France and London - May 2006

Here are various pictures of our trip to Paris, Provence and London in May 2006. Most recent are at the top. Clicking on a photo displays a larger version.

Go to: Photo index | June 2006

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] We're at the end of our visit to the London Zoo. There's only one thing left to do - another ride on the merry-go-round, of course!

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] Aunty Karin, Mummy, me, and Daddy at the London Zoo. Such a fun day.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] I didn't have a nap today, so I'm taking this opportunity to have a brief rest on Daddy's shoulder. It's really been fun visiting the London Zoo.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] This is a Meerkat.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] A nice close-up of one of two Giraffes. Daddy big lens does a nice job.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] A zebra at the London Zoo.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] A big black bear. He looks cuddly, but I'm glad I didn't get too close.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] This is a Black and White Ruffed Lemur at the London Zoo. Cute looking.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] I got to touch some sheep in the petting zoo at London Zoo. They felt soft.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] Mummy and I have spotted the papparazi!

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] We're watching the porcupines at the London Zoo and wouldn't you know it, the paparazzi are there too, taking pictures of us!

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] One of London Zoo's porcupines (plus an albino one too).

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] We were watching this tiger and he was watching us. Very intently too - I don't think he moved for 5 minutes.

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] This leopard was particularly sneaky and didn't want to be noticed behind the tree, but I saw him!

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] Hey, it's Senor Toucan from my favourite show, Dora the Explorer!

Click the image for a larger version [29 May 2006, age ] We're visiting the London Zoo. This is a Ruppell's Griffon Vulture.

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] A wide shot of the London Eye. We went way up there and it was great fun!

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] I love my Uncle Paul!

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] Uncle Paul is always very serious.

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] We've finished our ride on the London Eye and now Uncle Paul and I are hanging out. I'm literally hanging out!

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] We're on our way back down. I had a really fun time with my fancy drink and looking out at the great views. I was a little bit scared getting close to the edge, but Mummy and Daddy looked after me. Can we do it again?

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] A closeup of Big Ben.

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] The view from near the top of the Eye looking up the Thames. The London Eye goes up 135 metres and a complete rotation takes 30 minutes.

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] It was very fancy to have drinks served to us on our London Eye flight. I got to have my own glass too - orange juice - although I did get to have a sip or two of champagne. Yum!

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] Our group on the London Eye: Daddy, me, Mummy, Uncle Paul, and Aunty Karin.

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] Me and my Mummy!

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] Mummy! Nice!

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] Victoria was our host on our special London Eye Champagne Flight. Victoria brought glasses and bottles of champagne and orange juice onboard in nice wicker picnic baskets. Hmmm, I wonder what I'll have.

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] Uncle Paul and Aunty Karin. Nice.

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] A picture of Big Ben and the British Houses of Parliament, taken from our capsule.

Click the image for a larger version [28 May 2006, age ] We're on the London Eye with Uncle Paul and Aunty Karin. The London Eye isn't a ferris wheel because (among other things), the capsules are on the outside of the wheel.

Click the image for a larger version [27 May 2006, age ] A quiet morning looking past the bakery and the coffee shop to the village square on the left.

Click the image for a larger version [27 May 2006, age ] Another pretty early-morning view across the valley.

Click the image for a larger version [27 May 2006, age ] Everything is still this time of morning -- even the airplane's con trail is undisturbed by winds.

Click the image for a larger version [27 May 2006, age ] Red poppies looking out to the Rhone Valley.

Click the image for a larger version [27 May 2006, age ] The village of Roussillon early in the morning.

Click the image for a larger version [27 May 2006, age ] Silhouette of a tree at dawn.

Click the image for a larger version [27 May 2006, age ] The ochre cliffs of Roussillon at dawn.

Click the image for a larger version [27 May 2006, age ] Dawn looking from Roussillon out across the Rhone Valley.

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Me with my Grandad. We're all dressed up nicely to celebrate Daddy's birthday. And it's after 10pm and I'm still up!

