Les Comptoirs des Colporteurs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqfMc0WkQWP_R3VpUOTGhKb194ODz0txAxuQUORroxA_DE3cAeWCWWTXiWrT4qV-n4AdsD15gSpS7tMbGJ37onE8lNOan7TJIvUPkAEgo5WKD-ZJHpseEFZ8x3C2Rzqr2-yJdzaMuPJk/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_265DSC_4890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqfMc0WkQWP_R3VpUOTGhKb194ODz0txAxuQUORroxA_DE3cAeWCWWTXiWrT4qV-n4AdsD15gSpS7tMbGJ37onE8lNOan7TJIvUPkAEgo5WKD-ZJHpseEFZ8x3C2Rzqr2-yJdzaMuPJk/s640/2013+May+20+0520_265DSC_4890.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Les Comptoirs des Colporteurs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A mystical doorway draped in the green fringe</div><div style="text-align: center;">of old wisteria vines.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Les Comptoirs des Colporteurs</div><div style="text-align: left;">4, rue Jean Desmarets</div><div style="text-align: left;">77160, Provins (short distance from Paris)</div>

Les Comptoirs des Colporteurs

Les Comptoirs des Colporteurs A mystical doorway draped in the green fringe of old wisteria vines. Les Comptoirs des Colporteurs 4, rue Jean...

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Tour de France 2015

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoZoxMdpy96I5x0oBKOIC_QhAjE3j8lM1-T12qWdjyR7IetQDibBS8kTks7654tisKtdCqWz5YYewkPCXnKrZ9uw8g2bjFNjUWA8_CuyoxDzAKw2ek935LyjQOGBOcgzxcTQv_YaXSdo/s1600/2012+Oct+3+Wednesday_200DSC_8076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoZoxMdpy96I5x0oBKOIC_QhAjE3j8lM1-T12qWdjyR7IetQDibBS8kTks7654tisKtdCqWz5YYewkPCXnKrZ9uw8g2bjFNjUWA8_CuyoxDzAKw2ek935LyjQOGBOcgzxcTQv_YaXSdo/s640/2012+Oct+3+Wednesday_200DSC_8076.jpg" width="616" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tour de France</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It all begins today</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and promises many view of the French countryside </div><div style="text-align: center;">along with exciting competition.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Check it out <a href="http://www.letour.com/us/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(Have a great July 4th Celebration)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tour de France</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Grand Start: Utrecht, the Netherlands</span></i></div>

Tour de France 2015

Tour de France It all begins today  and promises many view of the French countryside  along with exciting competition.   Check it out here ....

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vert et turquoise

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT95pd095uPB5iFieKFUV5RbPs_wIQoAa4Z0hi_pPuKIC_o-xO2p2NSm7tMlqmU2i7Zf3wcdxeCgeVTbzLoco14aQbXB8QOZ5vFbVvNQYrPgX8pAQaODvCA0lMEr8WvYQdP1OriiAtCDM/s1600/2011+April+day+4+DSC_0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT95pd095uPB5iFieKFUV5RbPs_wIQoAa4Z0hi_pPuKIC_o-xO2p2NSm7tMlqmU2i7Zf3wcdxeCgeVTbzLoco14aQbXB8QOZ5vFbVvNQYrPgX8pAQaODvCA0lMEr8WvYQdP1OriiAtCDM/s640/2011+April+day+4+DSC_0189.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bright green of new spring growth</div><div style="text-align: center;">and closed aqua shutters</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you wonder what lies beyond</div><div style="text-align: center;">the window?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">28000, Chartres</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

vert et turquoise

The bright green of new spring growth and closed aqua shutters Do you wonder what lies beyond the window? 28000, Chartres

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Le Jour du Macaron, ici et là

