Location:Chartres, France
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Paris 2011 - Saturday Chartres Cathedral
While the Chartres Cathedral dates back to the 4th century - it was not dedicated until 1260 - 30 years after completion. A few fires - both from lightening and man-made wars - cause the structure to be rebuilt. Surprisingly today much of the original work is still intact and thankfully 152 of the original 186 stained
glass windows were safely buried to protect them. If you like stained glass
then this is the place to go and be happy. Both the Gothic architecture and windows will have you giggling with delight. While the two existingntowers boast solid examples of Gothic style - it is challenge to imagine the original Cathedral had nine towers planned.
glass windows were safely buried to protect them. If you like stained glass
then this is the place to go and be happy. Both the Gothic architecture and windows will have you giggling with delight. While the two existingntowers boast solid examples of Gothic style - it is challenge to imagine the original Cathedral had nine towers planned.
Location:Chartres, France
Paris 2011 - Saturday Chartres Cathedral
It is always fun to try something new and today we added Gare Montparnasse to the list. We met our Context Travel docent Elaine Polley at the train station for our trip Chartres and a visit to this famous Cathedral known for its stained glass windows.
Elaine specializes in medieval studies and runs a variety of tours for our friends at Context Travel. She is an easy-going Canadian and former school teacher. If you are looking for a guide for the kids, Elaine is a good choice. Our last time with her was about 3 years ago at St. Denis Cathedral - so we were delighted to see her again.
Montparnasse Gare Station, Paris, France
Elaine specializes in medieval studies and runs a variety of tours for our friends at Context Travel. She is an easy-going Canadian and former school teacher. If you are looking for a guide for the kids, Elaine is a good choice. Our last time with her was about 3 years ago at St. Denis Cathedral - so we were delighted to see her again.
Montparnasse Gare Station, Paris, France
Location:Chartres, France
Paris 2011 - Friday Verjus
I had been following the operators of the Hidden Kitchen for sometime. They recently opened a wine bar and in December their new restaurant Verjus (http://www.verjusparis.com/). It is a lovely space at 52 rue de richelieu with the restaurant seated upstairs and the compact wine bar below.
I was surprised to find the space filled with English speaking patrons and never overheard a single word of French. Still - seating was comfortable at the 20 or so tables. Dining offers two Fix Prix menus both with optional wine matching each course. A four course menu will set you back about 55 Euro and seven course runs about 85 Euros (wine takes it to 110 Euro).
After settling in - we opted for the four course meal and were delighted with the creativity and flavors. My tip - make reservations and plans to visit this lovely restaurant. It open in early December 2011 and is well worth a visit.
Smoked eggplant, creme fraiche semifreddo, beetroot, rye, ponzu
brown butter monkfish, brussels, apple, kichi broth
hanger steak salsify, hazelnuts, horseradish, cauliflower
I was surprised to find the space filled with English speaking patrons and never overheard a single word of French. Still - seating was comfortable at the 20 or so tables. Dining offers two Fix Prix menus both with optional wine matching each course. A four course menu will set you back about 55 Euro and seven course runs about 85 Euros (wine takes it to 110 Euro).
After settling in - we opted for the four course meal and were delighted with the creativity and flavors. My tip - make reservations and plans to visit this lovely restaurant. It open in early December 2011 and is well worth a visit.
Smoked eggplant, creme fraiche semifreddo, beetroot, rye, ponzu
brown butter monkfish, brussels, apple, kichi broth
hanger steak salsify, hazelnuts, horseradish, cauliflower
Location:Paris, France
Paris 2011 - Friday Petit Palais Cont.
A few additional photos from our visit to the Petit Palais and it's collection of artworks.
I cannot recall the name of this artist but the statue now sits in front of Musee d'Orsay not the Eiffel Tower.
Mary Cassatt - the painting is actually much larger than this shot.
Monet
Nice shot of statue and painting hanging on the back wall of the gallery - I like the combination.
I cannot recall the name of this artist but the statue now sits in front of Musee d'Orsay not the Eiffel Tower.
Mary Cassatt - the painting is actually much larger than this shot.
Monet
Nice shot of statue and painting hanging on the back wall of the gallery - I like the combination.
Location:Paris, France
Paris 2011 - Friday Petit Palais
The Petit Palais was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, and like the Grand Palais, became a museum in 1902. It permanent exhibits dedicated to glorify the City of Paris and celebrate the benefits of arts are free to the public.
Location:Paris, France
Paris 2011 - Friday Le MiniPalais Restaruant
One of this trip's many firsts is visiting a couple of new restaurants. Today - we tried the restaurant Le MiniPalais located along the Seine River inside the Grand Palais. The decor is wonder and service attentive. On a nice day - the outdoor terrace overlooking the river is a must. Today's weather with rain precluded us from trying that spot and had us cozy indoors.
The restaurant serves a wide array of choices. We settled on pasta dishes (15 to 17 Euro/plate). It must have had something to do with the weather.
Le MiniPalais Restaurant, Paris, France
Penne with sausage
Gnocchi
The restaurant serves a wide array of choices. We settled on pasta dishes (15 to 17 Euro/plate). It must have had something to do with the weather.