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Happy Birthday Daddy! We're celebrating at Le Piquebaure, a nice restaurant in Roussillon.

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Grandad Keith!

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Grandma Dorothy!

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Time to celebrate Daddy's birthday. We had dinner here by accident a few nights ago, Le Piquebaure, but it was so nice, we decided to go back again.

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] This is Madame Françoise Valenti, my new friend. She has a shop in the main laneway up the hill in Roussillon. She gave my class a poster of one of her pieces of art (the one on the right lying on the table). She even signed it for me! Daddy bought one too.

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Back home at Roussillon now. Mummy and I are having a nap, but Daddy, Grandad and Grandma went out to our local coffee shop (here on the corner, only about 5 doors down from our house) for a café.

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Lots of cherry trees on the way home. Grove and grove in this area. Yummy!

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Here's me at the Musee de la Lavende (Lavender Museum) in Cabrieres. There was a nice lavender smell throughout the building and Mummy made various purchases for people back home.

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] The view of the river alongside the restaurant where we had lunch. We never did make it to the hot springs though. A little bit too hot out in the sun for our liking.

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] La Fontaine de Vaucluse is most definitely a tourist town with lots of shops selling either Provence items or ice cream or both. Of course, we purchased both!

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] A pretty view of the river (something) on our way to La Fontaine de Vaucluse.

Click the image for a larger version [26 May 2006, age ] Our last day in Provence and we're just doing relatively local things today. It's Daddy's birthday too! We're on our way to La Fontaine de Vaucluse, the village around a natural hot spring. The road there took us past this pretty waterway and another portion of a Roman aquaduct.

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] The Maison Carree is apparently now a Public Library and a Museum of Contempory Art although at this end at least is the entrance to a 3D movie we're going to see about Heros through the Romain Ages. Maybe the library and museum are closed for renovations? You can see me helping Grandma up the stairs here.

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] We're in Nîmes (Nimes). This is the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple made of limestone that was built in the likeness of the temples of Rome during the rule of Augustine. In the middle ages became a public building and then later a private residence. In the 19th century it became a museum. After the creation of a Museum of Fine Arts and an Archaeological Museum, the Maison Carree became specialized in exhibiting Roman sculptures, mosaics and architecture.

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] We're setting up for our picnic under the trees. It started off cool in the morning, but now it is quite hot out in the sun.

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] Grandma and Grandad at the Pont du Gard - nice!

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] The view of the river (something) that the Pont du Gard crosses. We saw people in canoes going down the river as well as others jumping off the rocks into the water as well as just soaking up the sun.

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] We're now on the Pont. There's Mummy and me too.

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] We're getting closer to it.

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] A closeup of the arches of the Pont du Gard. We're going to walk along the lower level to get to the other side for a picnic lunch, but we also saw people on the top level too, perhaps entering from the other end.

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] This is the Pont du Gard, a Roman Aquaduct. There weren't many people here when we arrived, even though this is one of the main tourist attractions in this part of France (maybe even the #1 attraction outside Paris?).

Click the image for a larger version [25 May 2006, age ] Today's our second last full day in Provence and we're on the way to Pont du Gard. It's been a great week but I can tell you - I am exhausted! I'm using Baa Baa as a little pillow (she's comfy) and Grandma's keeping my head from boucing around while we're driving.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] The view back down the main laneway of Roussillon. During the day it is pretty busy with tourists, but this time of evening, it is deserted.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] Some interesting windows in the village.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] A pretty flower box in the Roussillon village square.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] We've gone for a walk through the village. I've walked on while Daddy took photos of more pretty flowers.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] We're back home again in Roussillon and the sun's is in the progress of setting.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] We went out of town to another winery and cellar. Looking back at the chateau - it has 360° views of the Rhone valley.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] Back in the village, the view back up at the chateau.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] The inside of the remains of the chateau at Chateauneuf du Pape. Pope Jean XXII of Avignon built the chateau in 1320. The town remained the summer home of the Avignon Popes through the 14th century, but was destroyed in 1562 at the beginning of the Wars of Religion.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] We're on the way to the top of Chateauneuf du Pape and the ruins of the chateau itself. This is the view of the valley with lots of grape vines.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] A nice tree and fountain in Chateauneuf du Pape.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] We've just visited Domain Moulin Cacussel, tasted a few wines and bought a bottle - nice! Now we need something to drink and an ice cream.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] A sign on the wall along the main street listing all the wine cellars. Looks good!