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DKf4NxD9iULfDRZ5UGDryO_V6fBOpnnYaQjYW4SCZpZpqeA73z4iIv6Glh2mt5U4ceth4cVe1wR-XjqjEjOXZt3hemzD6BF68ODbgnSoSXTJlXMRQ_I2BId9zRGq5BhqYroIV568B-M/s1600/2010+0419+DSC_0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DKf4NxD9iULfDRZ5UGDryO_V6fBOpnnYaQjYW4SCZpZpqeA73z4iIv6Glh2mt5U4ceth4cVe1wR-XjqjEjOXZt3hemzD6BF68ODbgnSoSXTJlXMRQ_I2BId9zRGq5BhqYroIV568B-M/s1600/2010+0419+DSC_0095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"here"</div><div style="text-align: center;">(chez Holly)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is the 10th anniversary of Le Jour du Macaron, started by Pierre Hermé.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the early years it was a bit like a scavenger hunt all over Paris, and at each stop (famous Paris pâtisseries) you could collect three macarons and they would stamp your "macaron map."  At the end of the day if you had a map with all of the stamps, you then received a treasure chest of 36 macarons from Pierre Hermé!  In exchange you were asked for a small charitable donation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was so successful that after a few years, the bonus at the end of the day was halted.  Can you imagine how many Parisiens and tourists chased all over the city collecting macarons!  Now, Jour du Macaron is celebrated in many cities and countries around the world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My daughter Holly and I have been making them (amid much scientific study and experimentation) for years now.  Our favorites to make: pistache with chocolate ganache filling, pecan with caramel au beurre salé, rosemary with lemon curd.  A good Swiss buttercream cut with Nutella will be great in any of these.  </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyeXvyWCCi4kc0MS97l5_6Ffp3fNEO5shjwbgZ2SiYj02Aw-NPe3W5tuTUzbV6ZEZ86n1iwxLav9GwfSNwgaW4kgMZrWAGVcOdk-65SmMfO6aOxfxM2MRFALlMYEt6UOY_3u9VVCYihc/s1600/2014+Sept+16+Tues++++_20140916+159+DSC_7671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyeXvyWCCi4kc0MS97l5_6Ffp3fNEO5shjwbgZ2SiYj02Aw-NPe3W5tuTUzbV6ZEZ86n1iwxLav9GwfSNwgaW4kgMZrWAGVcOdk-65SmMfO6aOxfxM2MRFALlMYEt6UOY_3u9VVCYihc/s1600/2014+Sept+16+Tues++++_20140916+159+DSC_7671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"there"</div><div style="text-align: center;">(in Paris)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">bon weekend</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(miam-miam)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">"ici" et "là"</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">là - Spécialités Artisanales</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Biscuiterie de Montmartre</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">16, rue Norvins</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">75018, Paris</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Le Jour du Macaron, ici et là

"here" (chez Holly) Today is the 10th anniversary of Le Jour du Macaron, started by Pierre Hermé. In the early years it was a bit ...

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Chartres Cathedral

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEdm1n69Bd9XOoLX3NNrQSu5AnF1REVIB2QMfxYz2qqupH7OZzlSjBFqMoiNaBHj7KIBioNWKzCgDuLYOcYkF_NF0RwQoAPTXbWUHaKPk3fqrmwMbSY3Uhxj-2EWg8S7e8zb1j4LrOz8/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEdm1n69Bd9XOoLX3NNrQSu5AnF1REVIB2QMfxYz2qqupH7OZzlSjBFqMoiNaBHj7KIBioNWKzCgDuLYOcYkF_NF0RwQoAPTXbWUHaKPk3fqrmwMbSY3Uhxj-2EWg8S7e8zb1j4LrOz8/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0123.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seen through a window as Marie and I climbed the many steps </div><div style="text-align: center;">to the top of the bell tower, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the interior of Chartres Cathedral </div><div style="text-align: center;">appears to be a blended neutral color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The major renovations and makeover </div><div style="text-align: center;">of this eight hundred year old cathedral have created a stir.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">I look forward to checking them out myself </div><div style="text-align: center;">before passing judgment, but you can <a href="http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2014/dec/14/scandalous-makeover-chartres/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NYR+Eric+Garner+Chartres+Iron+Age&utm_content=NYR+Eric+Garner+Chartres+Iron+Age+CID_57d8f4319bbe76afa176360a3cbb2ce4&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=A%20Scandalous%20Makeover%20at%20Chartres%20Cathedral" target="_blank">read about it here</a>.*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">bon dimanche</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Notre Dame de Chartres</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chartres, France</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*Thanks to traveling friend, Mary G, for the link</div>

Chartres Cathedral

Seen through a window as Marie and I climbed the many steps  to the top of the bell tower,  the interior of Chartres Cathedral  appears to b...

