Friday, February 14, 2014

Is It Over Yet?

 I know what you're thinking.  Ughh.  Another round of vacation photos.  I admit I could do at least 10 more posts on our vacation, but even I am getting ready to move on.  I've decided to throw a bunch of "favorites" in today then break for V-Day then wrap it up next week.  I'm good with that.  Ok, Fav #1:  Hat that Martin convinced me to buy.  It rained almost the whole time we were in France and this great little hat saved me!
 Fav #2:  Rental bikes.  I loved seeing these in Toulouse.  You just pay some coinage and take the bike until you are ready to return it to this or another stall around the city.  Genius!
 Fav #3:  Shopping Days.  Did you know that all businesses must run sales to reduce their stock from the second week of January until the the first of February?  It's mandated by the government.  Who knew?  I totally lucked out by arriving the 3rd week of January.  Most stores were selling everything up to 70% off.  And I don't mean the crap.  All the good stuff.  Let's just say there's a new suitcase at my house that was used to carry home some goodies.
 Fav #4:  All the Roman architecture - most dating back to 500 BC.  Old stuff.

 Fav #5:  Office of Tourism in every city.  I love you English speaking French ladies who know all the best places to go!
 Fav #6:  People's homes I wished I lived in.  

Fav #7:  Carousels in most of the cities - and unique at that. 



 Fav #8:  Walking around with this guy.  He is SO game for everything.  Love him!
 Fav #9:  All the tiny cars.  No wonder the world thinks that Americans are big lumbering idiots.  We drive cargo barges around when mini Audis would do.
 Fav #10:  Respect for the past.  This is the renovated Arena patterned after the Coliseum in Rome.  It has survived for nearly 1500 years.  Beat that cheap subdivision down the street from me.

 Fav #11:  Vistas.
 Fav #12:  Shutters and doors. The colors!
 

 Fav #13:  Old monasteries.
Fav #14:  Old cemeteries.  This is looking down from one of the castle turrets.  The dead were buried in the carved-out rock.  The graves are exposed now.  There were so many old cemeteries I wanted to photograph, but Martin got a little creeped out after awhile.  He did, however, let me spend one afternoon at the famous cemetery in Arles, Alyscamps.  As promised, I will post that one later.

1 comment:

  1. I've been away from the blog for too long. I love seeing your pictures and commentary. Beautiful.

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