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] Ah, Châteauneuf Du Pape. This was where Mummy wanted to go in particular but we were all interested in checking out the most excellent wines from this region.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] The grape vines are growing in crushed limestone rocks. Pretty amazing really.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] This is our car the Renault Espace. I had my car seat in the back, and usually sat next to Grandma on my right and either Grandad or Mummy on the left. Daddy did most of the driving.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] Daddy and I have gone back to the car, but we've stopped by these nice flowers. Pretty.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] A wide shot of the bistro where we had lunch in Tavel. It was quite a nice day so it was good we found a place outside. The street was quite narrow, and it was quite interesting seeing a large truck navigate the turns.

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] We've stopped in Tavel in lunch. Tavel is one of the main towns in the wine district and prior to lunch we visited one of the wine cellars (cave des vignerons) where we bought some wine and got a free bottle opener from the proprietor. For lunch, I had a large plate of lasagna and for afters, a yummy iceblock!

Click the image for a larger version [24 May 2006, age ] We're on the way to the wine district along the N100. This house is built into the rock and actually uses it for a roof.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] The ochre cliffs of Roussillon are also lit up at night. My photographer set up the camera on the rock wall by the road and set the photo for a 3 second exposure at F4.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] The Roussillon bell tower is nicely lit up at night. This is the view from our patio - very pretty.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] What better way to end our day in Avignon than with another ride on the merry-go-round. Grandad and I are having so much fun!

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] The view of the Le Petit Palais (to the left of the statue) and Le Palais des Papes (to the right) from Saint Bénezet's Bridge.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] A view through one of the six windows of the Tinel.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] This is the La Grand Tinel, a reception hall where pontifical feasts took place. The wood-panelled ceiling isn't the original as it was destroyed in a major fire in 1413. Daddy wasn't supposed to take photos in here, even without a flash, but no-one was looking...  That's Mummy and Grandad in the picture.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] We're now inside the Palais des Papes and looking at courtyard of the cloister.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] This is Pont Saint-Bénezet or Saint Benezet's Bridge, originally built in the 12th century. There are only four arches left of the original 22 remain. We went for a walk on it later on in the day.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] A view of the Place du Palais (Palace square) and the Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) from the train.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] We're on a tour of Avignon on our little train. This is a view looking out to the Rhône River and St Bénezet's bridge. Some grapes growing in the foreground.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] We went on a tour of parts of Avignon on this little train. I sat with Mummy and Daddy.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] A view of the Place du Palais outside the palace from the top end.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] We've just turned the corner after my merry-go-round to see the Palais des Papes, the Popes' palace. It's where nine of the Popes lived from the 14th century. We had some lunch under the red umbrellas, then we went on a tour of the palace.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] I do like Merry-go-rounds.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] We're walking up one of the main shopping streets of Avignon towards Le Palais des Papes. The street empties onto a large area full of maybe a dozen or more outdoor restaurants (we'll eat at one later). Low and behold, what do I see down the end? Excellent!

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] We're now in Avignon, and our first stop is a rather late (as usual) morning coffee. We came across this square from the parking garage and decided it would be a most pleasant place to stop.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] There are poppies everywhere. I like poppies!