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Veteran's Day - Beyond

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwYsJETMKmDF2kwt7HR3KH9pOteYxeMgBaYYiC81CdvJeGTaHxF9tl-6MVQylNNDe1-TApSts_85GedP9YQKyrQ35_J26k0zhDWqiKG1XDBJGSMalt2GGMgDLa9EyHMYv8FZrzcFzLDU/s1600/2013+May+18+THE+DAY_301DSC_3670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwYsJETMKmDF2kwt7HR3KH9pOteYxeMgBaYYiC81CdvJeGTaHxF9tl-6MVQylNNDe1-TApSts_85GedP9YQKyrQ35_J26k0zhDWqiKG1XDBJGSMalt2GGMgDLa9EyHMYv8FZrzcFzLDU/s1600/2013+May+18+THE+DAY_301DSC_3670.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Veteran's Day</div><div style="text-align: center;">Changing of the Guard</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomb of the Unknown Soldier</div><div style="text-align: center;">Arlington Cemetery</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you know I rarely go "Beyond" but today is Veteran's Day, and it seemed appropriate to share a story.  About a year ago I was fortunate to be selected as a Guardian for an <a href="http://www.honorflightthemovie.com/about/">Honor Flight</a>.  We accompanied over 100 World War II Veterans to see the war memorials in Washington, D.C.  The men and women who were in their teens when they went to the Pacific or to Europe to fight in the war are now in their late eighties and nineties.  What an experience to talk to these former soldiers and to hear their stories.  My dad died just five weeks before we were to have gone together on this momentous journey.    </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see in the reflection of the Guard's glasses the bright yellow shirts of our Veterans.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(for Daddy)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Arlington Cemetery</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Washington, D.C.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Veteran's Day - Beyond

Veteran's Day Changing of the Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Arlington Cemetery As you know I rarely go "Beyond" but today ...

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Sainte Geneviève des Bois - le cimetière russe

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyBngLUwJe76ZNuRm1R4Sw0CPC7zWpMTJizjmIOOFx56RziBF3dBDC5d_w4vUzUDQHeXTgs6OFWDYWTk_2DqfqzSKaov__h5XyDf3ekTAE4iqIPpdI0W1LcVZSc3EJ0UImaGUeqZDAQs/s1600/2011+Nov+10+DSC_0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyBngLUwJe76ZNuRm1R4Sw0CPC7zWpMTJizjmIOOFx56RziBF3dBDC5d_w4vUzUDQHeXTgs6OFWDYWTk_2DqfqzSKaov__h5XyDf3ekTAE4iqIPpdI0W1LcVZSc3EJ0UImaGUeqZDAQs/s1600/2011+Nov+10+DSC_0404.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sainte Geneviève des Bois</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">a Russian Cemetery</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Russian Orthodox Cemetery is not highly regarded </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">by the locals of this small town </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">and many do not even know of its existence.  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I made the trip to see the <a href="http://parisandbeyond-genie.blogspot.com/2011/11/pilgrimage-to-saint-genevieve-des-bois.html" target="_blank">tombstone of Rudolph Nureuev</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">and found the carpet of <a href="http://parisandbeyond-genie.blogspot.com/2012/11/sainte-genevieve-des-bois-le-cimetiere.html">fallen ginko leaves as a bonus</a>.  </span></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Wherever I have traveled in the world, I visit and photograph the cemeteries.  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Although this cemetery is not well-maintained, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">there was a quiet beauty of the season, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">silent and colorful with autumn leaves.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Russian Orthodox Cemetery</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Sainte Geneviève des Bois </i></span></div>

Sainte Geneviève des Bois - le cimetière russe

Sainte Geneviève des Bois a Russian Cemetery The Russian Orthodox Cemetery is not highly regarded  by the locals of this small town  and m...

