Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 16
Today D & R took us to Canterbury Shaker Village. It is a lovely place, which D took me and H to when we visited some years ago. It was founded in 1792 and at one time supported 300 people. Our guide was very informative and pointed out all the innovations developed by the Shakers. Ideas from the women had to travel up to the highest level where certain women were allowed to talk to other senior men and then the idea was communicated down to the relevant men. This way washing machines were made, drying racks for clothes were installed and so on. Everything made with such skill and ingenuity. They also embraced 'modernity', having cars, electricity, telephones and so on, no living in the dark ages for them, just no sex!
Dinner was at The Corner House Inn where D&R are well known and the food was good and the hospitality second to none. The log fire was burning warmly to welcome us and we had a very pleasant evening.
Canterbury Shaker Village
The Corner House Inn
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 15
A driving day in the main as we had to get from Bar Harbour to North Sandwich, New Hampshire. Our friends recommended we take a detour to L L Bean to get A some shirts at outlet prices, so Newport was our first stop. We found the car park and boggled at the size of the outlet - three large buildings of stuff, where to start. Well, that's easy, where are the loos. We eventually found them, thank goodness. Shirts bought, we looked around the rest of the town dedicated to outlet shopping, and found one of the smallest Starbucks ever with only a couple of tables and a long queue of folk, nearly all getting stuff to go. We shared a table with some other people before going back to the car and driving to NH.
It was lovely to arrive at their beautiful house and settle in to the comforts of home. D really liked her Cape Breton Clay bowl.
It was lovely to arrive at their beautiful house and settle in to the comforts of home. D really liked her Cape Breton Clay bowl.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 14
Mark's breakfast was amazing and with an infinite selection. We 'made do' with fruit yoghurt, cereal and rolls with coffee and tea. Then it was time to drive all the way around the whole of Mount Desert Island. The '3' took us across to the turning for Northeast Harbour where we turned in to take a look at the village and have a coffee break. It is a very pretty place and coffee was good, just down from a little garden with two white Adirondack chairs that looked very cute. We followed the road along the coast up Somes Sound and down the opposite side. We had to stop when a loon was spotted and although photos were taken, the loon is very small - much better in the binos. The coastline is very picturesque and we enjoyed seeing all the different types; rocky headlands, secluded sandy coves, marinas that must be very busy in the summer season' and fishing harbours. Lunch was at Pretty Marsh outside on a veranda overlooking the bay with jetties and piers. Some people were in for serious lunch of lobster platters, we just stuck to a sandwich and coffee.
We wanted to see the view from Cadillac Mt. so now drove back to the Cadillac Mt Park entrance. The weather was glorious, so when we got to the summit it was very busy. The coaches were there again and hundreds of other cars, too. Nevertheless, we could walk on the designated paths to see the 360 view over the island which is breathtaking.
Back at Bar Harbour, we parked the car at Maple Inn and walked in to the town. Its a very pretty place and we took the path along the waterfront. A four masted schooner was out on the water just putting up its sails, then it sailed across the side of the cruise ship moored off shore - great for the photos. The sun was slipping away, the cruise people were being ferried back to their ship and the lights were coming on in the hotels, bars and shops along the front. We walked along a pier where the schooner comes in. It is the Margaret Todd and people go out on cruises, apparently helping to hoist the sails. They have a Newfie called Maggie on board. By the time we got up the main street it was quite dark and also time for dinner, so we looked for Mark's other recommendation, Café This Way. This was fabulous, and we enjoyed a delicious dinner in a warm, happy atmosphere.
The Margaret Todd
Cafe This Way
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 13
We had a cup of tea in our room, then set off after clearing the frost off the car. Before we got to border at St Stephens we had breakfast in Carmen's diner. At Customs we had to fill in extra forms for $6 each with fingerprints and photos! They seemed to be having a training exercise as lots of burly young men watched intently as we and everyone else went through procedures.
