Monet's garden, Giverny

I've wanted to go to this garden about 80 kms outside Paris for a long while. We decided to take the easy option and go on a tour bus, even though more expensive. Although it is the end of the season there was a big crowd, so initially we had to follow the leader through the gardens in front of his house and also through the house. I took some pretty photos of the gardens, but no photography allowed inside.

Monet's house is a charming French cottage (large one) with garden views. There are reproductions of his paintings but, naturally, no originals. Green shutters add to the appeal. The gardens are full of sunflowers, dahlias, easter daisies, begonias, abutilons and much more. Very mixed and colourful.

There is also the famous waterlily garden which is across a busy road, but thoughtfully a tunnel has been provided. Less people here, so easier to move around and enjoy the watery gardens.

A short stroll to the village for a late lunch then back on the bus where the return trip took us along the Seine in Paris, which was a pleasing finale to another good day.

Tuileries garden and Champs Elysees

Saturday morning and the garden is alive with people walking, reading, talking, taking photos, eating baguettes, playing with their children or giving them a ride on the Carousel, running, selling souvenirs or simply sitting in the sun.

Parisians and visitors enjoy this garden, so close to the Louvre, and it doesn't seem to matter how many turn up, it accommodates all. Today the chestnut trees are dropping their leaves in the avenues, but it's hard to believe winter is close.

Notes on the Eurostar and First evening in Paris

Left the sympathetically renovated St Pancras Station punctually, with good seats marred by a gaggle of women going to Paris for the weekend. They didn't stop talking for the whole trip. Gave up on the idea of peace and went and sat in the dickie seat for a while. The scenery was lovely - the light and clouds were reminiscent of a Turner painting.
Beware the taxi touts at the Gare du Nord on arrival in Paris. They are a disgrace and the city should make an effort to clean up this unofficial aspect of the taxi industry. The first cab we were offered quoted 60 euros when asked. We moved out of there quickly. The second wanted 30 and a woman was acting as his tout. I checked with a proper taxi driver going past and he said 10E but there was a queue a mile long. We walked around the corner and got a taxi for15E-even then a woman tried to rip us off for more.
Our hotel is very central and within walking distance to many restaurants, shops and sites -Louvre, Tuileries and Opera. Rooms are small, but that is typical of Paris.

Afternoon tea on our last day in London

Last day in London. One of our party desisted, but we two caught the train to Green Park (aptly named, London has many beautiful city parks) and walked along Piccadilly St., and some delightful arcades, window shopping. Believe me, that is all you can afford to do in this area.
Our main aim for this foray was to experience a Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea, which we did. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours in serene surroundings, grand piano being played, and dainty sandwiches, scones and delicious cakes, served with tea, after a glass of French wine.
A short perusal of the rest of the store, then we caught the bus back through Knightsbridge to Sloane Square. Taxi home via Chelsea Embankment along the Thames. (Looks like a lovely place for a walk, as does Battersea Park, where the parents were taking their children for a run or bike ride after school.).
After six great days in London, we are off to Paris tomorrow on the Eurostar. 

Canterbury photos

Canterbury Cathedral

I've been planning to visit Canterbury on previous visits, but finally I made it. We caught the train from St Pancras to Canterbury West, then walked slightly uphill, which was lucky, because we had to almost run on the return to our train. Through the Westgate to the High St, which was so busy we wondered if there was an event, and whether there would be a crowd at the Cathedral. But, no, not so many there, but, as in Chaucer's day, there were some pilgrims.

First impression of the Cathedral is its size and beauty, although the stonework is eroding, as one would expect of a 1000 year old building. Stonemasons are constantly repairing. Moving through the Cathedral becomes a series of discoveries; beautiful side altars, elaborate tombs (including that of the Black Prince), engraved plaques, magnificent stained glass windows and the highest vaulted ceiling appear in turn. An ornate baptismal font was demolished by Cromwell's troups, but the pieces were collected and reassembled later. Unfortunately, the same army also smashed many stained glass windows, that have been replaced by plain glass. Commemorating another major event in English history, the murdered Thomas Becket has an altar dedicated to him.

Postscript on Kensington Palace

Many rooms devoted to Queen Victoria displayed her life, her writings, some furniture and jewellery, but particularly her clothes. She was so tiny they looked as if they belonged to a child - she was only 18 when she became Queen. Some slippers were minute. Hard to imagine someone so small ruling the British Empire for 64 years.

There were also evening dresses which had been worn by Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Both were also small, especially Margaret, but not as tiny as Victoria.The Queen's evening dresses were beautiful and so elegant.

A number dresses belonging to Diana were displayed as well. They were from a different era and  often more colourful - bright red and blue and designed to suit her being tall and slim - than the Queen's ( who always wears light colours in order to stand out).

No photos of the dresses because no flash allowed, although these rooms were not as dark as other rooms in the palace.