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Palais Garnier - l'opéra

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySGR28ivpBTNVocNtbM96tC5ou-Z_-m7dNZ84vCeiv2JyX3nLFGOFaUdEa-Imv4Ur76l0wKOcxkxDwUOVMmd4XPhz5eM1Nkm5yoNoMo8KHCbES-nt28mIn0onLEXKeI6ztYUBYqJCZTM/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_484DSC_5118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySGR28ivpBTNVocNtbM96tC5ou-Z_-m7dNZ84vCeiv2JyX3nLFGOFaUdEa-Imv4Ur76l0wKOcxkxDwUOVMmd4XPhz5eM1Nkm5yoNoMo8KHCbES-nt28mIn0onLEXKeI6ztYUBYqJCZTM/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_484DSC_5118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Palais Garnier</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No, I am not here tonight but in Budapest</div><div style="text-align: center;">with Alexa and the ever-charming Hattatts, Jane and Lance.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We will be at the Hungarian State Opera House </div><div style="text-align: center;">for a performance of </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cavalleria Rusticana and  Pagliacci,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I will bring back photos and stories</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Palais Garnier</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">75009, Paris</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Palais Garnier - l'opéra

Palais Garnier No, I am not here tonight but in Budapest with Alexa and the ever-charming Hattatts, Jane and Lance. We will be at the Hungar...

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Oskar m'a dit... allons-y!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLhen6M5q1yzflH0sJ38UXXJv_rXzGcebeazh5JdKkYdtsgRx7wqkHK5Csb21itqArRz-OrhJhiHf4fi-RXTrPVrLZ-9qvCfI7plKCEceB17q2wUxwRa_1w947c9IEat1s6pUKH8Zlxw/s1600/2012+Mar25-26+P_006DSC_3938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLhen6M5q1yzflH0sJ38UXXJv_rXzGcebeazh5JdKkYdtsgRx7wqkHK5Csb21itqArRz-OrhJhiHf4fi-RXTrPVrLZ-9qvCfI7plKCEceB17q2wUxwRa_1w947c9IEat1s6pUKH8Zlxw/s1600/2012+Mar25-26+P_006DSC_3938.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oskar</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oskar, the international traveling cat, </div><div style="text-align: center;">is taking me away to Paris and then beyond to Budapest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We will meet up with friend, Alexa (<a href="http://parisonceagain.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paris Encore</a>) for a week in Paris, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and then we three fly to Budapest to visit dear blog friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will be looking for hidden Paris places </div><div style="text-align: center;">and thousands of photographs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oskar is ready...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Destination:  Paris and Beyond</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(Merci, brattcat, for mon cher Oskar)</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Oskar m'a dit... allons-y!

Oskar Oskar, the international traveling cat,  is taking me away to Paris and then beyond to Budapest. We will meet up with friend, Alexa ( ...

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Église Saint-Quiriace

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWwpDYH83A84ht9FvxyY37qZHU3kl7CQPjVWim499zYF0iopSR5KgMbuc_EFjLtgo4qgGmX5w0RMHHDNXxe3gvOi7RuYrB6KjSKPcEuMeVreVea3bjr_mZ0eA50n68v6a9nzdv2oOIMo/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_174DSC_4798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWwpDYH83A84ht9FvxyY37qZHU3kl7CQPjVWim499zYF0iopSR5KgMbuc_EFjLtgo4qgGmX5w0RMHHDNXxe3gvOi7RuYrB6KjSKPcEuMeVreVea3bjr_mZ0eA50n68v6a9nzdv2oOIMo/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_174DSC_4798.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Église Saint-Quiriace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This church in the small town of Provins, just beyond Paris, </div><div style="text-align: center;">was founded early in the 11th century.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">The town is divided into an Upper Town and a Lower Town,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> respectively called the Châtel (Castle) and the Val (Valley).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This church sits in its elevated position in the upper town, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and although it has never been completed it is worthy of a visit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">bon dimanche</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Église Saint-Quiriace</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">9, place Saint-Quiriace</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">77160, Provins, France</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Église Saint-Quiriace

Église Saint-Quiriace This church in the small town of Provins, just beyond Paris,  was founded early in the 11th century.   The town is div...