Le MiniPalais Restaurant, Paris, France
Penne with sausage
Gnocchi
Location:Paris, France
Paris 2011 - Friday Grand Palais
It is difficult to imagine a visit to Paris without venturing to see an exhibit at the Grand Palais. This year - the hall is filled with artwork from the Stein family. Michael and his wife Sarah, Leo and Gertrude created a fantastic collection of works. In 1900's - they collected the masterpieces of Matisse, Cezanne and Picasso.
The exhibit rejoins many of the best works of the Stein family from around the world.
National Galleries Grand Palais, Paris, France
The exhibit rejoins many of the best works of the Stein family from around the world.
National Galleries Grand Palais, Paris, France
Location:Paris, France
Friday, December 30, 2011
Paris 2011 - Thursday Petit Pontoise
Petit Pontoise is one of our long-standing favorite eateries in Paris. It is located in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank and within a quick 10 minute walk from our hotel. I am always thankful that Rosa Jackson found this spot for us. While the restaurant is more popular (read: make reservations if you want a premium hour) than ever - we continue to enjoy the food and affordable prices.
Understated and surprisingly good - Petit Pontoise.
My favorite appetizer - Foie Gras with figs.
Sea Scallops with winter vegetables.
Sea Bass with vanilla sauce.
Free-range Chicken with mashed potatoes.
Understated and surprisingly good - Petit Pontoise.
My favorite appetizer - Foie Gras with figs.
Sea Scallops with winter vegetables.
Sea Bass with vanilla sauce.
Free-range Chicken with mashed potatoes.
Location:Paris, France
Paris 2011 - Thursday Musee Jacquemart-Andre
We are a bit weary from the overnight journey from USA to France - and going through the first day with very little sleep.
Our first museum has us visiting the Fra Angelico exhibition and the Masters of Light at the Musee Jacquemart-Andre. We love this small museum off Haussmann blvd. Today, it seems that everyone else shared in our enthusiasm to see this exhibit.
While the exhibit wad more crowded than usual, it is well worth taking the time to enjoy. We refueled from our trip with a stop at the museum's restaurant which was also overflowing with patrons.
All in all - a delightful day in the City of Lights.
Musee Jacquemart-Andre
Fra Angelico masterpiece
Our first museum has us visiting the Fra Angelico exhibition and the Masters of Light at the Musee Jacquemart-Andre. We love this small museum off Haussmann blvd. Today, it seems that everyone else shared in our enthusiasm to see this exhibit.
While the exhibit wad more crowded than usual, it is well worth taking the time to enjoy. We refueled from our trip with a stop at the museum's restaurant which was also overflowing with patrons.
All in all - a delightful day in the City of Lights.
Musee Jacquemart-Andre
Fra Angelico masterpiece
Location:Paris, France
Paris 2011 - Thursday
We arrived in Paris and immediately began settling into our annual routine. The weather is much warmer this season and being outdoors is enjoyable - although my 180s ear warners are already getting a work out.
Hotel d'Able has new faces this year with Cecillea on leave after the birth of her baby boy our front desk clerk is now Ann-Sophie. Luckily a few familiar faces greeted us upon our arrival to ensure we got our favorite rooms. After the annual ritual of rearranging furniture and unpacking suitcases, we are home.
After a quick stop at the nearby Marty, our room is now equipped with a 10 cup American-style drip coffee maker. A 10 Euro investment in Western culture which I cannot live without - add purchasing of two 3 Euro coffee mugs from a Latin Quarter thrift shop and our kitchen is complete.
Ahhh - American coffee (Community, no less) and Paris views!
Location:Paris, France
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Helsinki Day Four - Return
A few quick shots from our return travel from Tallinn to Helsinki. Another beautiful day in Finland.
Location:Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Day Four - Tallinn Sweets
Shopping is really good in Tallinn. The city is now on the Euro and the prices are lower than Helsinki. Sweaters, linen, and Russian items (dolls and boxes) are the main purchases here. Finnish locals bring back liquor and cases of beer. The hydrofoil even has a duty free shop.
Kaleo's martispan candy is not to be missed. These hand painted candies are amazing. They are sold by weight. Even if you don't like sweets - stop by to watch the artist painting these treats.
Kaleo's martispan candy is not to be missed. These hand painted candies are amazing. They are sold by weight. Even if you don't like sweets - stop by to watch the artist painting these treats.
Location:Tallinn, Estonia
Helsinki Day Four - Tallinn
Good little eatery in Tallinn filled primarily with locals (students) for a quick bite of pizza.
Location:Tallinn, Estonia
Helsinki Day Four - Tallinn
A single day in Tallinn isn't really enough time to enjoy the town. Today (Monday) the museums are closed so our time was focussed on walking the cobblestone streets. We enjoyed the architecture, churches - and of course, shopping.
Location:Tallinn, Estonia
Helsinki Day Four- Tallinn
Tallinn's old town is a step back in time -back to Medieval Age. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Large portions of the original protective wall still remain today along with cobblestone streets. It is a 5 minute walk from the small port where our hydrofoil landed.
Location:Tallinn, Estonia
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