We took the coastal drive down to Acadia National Park and checked in for the next couple of days. We have to hang a card in the windscreen to show we're legal. Now we could take the scenic drive around the park and eventually tried the Cadillac Mountain road. We had to turn round due to the low cloud, hardly any view at all and all the vehicles were coming down from the summit - coaches full of passengers from the cruise ship, too. Time to head off to Bar Harbour. We arrived at Maples Inn, were greeted by our lovely host Mark, and found our room very comfortable. He recommended dinner at McKay's Pub just down the main street in Bar Harbour. The food was good and we sat awhile planning tomorrow.
Maples Inn
Mckay's Pub
We took the coastal drive down to Acadia National Park and checked in for the next couple of days. We have to hang a card in the windscreen to show we're legal. Now we could take the scenic drive around the park and eventually tried the Cadillac Mountain road. We had to turn round due to the low cloud, hardly any view at all and all the vehicles were coming down from the summit - coaches full of passengers from the cruise ship, too. Time to head off to Bar Harbour. We arrived at Maples Inn, were greeted by our lovely host Mark, and found our room very comfortable. He recommended dinner at McKay's Pub just down the main street in Bar Harbour. The food was good and we sat awhile planning tomorrow.
Maples Inn
Mckay's Pub
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 12
Fredericton have a Saturday Farmers' Market (W.W.Boyce) established in 1951, so we decided to start our day here. The concierge recommended Cora's for breakfast and we indulged in loads of fruit and yoghurt before walking down the road to the market. It was buzzing and there was lots of food; some crafts for sale; lots of autumn decorations; and pumpkins. After a good look round we walked through to the historic garrison area then drove to Kings Landing.
Kings Landing is an open air museum showing what life was like in New Brunswick in the 19th century. When a valley would be flooded by a dam project, it was decided to move the historic houses to save them for posterity and Kings Landing was created. It has been added to over the years. Very informative people dressed in period costume live the contemporary life during opening times, farming, cooking, sewing, serving in the cafés, etc. All aspects of 19th century life seem to be covered.
The history of the buildings is incorporated into the stories the people tell; for example, Grant's Store was occupied by a family that left Scotland from Strathspey. The miller was very interesting, with a whole story about his sawmill and his colleague across the other side of the river with the grain mill. We took lots of photos.
We had dinner at Beaverbrook Holiday Inn's Maverick Room - quite casually posh! Nice 'Gnarly Head' zin to drink.
Kings Landing is an open air museum showing what life was like in New Brunswick in the 19th century. When a valley would be flooded by a dam project, it was decided to move the historic houses to save them for posterity and Kings Landing was created. It has been added to over the years. Very informative people dressed in period costume live the contemporary life during opening times, farming, cooking, sewing, serving in the cafés, etc. All aspects of 19th century life seem to be covered.
The history of the buildings is incorporated into the stories the people tell; for example, Grant's Store was occupied by a family that left Scotland from Strathspey. The miller was very interesting, with a whole story about his sawmill and his colleague across the other side of the river with the grain mill. We took lots of photos.
We had dinner at Beaverbrook Holiday Inn's Maverick Room - quite casually posh! Nice 'Gnarly Head' zin to drink.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 11
We had breakfast with friends and said goodbye until we see them in NH. Even though there was a bit of a storm, we went off to visit the St Andrews Block House and Celtic Cross, both of which we hadn't managed to walk to yesterday. Then we decided on a warming coffee, so parked in town and walked to The Sweet Harvest cafe. Surprise! Our friends crossed the road to find us there and we all enjoyed coffee and cinnamon buns together. They had visited the Ross Museum, about the family of the hotel. It was time for us to head off to Federicton, our plan to 'spot' several covered bridges on the way. One of these was Hartland, the longest in the world. We found a little cafe in Hartland where the owner chatted to us about the bridge. She had lots of old photos of bridge on the walls as well as a large tile mural forming a picture of the bridge. We are staying at the Riverside resort , about 10km from centre of Fredericton. It's OK, but its a greasyspoon cafe for dinner with coach parties and noisy kids. We're not spending much time in the place as there's plenty to see in the area.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 10
This morning we drove down into St Andrews for a stroll around Kingsbrae Gardens. This is a beautiful garden and listed as one of the 100 gardens to visit in your lifetime. I wonder where RHS Garden Wisley comes in that list. We ended our visit with coffee at their restaurant and a look around their shop where they are selling tiffins - stainless steel ones. These are the stacking containers that are used all over the Far East for people to either carry or have their lunch delivered in.