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Un cycliste dans une rue

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiS0662U11kZc6nbB9IXwj3CQbAnPF4FUJBBEEOs4HogVELOOgSAaHE_tBiz4MwwoRS16KaiAMTrprGYhPURRjfzkPS2S9aoEpmGpgOFUwiLZJtidWviagc0VonJN8jNHRWu0fhEpNps/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_77DSC_4701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiS0662U11kZc6nbB9IXwj3CQbAnPF4FUJBBEEOs4HogVELOOgSAaHE_tBiz4MwwoRS16KaiAMTrprGYhPURRjfzkPS2S9aoEpmGpgOFUwiLZJtidWviagc0VonJN8jNHRWu0fhEpNps/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_77DSC_4701.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A cyclist</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a narrow street of Provins (a short train ride from Gare de L'Est) we found this cyclist, moving so slowly that it was a marvel he kept his bicycle upright.  It was mid-morning and perhaps he had delivered the contents of those empty boxes to a market, mushrooms or berries?  He was chatting with a gentlemen who was walking in the same direction, someone he knew.  With a population of about 12,000, the locals all know each other.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although it rained when we were there, </div><div style="text-align: center;">it did not dampen our enjoyment of this Medieval town.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Beyond</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Provins, France</span></span></i></div>

Un cycliste dans une rue

A cyclist In a narrow street of Provins (a short train ride from Gare de L'Est) we found this cyclist, moving so slowly that it was a ma...

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Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaf52MujD-LWL9vr6DsESL6b8MD1jwzv_xL2LD4sJz6p0TfKfacz9AAsW_PzUdBwfKGp2CdP-KHF50KjuRreZbqeajZ4i6ddd6EPx6TxgorVeXt9D0fhKGgSP55U9PytiSw6b_k2XeyE/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaf52MujD-LWL9vr6DsESL6b8MD1jwzv_xL2LD4sJz6p0TfKfacz9AAsW_PzUdBwfKGp2CdP-KHF50KjuRreZbqeajZ4i6ddd6EPx6TxgorVeXt9D0fhKGgSP55U9PytiSw6b_k2XeyE/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0300.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chartres is a quick train ride from Paris, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and an easy day trip.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are there to see the cathedral, </div><div style="text-align: center;">do not miss the other churches such as </div><div style="text-align: center;">Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres and Église Saint-Pierre.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Each is unique and exquisite in detail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">bon dimanche</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>Église Saint-Aignan de Chartres</span></span></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></i><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>12, place de l'Etape au Vin</span></span></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></i><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span>28000, Chartres</span></span></span></i></div>

Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres

Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres Chartres is a quick train ride from Paris,  and an easy day trip. If you are there to see the cathedral,  do ...

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L'Eure à Chartres

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3ieIQ-NERbt8s7HbbnObtzVc3sD5ZVZ0InhT2qK-9f7UxAPZEDBYhAcgVEybtjlZH0SyiK3WDPuGANXnKJfqaCN-dVoBgigjAOZJfnte_e2fKKqMHBWR38sBdciYnh8epJ90pyvTiXs/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3ieIQ-NERbt8s7HbbnObtzVc3sD5ZVZ0InhT2qK-9f7UxAPZEDBYhAcgVEybtjlZH0SyiK3WDPuGANXnKJfqaCN-dVoBgigjAOZJfnte_e2fKKqMHBWR38sBdciYnh8epJ90pyvTiXs/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0183.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">L'Eure à Chartres</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only will you find the magnificent cathedral in Chartres, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but a quiet place to stroll along the river Eure, </div><div style="text-align: center;">stopping for a cup of tea, a delicious lunch, </div><div style="text-align: center;">or an assortment of pastries.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The relaxed pace of life here is a welcome reprieve </div><div style="text-align: center;">from the rush of daily life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">bon weekend</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">L'Eure à Chartres</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">28000, Chartres</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

L'Eure à Chartres

L'Eure à Chartres Not only will you find the magnificent cathedral in Chartres,  but a quiet place to stroll along the river Eure,  stop...

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Déjeuner à Chatrès

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB67AQiTp-wLZaOUACBD-n-6P1ai2ZFD7wrZUVV8l2jsQ2glfFjw_aDjz6x8l3f1sQ6BJtnjotADHBoswGMZz6cIE_RdqgaVxDnE846gkPe0dEw4ccJW4hWHWNNg5mmbiFgiuj1nGq38/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB67AQiTp-wLZaOUACBD-n-6P1ai2ZFD7wrZUVV8l2jsQ2glfFjw_aDjz6x8l3f1sQ6BJtnjotADHBoswGMZz6cIE_RdqgaVxDnE846gkPe0dEw4ccJW4hWHWNNg5mmbiFgiuj1nGq38/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0169.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lunch in Chartrès</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A quiet table for two.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, this could be just about anywhere, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but the cane chair just about gives it away.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chartrès, </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">a quick train from Paris</span></span></i></div>

Déjeuner à Chatrès

Lunch in Chartrès A quiet table for two. Yes, this could be just about anywhere,  but the cane chair just about gives it away. Chartrès,  a ...

