn fields with small villages dotted around. On arrival in Paris we were tole the Gran De Nord train station was worth looking at, but I didn’t see why. Maybe coming off the train we were in the wrong part. My first experience of Paris is that of a grubby city, grifters abound begging for money so you need to be careful. Our hotel (Hotel Annexe, in Rue Taylor) is clean, although small (read...Shoe box). It has the smallest elevator I have ever seen, only 2 of us just fit inside. We ventured out on the train into the Eiffel Tower and managed to work out the Paris Metro to at least get us there. ... read more

This morning started with a “flight” on the London Eye wheel. The weather was a little overcast, but dry, so the viewing was still good. The views from the top are wonderful and it’s a great way to identify where in London everything is. Following this we crossed the bridge to Westminster, past Big Ben, and walked on to Westminster Abbey. The Abbey is an amazing place with ornate stonework and stained glass, not to mention the marble floors in some areas and the ornate tombs of Kings, Queens, and other people. This is a walk back in time which I found fascinating. The self paced audio guide devices are a real help as they explain the significance of many parts of the Abbey; and they are available at no extra charge. Once we had wound ... read more

We awake today to the first rain we have experienced in Lancashire. In lieu of a day at the cricket we decided to visit the historic walled city of York, with a detour through Leeds to try to sort out a refund on the cricket tickets. As we drove east the rain continued until we crested the dividing range when it stopped. This is the highest motorway in England and the views would have been wonderful, except for the drizzle mist on the way up blocking the view. Leeds is not the prettiest city I have driven through, in fact it looks very grubby, but to someone who lives or works in Leeds I am sure it has a charm and appeal. Given we will be travelling for the next month, the staff at the Yorkshire ... read more