Then we had to visit to PO for stamps and A checked in with the whale watch company, Fundy Tide Runners.
We visited the small market, walked down to lighthouse - under repair, and looked at the lovely clapboard houses down the main street, one of which was called Salty Towers.
Whale watching was booked for 2pm and we had to struggle into orange suits and walk down to the pier to get into a zodiac boat. There were six passengers and a rough ride out to the ocean. That was fine. Soon we spotted whale 'plumes', and saw several humpbacks and finbacks. Humpbacks gave us the tail lots of times. Then E felt seasick, so A had to take the pics. It's that wallowing up and down the waves when the boat is not moving that does me in! There were also Jaegers and Sooty shearwaters all around us. At the end of a couple of hours we had to get back, so we left at high speed for the harbour. A cup of tea was in order so we stopped at Sweet Harvest Cafe which has the best cinnamon buns in the world (or so they say and they were pretty good!).
So back at Rossmount, we changed and waited for the friends from Charlottetown to arrive. They drove down from Charlottetown in one go today.


Fabulous dinner again, then a relatively early night.
Kingsbrae Gardens
Fundy Tide Runners
Then we had to visit to PO for stamps and A checked in with the whale watch company, Fundy Tide Runners.
We visited the small market, walked down to lighthouse - under repair, and looked at the lovely clapboard houses down the main street, one of which was called Salty Towers.
Whale watching was booked for 2pm and we had to struggle into orange suits and walk down to the pier to get into a zodiac boat. There were six passengers and a rough ride out to the ocean. That was fine. Soon we spotted whale 'plumes', and saw several humpbacks and finbacks. Humpbacks gave us the tail lots of times. Then E felt seasick, so A had to take the pics. It's that wallowing up and down the waves when the boat is not moving that does me in! There were also Jaegers and Sooty shearwaters all around us. At the end of a couple of hours we had to get back, so we left at high speed for the harbour. A cup of tea was in order so we stopped at Sweet Harvest Cafe which has the best cinnamon buns in the world (or so they say and they were pretty good!).
So back at Rossmount, we changed and waited for the friends from Charlottetown to arrive. They drove down from Charlottetown in one go today.


Fabulous dinner again, then a relatively early night.
Kingsbrae Gardens
Fundy Tide Runners
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 9
We made an early start to get down to the Hopewell Rocks when it opened at nine. On the way we looked for an unimpressive covered bridge, but saw lots of Canada geese in a field. There was a queue to get into rocks area before nine, so we headed straight to beach when it opened to walk around the rocks - amazing stuff.
Then we were off to Cape Enrage with the best view in Canada according to Frommers, but the low cloud came in and we were soon driving through thick mist and Cape Enrage was all but invisible. The best view in Canada, but we didn't see it!
So we moved on through Fundy National Park to St Martins and the caves. On the way we passed another covered bridge - a much better one. St Martins has the same rock as at Hopewell, but had formed caves in the sandstone. High tide cuts them off so no viewing, but we sat and had a sandwich looking out at them, the waves and the gulls. On the way back we stopped to see the two covered bridges and a lighthouse at St Martins.
Next stop St John to see the market. This was very interesting, but the rest was a bit disappointing. The preservation area seemed very run down and mostly unattractive - all needing a huge amount of renovation to be pleasing to the cruise ship passengers who stop here by the boat load. Two cruise ships left when we were walking about. They come to see the reversing falls, but we weren't there when they were 'reversing', so no photos of that!
Now we had a long drive down to St Andrews by the Sea along the '1'. We are staying at an historic hotel, Rossmount, with an award winning restaurant. We arrived at about 7pm, and we could have dinner at 8. That was good, as it looked pretty packed with diners. Our dinner was excellent and our bedroom beautiful, but a bit warm.
Rossmount
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 8
We first went looking for Borden lighthouse, near to Confederation bridge that takes us off the Island. We found it in a mussel-packing yard, behind the warehouse, (passed the signs 'Beware of the leopard'!). There it was, stuck at the end of the pier (where else) and a mackerel fisherman was trying his luck over the side. There were little plovers running all along the edge of the path looking for tasty morsels.