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] We're travelling in our Renault Espace to Avignon today. There are lots of cherry trees along the way, so we've stopped at a roadside stall to buy some Cherries. Yum! The lady is selling them by the size of the cherries - 2€ for a container of smaller cherries, 3€ for medium sized, and 4€ for large sized ones. Grandad picked the big ones and they were yummy!

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] The 19th century bell tower in Roussillon greeted us every morning. Strangely though. Public Radio Exchange did a story about how it rings on the hour and then two minutes later.

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] Who's the driver? Zoe!

Click the image for a larger version [23 May 2006, age ] Playing in the car seat...

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] This is the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a Cistercian abbey not far from Gordes. Those are lavender fields in the foreground, but they're not in bloom yet. We didn't go in because it was getting quite late (that, and it was closed). Pretty though.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] This is Gordes, a larger village in Provence. We went here today to go to the Gordes Castle where there is an exhibition of paintings from Pol Mara

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] We've gone out on a drive. Everywhere is very picturesque.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] This was the house we stayed in while we were in Roussillon. I called it "Grandma's house". The entrance from the street was just there were Grandma is, but there was also a back entrance where we drove the car in via the public car park. That was our patio above the garage door there and our rooms were on the top floor (the lower level was something else). The first window was the family room and the second window was where Grandma and Grandad slept.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] Back at our house, this is the view down the street. Where that car is where you can see the big cliffs off to the right. In the foreground on the right, where the green bushes are in pots is the local market where we purchased freshly baked breads in the morning plus other foods. Then right near the lady with the black top is one of a number of coffee shops. My drink of choice was always Orangina, but everyone else had Espresso or Cafe Creme or Cappuccino. The rest of Roussillon was up the street and to the left up the hill.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] We've gone for a walk through the rest of Roussillon to look at all the galleries and other shops there. Some of the alleyways were quite narrow. Roussillon is on the top of a mountain so it's a great view from every direction.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] We're back in the village but there's a great view of the cliffs from right in the centre. They light these up at night too.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] After we finished looking at the ochre cliffs, it was time to wash our hands (mine were very red from all the sand). Fortunately, there was a tap near the entrance just for this purpose. Daddy helped me.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] There were also a couple of walking trails you could take but we had other things to do, so we decided not to go on any of them. Pretty though.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] "Look Daddy, I've got red sand!" Grandad, Mummy and I are walking through the ochre sands.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] Sand! I think I'll collect some of this red sand and put it in my pocket.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] Some pretty wild flowers near the ochre cliffs of Roussillon

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] Amazing sand formations!

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] This is Le Sentier des Ocres, a natural area of ochre coloured sands. It is only about a 5 minute walk from Roussillon. The wind has made some very spectacular and huge sand structures.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] The valley below and into the distance is very spectacular. And some of my favourite poppies in the foreground.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] We're going for a walk to the red sands. On the way, we're stopping at some of the art shops, however I'm more interested in all the rocks around here. Don't tell Mummy, but I've collected a few in my pocket already!

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] This is Restaurant David (no really) in Roussillon. Our plan is to go there for Daddy's birthday as it is supposed to be nice.

Click the image for a larger version [22 May 2006, age ] A view of the village of Roussillon from a point just above the pretty cliffs.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Can I have just one more ride on the Merry-Go-Round?

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] We've stopped at Saint-Rémy-De-Provence for dinner, but not before I have a ride or three on a Merry-Go-Round. I love them!

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] The village and fortress castle of Les Baux de Provence.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] The entrance to the limestone quarry housing the Cathedrale d'Images.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] A view of the outside of the quarry. The entrance to the show is to the right.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] That's Grandma and Grandad with me at Cathedrale d'Images. It's a really huge space they cut out of the mountain to mine the Limestone. I was given a blanket to put around my shoulders as it was quite cool inside. The images were certainly very spectacular and the music was really good too. Daddy bought a DVD of the "show". The show we saw was called "Cézanne’s Colours" an exhibition of French impressionist painter Paul Cézanne's work.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Just down the road from Les Baux is Cathedrale d'Images, a gallery of images projected onto the walls of an old limestone quarry inside the mountain.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] A view of part of the village of Les Baux from the top of the Chateau.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Daddy took this photo of us from way up at the top of the castle. He's a long way up.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Mummy and I decided not to go up to the top of the castle. Good thing too - the steps are treacherous!