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Des fênetres de Provins

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VWj3_5g1u7VfNEjSoKBpuTqXoRZFH_5iF6Xkal6cIEKgdBttomaFf4mdROisJVtOq9LjFzUFheK9bAXLNV0qkpeTz1h_2Sai0cShWPezhTjrbotEVAlhOfJ3ACPe1Nu5QeJfpYT-c6s/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_76DSC_4700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VWj3_5g1u7VfNEjSoKBpuTqXoRZFH_5iF6Xkal6cIEKgdBttomaFf4mdROisJVtOq9LjFzUFheK9bAXLNV0qkpeTz1h_2Sai0cShWPezhTjrbotEVAlhOfJ3ACPe1Nu5QeJfpYT-c6s/s1600/2013+May+20+0520_76DSC_4700.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Windows in Provins</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With just a quick train ride out of Paris (from Gare de l'Est)<br />you can be in the midst of a Medieval village<br />with a panoramic view of the landscape. <br /><br /><br />Many of the 11th century buildings are relatively unchanged.<br /> It is an easy day trip out of Paris and has a very quiet, peaceful feeling.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">16, rue du Four des Raines </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">77160, Provins </span></i></div></div>

Des fênetres de Provins

Windows in Provins With just a quick train ride out of Paris (from Gare de l'Est) you can be in the midst of a Medieval village with a p...

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Un ancien mur de pierre

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoGREma5WXhkxKwCrszidJ_xBv7M7xQLG72UMy8ptgEgXnF2J5znE1n2K825Wn_fBzHDhQh1n2PNC72-4d_SCpIPrZqXNuMWjm5MEWINa7ltKgxKbWmfXaR-qx5SeCQIlgwl8HbQVLcY/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoGREma5WXhkxKwCrszidJ_xBv7M7xQLG72UMy8ptgEgXnF2J5znE1n2K825Wn_fBzHDhQh1n2PNC72-4d_SCpIPrZqXNuMWjm5MEWINa7ltKgxKbWmfXaR-qx5SeCQIlgwl8HbQVLcY/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0263.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An ancient stone wall</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The crumbling stone wall </div><div style="text-align: center;">crusted with moss and lichens </div><div style="text-align: center;">provides a perch for delicate yellow wild flowers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chartrès</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Beyond, France</span></span></i></div>

Un ancien mur de pierre

An ancient stone wall The crumbling stone wall  crusted with moss and lichens  provides a perch for delicate yellow wild flowers Chartrès Be...

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Le Carrousel de Nogent

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pEVjZYuxIEw5QjpPfEajGtIDQB7pM7GKzqGC_Ua5ru8tWezxmtAW7W5YcBBXCbDCBg8HjFwfTG6p9QZiyIAm5w8XGeAVpEigH0pmxzURcAm6vXZGcJShaq_-N9RlmhNCTIWPgrQ03MM/s1600/2010+June+19+DSC_0815cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pEVjZYuxIEw5QjpPfEajGtIDQB7pM7GKzqGC_Ua5ru8tWezxmtAW7W5YcBBXCbDCBg8HjFwfTG6p9QZiyIAm5w8XGeAVpEigH0pmxzURcAm6vXZGcJShaq_-N9RlmhNCTIWPgrQ03MM/s1600/2010+June+19+DSC_0815cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Le Carrousel de Nogent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The carousel is protected from the elements by the glass windows.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">It is nice to see that they have chairs for the adults, </div><div style="text-align: center;">well... for the adults who do not ride.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Le Carrousel de Nogent</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Nogent Sur Marne, just beyond Bois de Vincennes</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></i></div>

Le Carrousel de Nogent

Le Carrousel de Nogent The carousel is protected from the elements by the glass windows.   It is nice to see that they have chairs for the a...