We took the Confederation Bridge -Ca$42.50 across to Nova Scotia again, stopping at the Interpretation Centre to collect information about the next attractions.
The first of these was Joggins fossil cliffs where it was windy and we had to watch the tide as it rushes in and you could get cut off. We found fossil trees, peat, coal etc., so interesting and reminding us of our own Jurassic Coast.
Then we were due in Moncton, New Brunswick. We walked around their historic area, before going to Le Chateau a Pape, for an amazing dinner. We chose our meal - lobster gratin, garlic shrimps; then were invited down into the wine cellar to choose some wine. A found a Trivento Viognier, then 'ordered' it from the sommelier. We realised later that everyone else just helped themselves to whatever they had chosen and brought it up to their table. A couple of chaps sitting opposite us brought up several bottles and proposed working their way through them. We don't know how they got on as we left before even the second bottle was opened.
Le Chateau a Pape
Monday, September 21, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 7
The search for more lighthouses took us to West Point, the furthest we could go in the time we have, so we will have to come back for the ones on the north coast. It has been another lovely day with perfect skies and a fresh warmth. We stopped for coffee at Island Chocolates in Victoria, where the lady very kindly served us even tho' she was really closed as her mother was visiting her for the day. Lunch was at West Point Inn at bottom of the lighthouse, and our furthest point. We could have stayed here as they have rooms, some in the tower of the lighthouse - what fun. But we had to be back to meet friends at 'Off Broadway' for dinner. Its been four years since we have seen them. Luckily 'Off Broadway' was just as good the second time around and we had a lovely evening. They walked back to their gorgeous B&B and we drove up to our airport hotel!
West Point Inn
'Off Broadway'
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 6
We got up early and drove straight to ferry for breakfast and a good crossing to Prince Edward Island, with gannets but no dolphins around the boat. Wood Island lighthouse started us on a trail around east part of island to see many lighthouses as we could. More beautiful weather and the trees here are turning.
We are staying in Charlottetown for a couple of nights and eventually found our hotel - not exactly down town, but out near airport. So we had to drive into town to 'Off Broadway' for dinner of Lobster. Fabulous.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 5
What a stormy day. The sea is crashing into the rocks and the rain almost horizontal as we drive south out of Cheticamp. Our aim is to visit Joe's Scarecrow Village that featured in Billy Connolly's Journey to the Edge of the World series. Even in the rain, we enjoyed the humour in the jolly scarecrows. We dived back into the dry of the car and just drove on to Baddeck for coffee and cranberry scones. Alexander Graham Bell was an illustrious resident of the area and we went off to visit the museum that honours him. When we arrived and were buying our tickets they told us that for first visit in 100 years the general public were invited up to the Bell estate, just to visit the gardens around his house. You can imagine that you don't pass up an opportunity like that, and we joined the bus out to the estate. Here we were taken on a haywagon up through the estate to the gardens where they were celebrating Harvest Home 1900s style. Then, back at the museum we saw the Silver Dart, HD 4, lots of propeller designs etc. and lots about AGB's life, even buying his biography. We needed to get to Antigonish for the night, but were very disappointed in our accommodation in a downmarket motel on main road, with a 'Greasy spoon' over road for a fish supper and breakfast tomorrow.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 4
We took the Cabot Trail back across the top of Cape Breton, to take a proper look at the area. Our first stop was to make the Skyline walk along which we spotted Black capped Chicadees and hawks - rough legged, possibly. There is a board walk down to an outlook in order to save the fragile environment. The views are spectacular. Back up to the top again and round the second half of the loop, taking us a little in from the cliff edge. Here we almost stood on a garter snake on path.
The next stop was to make the Bog walk for pitcher plants, sundews, dragonflies and tadpoles. And we saw plenty, even pointing the sundews out to some visitors who hadn't managed to spot the sundews. The weather is very pleasant.
As it was getting round to lunchtime, we stopped at the Rusty Anchor. Before lunch we walked across to the sea wall to look at the East coast - an impressive series of cliffs ranging away into the distance. Then A looked the other way and just by us in a tree an immature bald eagle was watching us! We got some great photos, and by then, everyone wanted a look and people were climbing over themselves to see. We went into the café for wraps and sarnies.