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] A view of a large portion of the Chateau-Fortress. During the Middle Ages, Les Baux became the seat of a powerful feudal lordship which controlled 79 towns and villages in the vicinity. The lords of Baux sought control of Provence for many years and gained a formidable reputation. The great castle at Les Baux became renowned for its court and later became a centre for Protestantism, but after unsuccessfully revolting against the French crown in the 17th century, the castle was ordered destroyed.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Rocks! Here at the Chateau-Fortress there are lots and lots of rocks to collect. I'm having a hard time carrying them all. I think I'll have to start getting choosy about which ones I should carry (or have my staff carry them for me).

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] The view from the Chateau-Fortress at Les Baux across the Rhone delta. You can see as far as Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Victiore mountain and Marseille.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Mummy, Daddy and I have gone on a self-guided tour of Chateau des Baux. We'll meet Grandma and Grandad later on. This trebuchet (a type of sling catapault) is one of a number of medieval siege weapons on display at the Château in Les Baux. The catapult fired 100 kg stones up to 200 metres.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] I made a bit of a mess of my shirt at lunch eating my ice cream, so I scored a new t-shirt. I like it!

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] One of the many alleyways in Les Baux (with a view across the valley in the distance) and one of the many art galleries too.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Some of the houses of Les Baux. The village had upwards of 6000 residents at it's peak, but these days there's more like 500 permanent residents. Tourists make up for it with an estimated 1.5M visitors annualy.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Gee, how about that. I'm having an ice cream cone to finish off my lunch. Did you know that I like ice cream?

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Down in the bottom of the valley looks to be some nice places to stay - complete with a pool.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Our lunch table.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Very impressive rocky outcrops across the valley directly out from where we were sitting for lunch.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] We've stopped for lunch at one of the restaurants in Les Baux. It has a lovely view into the valley.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] We're arrived at Les Baux De Provence. Les Baux is a pretty village atop a rocky limestone mountain. At the summit a castle now in ruins with a long history. This photo shows one of the pretty corners thoughout the village.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] This field was particularly pretty with all the poppies growing in amongst the grass crop.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] An old stone house amongst the fields of poppies and grapes.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] A view of the area - grass or wheat in the foreground with red poppies growing wild throughout, with grape vines in the middle ground and Luberon mountains in the background.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Rocks! Instead of grass in our yard, there lots of little pebbles and they're everywhere!  I'm looking forward to collecting many of them. I'm also playing with the pegs from the peg bucket as Grandma hangs some laundry on the line.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] Again from our patio, looking across the roofs of the houses and the bell tower in Roussillon. Every building is terracotta coloured due to the ochre-coloured soil in the area.

Click the image for a larger version [21 May 2006, age ] A view from the patio of the house we've rented for the week in Roussillon. The view in every direction is very pretty.

Click the image for a larger version [20 May 2006, age ] Grandma, Baa Baa and I are looking over my new drawing packet. It looks really good. I won't open it until we're on the train to Avignon. This is my first time on a fast train like this one.

Click the image for a larger version [20 May 2006, age ] Mummy bought me a packet with some drawing paper and pencils. Good thing I know French otherwise I'd have a hard time using it!

Click the image for a larger version [20 May 2006, age ] We've had our few days in Paris and are now at the train station (Gare de Lyon) to catch the TGV to Avignon. We made it to the station in good time so we've stopped for a coffee and some croissants.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] The Arc de Triomphe at night.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] These red lines are very interesting. They are actually painted on the buildings to line up if you're just in the right spont. We were walking back from Sacre Coeur looking for our bus stop or a taxi and we saw this. If you don't stand in exactly the right position, the lines don't line up and it looks more like this. I wonder who put them there?

