It's All About The WHIMSY!

Portobello Road, London

Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill...

Not To Be Missed!

Candy colored houses line the street, quaint garden behind high fences...

We were blessed with a warm and sunny day, quite a contrast to the previous day and it's famous London fog.

Below is an all important directional sign.  These are painted at intersections in "tourist" areas to ward off disasters...Pay attention!  They drive on the opposite side of the road, takes a little getting used to...

One of the jewels of the street is Alice's.  I wanted to buy the entire store!  Alas, no room in suitcase and not nearly enough pounds in my wallet.  

 

Just such glorious displays!  The wine bucket would be a perfect gift for one of my sisters..

 

An entire basket of red cricket balls!  I wanted them all!

Beautiful flower stalls on the street.  We did purchase some fabulous green grapes from a fruit stall, they were the size of apricots!

Color, color and more color!

 

Truly an eye catcher-All Saints.  I have never seen so many vintage sewing machines in one place.  Later in the week we passed another of their shops on Carnaby Street...same distinctive windows.  Lovely!

 

 

Spotted this sweetie in a window..with a little encouragement from brother Jay he stalked us while we snapped photos.

 

 

We ended the afternoon with a stroll through Kensington Garden and  Kensington Palace and on the way back to our hotel.  Much is under renovation and restoration..there is that BIG wedding coming up in a few weeks...and the Olympics as well.

Any opportunity for silliness and we jump right in!

Traveling at a high rate of speed

Au revoir Paris!  It's been lovely!

 We are flying across the French countryside on the Eurostar high speed train through the Chunnel to London!

Interestingly, in our car on the Eurostar, we traveled the entire trip at 250 mph...BACKWARDS.  Somehow that seemed appropriate however it made taking pictures a challenge.  

Row upon row of wind turbines dotted the landscape.  Not one but several very large wind farms flew by.  Quite impressive and beautiful.

Sunset just before we entered the Chunnel ...

Next stop on our tour will be Notting Hill and Portobello Road, Oh my how I wish I had a larger suitcase AND a spare filled with Pounds and Shillings!

Hauntingly beautiful Pere Lachaise

Located in the 20th Arrondissement, Pere Lachaise is truly the most beautiful cemetery.

It is massive (118 acres) and a map is a must have.

Our first visit was in 2006 and we entered in the late afternoon...without a map...not a smart move...

Once the sun goes down the massive gates are locked, not my idea of a fun place to spend the night.  Fortunately a guard directed us to an exit in time.  

This visit we were approached by one of the many "unofficial" tour guides...they roam the cemetery offering assistance in finding significant burial plots.  We, of course being friendly Americans were sucked right in.  I think he took a liking to my sister!

Can you see the reaction to this chance encounter written all over our faces?!  Dear brother Jay of course captured the moment.  He ran us from one end of the cemetery to the other.  Thankfully he spoke wonderful English and asked whom we might be seeking  rather than immediately taking us to Jim Morrison's grave, still one of the most popular there.  He entertained us with great stories and explained the inner workings of the cemetery.  It seems that once the grave lease is up after 100 years, "unless further  payment is received, remains are removed, cremated and tossed into the river".

"Barbecue, Barbecue,Barbecue!" he shouted.  We never got his real name so he will forever be known as Barbecue.  We tipped him, perhaps too generously, and made our escape to continue on our own. 

Chief Photographer

Beautiful statues everywhere

The grave of Oscar Wilde, covered with lipstick kisses from admirers.

Doorways

Notice the cobblestone roads?  Flat shoes are a must!  And be prepared to climb as the cemetery is built into a hillside.  But do go, it is beautiful and you will not be disappointed.

Oh, and if you see a crazy frenchman in a Doors t-shirt, don't say I did not warn you!

When in Paris

Street Art!

Be on the look out for street art...it is everywhere!

These locks were attached to many bridges over the Seine.  Each carried a love message for a kindred spirit.  So sweet!

In passageways along Rue Mouffetard

In the alleys

more on bridges

and in random spots at that!

Large scale stenciling is prominent on the Left Bank, our base camp.

And of course graffiti.

Such energy everywhere!

Paris Travels

Scenes from our Paris adventure!

We arrive, check in and head to Le Petit Pont for refreshments..one of our favorite places on the Seine across from Notre Dame.

yes there was much of this, but of course!

Strolling the city and soaking up the sights and sounds

We have been to this wonderful city more than a few times and while we make a point of seeking out some cultural establishments, we really like nothing better than to take the road less traveled and wander with our cameras.

How can you not love the flower shops!

Yes please. I'll have one of everything!

Sister dear takes in a big breath of spring!

This gentleman was very focused on his transistor radio-when did you last see one of those?

Kitty was watching the birds overhead.

Tuilleries Gift Shop

Ah, a mid afternoon snack!

Next up our strange and yet somehow wonderful experience in Pere Lachaise. Stay tuned, it's a doozy.

IPhone Friday

 

Paris Doorway

I haven't forgotten, really!

I haven't forgotten that I promised photos and stories of the travels to Paris and London..really.  Jet lag has finally resolved (day light savings time in the middle certainly didn't help!) , the laundry is done, and all those little things that need tending after a long time away are under control.  But a quick look at the calendar reminded me that Artfest is rapidly approaching and there is much to be done to prepare!  Ah!!!  

So glimpse into the travel journal while I upload and edit zillions of photos...

 

And I will go back to the mess on the art table and prepare for the grand adventure that is Artfest!

Travel stories and photos soon, I promise!

Drive By Post

A whirlwind week and a half of travel!  

Still a few miles to go.

Midnight arrival in New York City last night at JFK via Heathrow London.  Train home to Rhode Island tomorrow.

 

Hundreds and hundreds of photos to upload and stories to share.

 

The journey begins here....so much to share!

IPhone Friday

travel craziness!

Where in the World?

Hello London!

If all has gone well, We should be right here!