Neil's Harbour and lighthouse beckoned down a side road with more wonderful views and a pretty harbour and lighthouse at the end.And now we had to turn for Cheticamp, back over Cabot Trail. Amazingly, we had been talking about moose and how people were sceptical about any even being on Cape Breton, when I spotted one in the bushes by the road. We stopped and walked back, and there she was - a mother and baby. More photos and almost a traffic jam of sightseers. Lovely! We were going to be late for dinner again, so bashing on back to Cheticamp we only stopped to see the stacks on the west side, then into dinner at La Gabriel again - scallops St. Jacques and sole fillets.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 3
A beautiful early autumn day. It was a long drive to Louisburg Fort, the historic French fort, but worth every mile. We loved walking round and talking with the 'guides', dressed in costume and very much in character. Lots of photos were taken as everything is very picturesque. Ham sarnies for lunch in the old inn, and eventually we had to tear ourselves away.
The second part of the day was to drive the Cabot Trail all the way to Chetticamp. This really was a long drive, but we had a fabulous sunset to spur us on. Our late arrival at Laurie's motor inn was no problem and they phoned ahead to make sure we would get some dinner in the 'lighthouse' that is Le Gabriel, an Acadian restaurant.


Louisburg Fort
Le Gabriel
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 2
Started by driving up to Willie Krauch's smokery and sent our friends some smoked salmon. Then on the friends' recommendation we visited Liscomb Lodge for lunch with the birds. Our next stop was to Sherbrooke Village, an open air museum, where we visited various houses and spoke with becostumed people about life in Sherbrooke last century. It was a delightful stop. Now another long drive to the Dundee Resort,West Bay on Lake Bras d'Or. This is popular with the coach tours, but we did get some tasty seafood pasta for dinner.
Willie Krauch's Smokery
Sherbrooke Village
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Canadian Maritimes 1
Good flight, but very wet in Halifax. The hire car had to be changed as we couldn't move the driver's seat. Met up with Doug and Anne who took us on a whirlwind tour of Old Halifax, complete with a visit to Anne's family's chandlers from days gone by, now a museum. It was lovely to catch up and we enjoyed dinner at their place before the jet lag overtook us and they drove us back to the hotel. The concierge, in his kilt, informed us we had a new hire car in the car park and handed over the keys. So we are all set for our tour.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Today began with cooking. We made chicken paprika, courtesy Delia, for our guests' enjoyment. IH even found some real Hungarian paprika in the spice cupboard - a gift from a well travelled friend. When all was done, we decided to spend the afternoon in Scheveningen. It was a beautiful day - much too lovely to stay indoors.
This time we took the bus up and got off by the Kuurhaus. From here it is a short stroll down to the Boulevard and the beach cafes, hustle and bustle that epitomise this jolly seaside resort.
IH had a plan to show us the 'Sprookjes beelden' on the specially constructed terrace outside Museum Beelden aan Zee. These are just delightful, and we enjoyed finding the tiny curious people that seemed to pop up all over the exhibit. But it was very warm this afternoon and the temptation to buy ice-creams was too great and three two scoop cornets soon found their way into our hands! We ate these strolling back along the promenade and eventually caught the bus back to the flat.
We quickly had things on the go for the guests that would be soon arriving. And when they did, it was great to see so many old friends. We had plenty of catching up to do, and everyone enjoyed gossiping over our typically Dutch starter of smoked eel and salmon and Hollandse garnalen (little local shrimps), followed by our chicken paprika with noodles and salad. T had brought a pavlova for dessert and coffee followed, so it was a fine feast in fine company.
Tom Otterness
Sprookjes Beelden
This time we took the bus up and got off by the Kuurhaus. From here it is a short stroll down to the Boulevard and the beach cafes, hustle and bustle that epitomise this jolly seaside resort.