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] A view of Sacré Coeur high up on the hill and the streets of Montmartre.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] A view of Sacre Coeur from further away, down near the Merry-Go-Round.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] It's a very fancy Merry-Go-Round, don't you think. I went on it three times.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] What better way to end the day that a couple of rides on a very fancy Merry-Go-Round! This one was just at the bottom of the fenicular railway line that we rode to go to the Sacre Coeur. Daddy and Grandad came with me to make sure I was OK but I was too busy having fun to worry about them.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] This is the view from the coffee shop in the square near Sacre Coeur. There were plenty of artists in the square as well as eating places. Some of the artists painted the scenery while others offered to do portraits of the tourists.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] Sitting with Grandma and Grandad watching the world go by.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] Another view of the Eiffel Tower, this time from Sacre Coeur.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] We're off to find somewhere to get some ice cream and some coffee.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] The view from Sacre Coeur looking out across Paris. The Eiffel Tower is to the right further.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] A view of Sacre Coeur from the front, minus the dome at the top (too tall).

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] We've made it to the top of the hill and went inside Sacre Coeur to have a look. Grandma didn't want to go inside (she's seen it before and wanted to sit down and look at the view instead). I've come out and sat with her and share my stories with her (and to hear a few of her's too). I love Grandma.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] We got off the bus to walk up the hill to the Basilique du Sacré Coeur de Montmartre but it started raining so Grandma bought me my very own Paris umbrella. It is just my size. I love it!

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] L'Acadamie National De Musique, where the names and faces of plenty of famous musicians adorn the facade, including Beethoven and Mozart.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] A picturesque view of the Tower up through the trees.

Click the image for a larger version [19 May 2006, age ] We're on a double-decker open-top sightseeing bus seeing some of the sights of Paris. Here's the view to the Effel Tower from the Trocedero. The tower is impressive from every angle.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] Time for a coffee, and for some, some serious chocolate. I've got some chocolate milk and a glass with some very rich chocolate mousse in it. I needed help to finish it - Daddy obliged fortunately.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] This is the window on the right (East?) wing of the cathedral. Very spectacular. After I walked around inside, Mummy helped me light a little candle for Arun and Anna.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] Ahhh. Just near the cathedral is a little park. Just the place to get a new bottom and to have a play on the playground toys there. This little horsie is fun.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] A view of Notre Dame Cathedral from the side. Very impressive.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] The Notre Dame, again from our boat cruise.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] We're on our river cruise and the plan is to get of at the next stop to visit Notre Dame. We caught a glimpse of it from the boat.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] We've had an ice cream and are now on a hop-on-hop-off tour boat travelling down the River Seine. I like these gold horses on columns but I don't know what they are yet. I'll have my research department look into it.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] We walked all the way to the Eiffel Tower but there were big queues to buy tickets and to enter the elevator to the first level, so we decided not to go up the top. That's OK with me.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] My first view of the Eiffel Tower. It's very tall and goes way up high.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] The Champs-Elysées goes from the Arc de Triomphe all the way down to the Place de la Concorde, shown here.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] The view from here is very spectacular. We can even see the Arc de Triomphe though the line of trees.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] Jet lat has caught up with me. I'm very tired!

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] Lunch at last. We've found a nice restaurant with outdoor seating on the Champs-Elysées with a great view of everything. I'm feeling a little bit sleepy though.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] The Arc de Triomphe is a key landmark of Paris and this photo was taken only two blocks from our apartment. Talk about location! We're crossing over right to left to find a nice place for lunch along the Champs Élysées. What better place to have my first Parisienne lunch.

Click the image for a larger version [18 May 2006, age ] Ah Paris and the Champs-Elysées. C'est Magnifique. This is my first trip to Paris and I like it already. It's especially good that Grandm Dorothy and Grandad Keith are here too.

Go to: Photo index | May 2006