Diana: In Memoriam

Our 2008 visit to the makeshift memorial above the underpass in Paris where Diana, Princess of Wales died 11 years earlier. In addition, we paid visits to Diana's one-time home in England, Kensington Palace, as well as the nearby Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

That's me shooting with the 'Head' backpack, several of my shots are in this video.

Animal Visuals

I thought this was a pretty interesting visual representation.

Arc De Triomphe

Arc De Triomph

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile {ahrk duh tree-ohmf' duh lay-twahl'}, the world's largest triumphal arch, forms the backdrop for an impressive urban ensemble in Paris. The monument surmounts the hill of Chaillot at the center of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It is the climax of a vista seen the length of the Champs Elysées from the smaller Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in the Tuileries gardens, and from the Obélisque de Luxor in the place de la Concorde. Click here for more from Discover France.net.

Happy New Year

Snow!

Yep, its snowing. Just look outside or turn on the tv. We are getting 15cm today and supposed to get another 10 cm on Sunday. I only remember once or twice last winter having days like this. Had to come home early today since last time we had weather like this it took me an hour and a half to come up the street about 10 blocks, now I'm warm at home and getting my laundry caught up and some other odds and ends around the house.

Centre Georges Pompidou

Day 5: Paris

We arrived safe in Paris yesterday, had a great flight, in 'club class' and I've decided that I am never flying steerage again. As soon as we sat down we had champagne, followed by several glasses of wine and a delicious meal that was actually served on real dishes and not in a cardboard box. The flight was very smooth and uneventful.
We were quite tired once we got here as we'd been awake for just under 24 hours, after very quickly getting our luggage and going through customs we made our way to the hotel and settled in. We walked around the neighbourhood near the hotel and had a cafe au lait at one of the many cafes in the area. By this time is was around noon, and both exhausted, we decided to go to the hotel have a nap and then got up around five pm. After getting cleaned up we went out to check out the city. We found a simple diner and had a sandwich, which was delicious. The food here is so good, even a simple grilled sandwich tastes amazing.
Following my first real meal in Paris, feeling energized and excited to see the city of lights we walked along the Seine to the Notre Dame cathedral. The views along the river are gorgeous and the catherdral is jaw droppingly detailed in its carvings and acroutements.
Afterwards we found a little pub and had a couple drinks and then made our way back to the hotel. The streets were very quiet and all the shops were closed by this time; around one am.
I stopped at the little store next to our hotel and bought a bottle of wine which we proceeded to drink while listening to some music in our room. That was enough to put us to sleep and we both has a great nights sleep, and woke up today ready to go.
We went back to a cafe and had a nice breakfast before heading back to Notre Dame. Today we went inside and we both got some really nice pictures. Afterwards we found a nice cafe and I had a meal of escargot and grilled salmon, which was again, delicious. Afterwards we headed to the George Pompineau centre, but unfortunately it was closed today. Although I did get some great photographs of the outside of the building. I think we will try to go back later in the week. I'd like to go inside and see some of the exhibits.
We are heading back to our hotel now to refresh and later will go down to the Champs Elysee and the Eiffel Tower. We are not going in the tower until Friday though, which is the four year anniversary of David and I meeting.
That's all for now. I will post again tomorrow if I see another internet cafe.
We are heading back to our hotel room now

Day Three

We've made it back to Toronto and are getting cleaned up and giving Mike last minute tips on the condo care, and will be heading to the airport at around 2:30. I called Uncle Mike in Brittany on the way home from Brockville to let him know that we will be arriving in Paris tomorrow morning and will be in touch during the week to make arrangements with him for our visit.

Last night was Mom's 60th birthday, Happy Birthday Mommy!!!!

David & Marks European Vacation

It is Friday night and this will be my first official entry in my 2008 European Vacation diary. David and I just voted at the advance poll today. This was the first available, and I'm happy it was today as we will be leaving on Sunday for Paris, and the first part of our trip.

Officially the vacation is now on.  

I just picked up a bottle of sparkling wine (Spain), and I don't want to offend our first host country, France, before we even leave by calling it champagne).  It is chilling at the moment and as soon as it reaches the optimum temperature we will have a toast. 

David had the day all to himself as his last day of work was yesterday. This is a good thing as he had the day to compose himself and go through his mental checklist. 

I will of course think of at least six things I should have brought just as the landing gear is being pulled into the fuselage of our plane, and I am flagging the flight atttendant for my first bevy.

We don't actually leave for France until Sunday, however, we are going to Brockville tomorrow as I need to see my son and my Mom before I go (just in case we pull a Steve Fossett) and coming back to Toronto on Sunday and catching our flight to Paris on Sunday evening. 

Thats all for now. I hope you all get out and vote, if you are undecided vote Green. If you are smart and care about the world, human rights, and all the good stuff, vote Green. Your comments are always welcome here too so don't be shy.

Oshawa Ribfest

Oshawa Ribfest September 7, 2008

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Amherst Island South Shore

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