IH had a plan to show us the 'Sprookjes beelden' on the specially constructed terrace outside Museum Beelden aan Zee. These are just delightful, and we enjoyed finding the tiny curious people that seemed to pop up all over the exhibit. But it was very warm this afternoon and the temptation to buy ice-creams was too great and three two scoop cornets soon found their way into our hands! We ate these strolling back along the promenade and eventually caught the bus back to the flat.
We quickly had things on the go for the guests that would be soon arriving. And when they did, it was great to see so many old friends. We had plenty of catching up to do, and everyone enjoyed gossiping over our typically Dutch starter of smoked eel and salmon and Hollandse garnalen (little local shrimps), followed by our chicken paprika with noodles and salad. T had brought a pavlova for dessert and coffee followed, so it was a fine feast in fine company.
Tom Otterness
Sprookjes Beelden
Monday, August 24, 2009
Days in The Hague
We arrived yesterday and were so happy to be back in what was our home for fifteen years, on and off! Our hostess suggested a walk into town via the Hoytemaplein, area of many a shopping expedition. Then we walked on into The Hague where we discovered the tribute to Gustav Vigeland, the celebrated sculptor who features in Oslo's Frognor Park. This has been sculpted in sand and the artists hope it will last long enough to set European records. We had coffee at a traditional Dutch Cafe, Restaurant 'T Goude Hooft, before catching the No 1 tram. This is the best tram in The Hague (No 1!) as it takes you to Scheveningen one way and to Delft, our destination, in the opposite direction.




Delft was hopping with students undergoing their initiation at the start of the new university year - such vigour and vitality and noise!! We found a wonderful restaurant for lunch with an 'al fresco' part on a barge. Kleyweg's Stads-koffyhuis had won the best sandwich of the year award. This was delicious with a cold beer. Then we walked around Delft, enjoying the bustle and seeing some typical Delft views along the canals. We even popped in to see the amazing ceiling at the back of the Royal Delft porcelein shop. But then it was time to go back to The Hague by tram. We had shopping to do for the dinner tomorrow for some of the old Bridge crowd.

Albert Hein provided most of the required ingredients, so we were fine pleased with the purchases and stowed them all away to await our culinary efforts. Now we needed to change for our treat - dinner at Lemongrass, an excellent fish restaurant at Scheveningen Harbour. This has been a wonderful meal - all fish as you can see, and despite the strange label, the chablis lived up to expectations. Altogether, a really lovely day.

Stads-koffyhuis, Delft
Lemongrass, Scheveningen




Delft was hopping with students undergoing their initiation at the start of the new university year - such vigour and vitality and noise!! We found a wonderful restaurant for lunch with an 'al fresco' part on a barge. Kleyweg's Stads-koffyhuis had won the best sandwich of the year award. This was delicious with a cold beer. Then we walked around Delft, enjoying the bustle and seeing some typical Delft views along the canals. We even popped in to see the amazing ceiling at the back of the Royal Delft porcelein shop. But then it was time to go back to The Hague by tram. We had shopping to do for the dinner tomorrow for some of the old Bridge crowd.

Albert Hein provided most of the required ingredients, so we were fine pleased with the purchases and stowed them all away to await our culinary efforts. Now we needed to change for our treat - dinner at Lemongrass, an excellent fish restaurant at Scheveningen Harbour. This has been a wonderful meal - all fish as you can see, and despite the strange label, the chablis lived up to expectations. Altogether, a really lovely day.

Stads-koffyhuis, Delft
Lemongrass, Scheveningen
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Giverny Day
Today we visited Giverny where Monet had his house and beautiful garden. This includes the famous lily pond that he immortalised in his paintings. The day promised to be very hot, but we set off early with plenty of water in the car, and cameras with all accessories polished and ready for use.
The journey was about an hour and a half, and we drove through some lovely rolling French landscapes into Normandy where the village is situated. We were not a moment too soon as the queue to enter the estate was fairly long - or so we thought. Nevertheless, we soon bought our tickets and walked through the shop, that was once the studio where Monet painted his largest canvasses, out into the garden.
At this time of year the flower beds are a riot of colour with dahlias and sunflowers vying to be queen of flamboyance. Banks of impatiens in red and white resembled huge mounds of strawberries and cream, and delicate bell flowers wafted in a tiny breath of air. Despite the many visitors we had plenty of time for photographs and to appreciate the sheer exuberance of the planting.