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Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUohQ2CZxn8nEyfLRJnLyEoJhWlALDuLW1guHVYAwtPi0Ox1jsJRlgaIzdDCJv7Ja7b-FeUwqE8_n8o-9qQYifBJeVxs1Qaa5bWdk_hiUAaP4kuk3k7T_noZhcJ3pBsBlk6rQb8N3vakQ/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUohQ2CZxn8nEyfLRJnLyEoJhWlALDuLW1guHVYAwtPi0Ox1jsJRlgaIzdDCJv7Ja7b-FeUwqE8_n8o-9qQYifBJeVxs1Qaa5bWdk_hiUAaP4kuk3k7T_noZhcJ3pBsBlk6rQb8N3vakQ/s1600/2011+April+15+DSC_0232.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://parisandbeyond-genie.blogspot.com/2011/09/eglise-saint-aignan-de-chartres.html" target="_blank">Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres</a>:</div><div style="text-align: center;">a simple iron gate* in a 500 year-old church</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">joyeuses Pâques</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Église Saint-Aignan de Chartres</span></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></i><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">12, place de l'Etape au Vin</span></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></i><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">28000, Chartres</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">*with cobwebs </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>

Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres

Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres : a simple iron gate* in a 500 year-old church joyeuses Pâques Église Saint-Aignan de Chartres 12, place de l...

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Église Saint-Quiriace - la porte rouge

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-X2nVlTA6TnLv0_Q5ASU94WL8RHYumFFd0PzQYu6tcldyRBfeb7h8O8DbLelP8B5we6hyQdr8lxlLWKhbFwH2ACzaKWN112PZOxr6WlLA8rGHUyCcXAc5f03OFtVc5IOPZ4yRSmACwo/s1600/2013+May+0520_210DSC_4834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-X2nVlTA6TnLv0_Q5ASU94WL8RHYumFFd0PzQYu6tcldyRBfeb7h8O8DbLelP8B5we6hyQdr8lxlLWKhbFwH2ACzaKWN112PZOxr6WlLA8rGHUyCcXAc5f03OFtVc5IOPZ4yRSmACwo/s1600/2013+May+0520_210DSC_4834.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Église Saint-Quiriace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The setting for this Twelfth Century church</div><div style="text-align: center;"> is rich with history. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We watched as she entered the red doors on gloomy day.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">You can catch just a brief glimpse of her blue robes in the puddle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">bon dimanche</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Église Saint-Quiriace</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Place Saint-Quiriace</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">77160, Provins</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Église Saint-Quiriace - la porte rouge

Église Saint-Quiriace The setting for this Twelfth Century church  is rich with history.  We watched as she entered the red doors on gloomy ...

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Bûche de Noël - chez moi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlSHkLarpffHjNN8DX0YWO9Di8QrGJICwZ7or-I2UMKPyLIMcB6lgEg1hyphenhyphenp7cB5ZlTclWSxJxJeOrKn0PPtfZ6zo1qOEGPx7kc8E1Aked6DP43x3NF9HAXoPlaSZ8Qw693BXJywZPAdE/s1600/2013+1222++222+DSC_4116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlSHkLarpffHjNN8DX0YWO9Di8QrGJICwZ7or-I2UMKPyLIMcB6lgEg1hyphenhyphenp7cB5ZlTclWSxJxJeOrKn0PPtfZ6zo1qOEGPx7kc8E1Aked6DP43x3NF9HAXoPlaSZ8Qw693BXJywZPAdE/s640/2013+1222++222+DSC_4116.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bûche de Noël</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"yule log"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Adopting another French tradition, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">we welcome Christmas with a bûche de Noël.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Using a recipe inspired by the celebrated Paris pastry shop Ladurée, the <i>bûche</i> consists of a buttercream icing, a <i>roulade</i> of fine bittersweet chocolate, and a filling of rich semisweet chocolate.  The humidity and rainstorms steered us to marzipan rather than our preferred meringue mushrooms.  Here is a <a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Buche-de-Noel" target="_blank">recipe in English</a> and another <a href="http://cuisine.journaldesfemmes.com/recette/305309-buche-de-noel" target="_blank">here in French</a>.  We used the English recipe.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This confection was a collaboration of daughter Holly, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">visiting French girl, and moi.  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...sending you Christmas wishes </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(still have to make Jesus' birthday cake)</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Beyond </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Bûche de Noël - chez moi

Bûche de Noël "yule log" Adopting another French tradition,  we welcome Christmas with a bûche de Noël. Using a recipe inspired by...

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