Our path took us to the under road passage to the Japanese water garden. Here it was cool under the tall trees, and we followed a path around the periphery of this area, getting tantalising glimpses of the water. At last we were led round to the bridge at one end of the lily pond, although it is more like a small lake, and there in front of us the lilies pushed their lovely flowers up above the sea of lily pads floating on the water.
After we had taken many photos we made our way back to the tunnel and the main garden, strolling up the avenues of flowers towards the house. Here we went in and saw where Monet lived. We were surprised and delighted to see his collection of Japanese prints. These treasures are hand-printed from wood blocks and represent the life of the "floating world" of geishas, Kabuki actors and pleasure houses of the 18th and 19th century in Tokyo that was known as Edo at that time. The collection includes works by Utagawa Hiroshige, Katsushika Hokusai and Kitagawa Utamaro.There are also battle scenes; pictures of Westerners; and sketches of animals and the ordinary people of Japan. All are said to have influenced his work and the movement he was part of, The Impressionists.
By now, the men were getting hungry, so we bought our postcards and left Monet's house and garden to find a suitable hostelry. The queue had grown enormously while we had been inside, so we were lucky to have arrived when we did. We found a cafe with a terrace covered with sun brollies and ordered tartines and refreshing drinks before driving back to Margency.
In the evening we had a treat in store - a meal of galettes bretonnes (special buckwheat pancakes filled with ham, egg and a little cheese) and crepes bretonnes (dessert crepes served with sugar or in our case, Nutella) accompanied with Breton cider. What culinary delights around the family table!
Recipe for galettes bretonnes
Friday, August 14, 2009
Day out in Paris
We drove into Paris and S parked the car in the St Germain area. Our first stop was to see the Jardin du Luxembourg. This is a garden of about 22.5 hectares and is the garden of the Luxembourg Palace which houses the Senate of the French Government. It is a lovely peaceful green space amid the bustle of the busy city. We entered in the south west corner and looked across to colourful flowerbeds and sculptures. There are over a hundred sculptures in the park, including a series of twenty or more French queens and famous French women. Just to our left we found the Apiary School with its wonderful beehives, all behind a fence for everyone's safety. Huge trees shaded us from the sun which was already beating down, and we could see many Parisiennes taking advantage of the many seats scattered under the trees, reading their newspapers. We walked along curving paths, and came upon the area where the Orchard School has its orchard of espaliered fruit trees protected from the birds - and maybe the public - by fine netting. The pears and apples were ripening in their dozens on the specially trained branches.
Now we took a turn to the centre of the garden, passing the little creperie kiosk and seeing some of the statues of the French queens as we walked down to the pond. Lots of people were sitting in the sun, enjoying the beautiful weather. We walked diagonally across this area and down towards the Palace, making our way to the Medici Fountain - a popular tourist feature and glimpsing the Pantheon on the way.
We left the garden and S lead us on an interesting route through the small streets of the St Germain area. Here we passed some lovely, interesting boutiques as well as churches and old inns. Down one narrow street we came across the oldest cafe in Paris Le Procope, dating from 1686. It leans a little into the street, but otherwise is still looking in excellent shape. It claims Voltaire, Danton, Robespierre, Marat, Molière, Diderot and Benjamin Franklin among its illustrious patrons. The name comes from its founder, Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli.
Our aim was to arrive at a very special place for lunch, and suddenly we saw the first sign directing us down another side street. We followed this and some way along there was our destination on the corner.
We planned to visit the famous tea emporium of Mariage Freres where the most exotic tea is sold. D and S rave about it and we have been treated to the Bolero tea, which is delicious. Rows of different teas in tins greet you as you enter. These you can sniff so as to choose your favourite. There are green, grey, blue, red and black teas with various additional flavours - anything from a whole range of herbs, spices, fruits and flowers. But before we got too carried away, we were due upstairs for a little lunch accompanied by tea, of course. Everything was beautifully served at our table by an open window and we all chose different teas - Bannockburn for the Scotsman, Sweet Shanghai for me, Festin D'Or for S and Gold Himalaya for D. After various savoury plates, we shared scones and muffins, then there was a choice from the dessert chariot, which I just couldn't manage - but no worries, take a cake home in a bag, instead! We then went downstairs and chose some tea to take home.
S and I had an appointment with the dressmaker, so headed off leaving the men to sort out the business of paying. We would be in touch by mobile to meet up again a couple of hours later. When we did, they were very chuffed to have found another cake shop from D's book, Laduree. So we had to go and look at it, and then had to buy some of their signature macaroons to take back to Margencey. Time was getting on, so we now took the Metro to see the Louvre and its glass pyramid. A had never seen it before, so he was very interested. No time to queue to go in, so we walked around it, then found a street cafe for some drinks - water and coffee. Then we walked down to the Seine and along the embankment, looking over to spot the people enjoying the Paris Plage on the Voie Georges Pompidou. We crossed the river on to Ile de la Cite, and walked through the streets to have a look at Notre Dame Cathedral. Again, the queue to go inside was enormous, so after a couple of photos, we found our way to the Metro and took a train back to where the car was parked. S drove us back to Margencey with our parcels.
Here we met the rest of the family before we went out to dinner at Hotel Du Lac, Enghien Les Bains. We sat on the terrace and dined on delicious food and wine in great company, as the sun set.
Info about Mariage Freres
Now we took a turn to the centre of the garden, passing the little creperie kiosk and seeing some of the statues of the French queens as we walked down to the pond. Lots of people were sitting in the sun, enjoying the beautiful weather. We walked diagonally across this area and down towards the Palace, making our way to the Medici Fountain - a popular tourist feature and glimpsing the Pantheon on the way.
We left the garden and S lead us on an interesting route through the small streets of the St Germain area. Here we passed some lovely, interesting boutiques as well as churches and old inns. Down one narrow street we came across the oldest cafe in Paris Le Procope, dating from 1686. It leans a little into the street, but otherwise is still looking in excellent shape. It claims Voltaire, Danton, Robespierre, Marat, Molière, Diderot and Benjamin Franklin among its illustrious patrons. The name comes from its founder, Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli.
Our aim was to arrive at a very special place for lunch, and suddenly we saw the first sign directing us down another side street. We followed this and some way along there was our destination on the corner.
We planned to visit the famous tea emporium of Mariage Freres where the most exotic tea is sold. D and S rave about it and we have been treated to the Bolero tea, which is delicious. Rows of different teas in tins greet you as you enter. These you can sniff so as to choose your favourite. There are green, grey, blue, red and black teas with various additional flavours - anything from a whole range of herbs, spices, fruits and flowers. But before we got too carried away, we were due upstairs for a little lunch accompanied by tea, of course. Everything was beautifully served at our table by an open window and we all chose different teas - Bannockburn for the Scotsman, Sweet Shanghai for me, Festin D'Or for S and Gold Himalaya for D. After various savoury plates, we shared scones and muffins, then there was a choice from the dessert chariot, which I just couldn't manage - but no worries, take a cake home in a bag, instead! We then went downstairs and chose some tea to take home.
S and I had an appointment with the dressmaker, so headed off leaving the men to sort out the business of paying. We would be in touch by mobile to meet up again a couple of hours later. When we did, they were very chuffed to have found another cake shop from D's book, Laduree. So we had to go and look at it, and then had to buy some of their signature macaroons to take back to Margencey. Time was getting on, so we now took the Metro to see the Louvre and its glass pyramid. A had never seen it before, so he was very interested. No time to queue to go in, so we walked around it, then found a street cafe for some drinks - water and coffee. Then we walked down to the Seine and along the embankment, looking over to spot the people enjoying the Paris Plage on the Voie Georges Pompidou. We crossed the river on to Ile de la Cite, and walked through the streets to have a look at Notre Dame Cathedral. Again, the queue to go inside was enormous, so after a couple of photos, we found our way to the Metro and took a train back to where the car was parked. S drove us back to Margencey with our parcels.
Here we met the rest of the family before we went out to dinner at Hotel Du Lac, Enghien Les Bains. We sat on the terrace and dined on delicious food and wine in great company, as the sun set.
Info about Mariage Freres
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