Category: Europe

 

I never tire of visiting the many countries that make up Europe.  I share all my stories, photos and travel experiences from my many travels to this continent.

PhotoPOSTcard: Deck the Halls

One of my favorite department stores in London is Fortnum and Mason. It started as a grocery store in the early 1700’s and continues to be a purveyor of fine food and drink to this day. I especially love having afternoon tea at the store’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Room. For the Christmas Holidays, Fortnum and Mason went all out decorating both inside and outside the store.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

A Date With a Chihuly Glass Exhibit at Kew Gardens

I love the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly, so I could not resist seeing the Chihuly glass exhibit at Kew Gardens in London.

I admit it-I have an obsession with all things made by master glass artist Dale Chihuly. I love the vibrant colors, the movement, and yes, the engineering and science that it takes to make his towering art installations.

Throughout my travels, I go out of my way to see his work if it is on display nearby. So, when I was in London the summer of 2019, I made it a point to have a date with the Chihuly glass exhibit at Kew Gardens.

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PhotoPOSTcard: Bike and Cruise

One of my favorite activities during the European Waterways Burgundy Canal cruise was the being able to bike on the towpath alongside the canal.  The barge cruises very slowly, so keeping up was never an issue. The path was quite level and since the canal passes through woods and farmland, the bike ride was quiet and very peaceful. It was a relaxing way to burn of some calories before the next five star meal that our chef prepared for us.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

PhotoPOSTcard: A Taste of the Bubbly

I’ve tasted sparkling wines, but never true champagne from France. One of the special excursions on my European Waterways barge cruise on the Burgundy canal was a private and fascinating behind the scenes tour for our group of the Alexandre Bonnet champagne production process. Afterwards, we were treated to a tasting of four of their vintages which provided a delectable introduction to this bubbly version of Bacchus’ elixir, a taste I could definitely get used to.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

PhotoPOSTcard: Tapestries in the Chateau de Commarin

One of the most unique aspects of our tour of the Chateau de Commarin were the original heraldic tapestries made for the castle in the early 1500’s. The tapestries depict family armorial designs alternating with alchemical symbols. As a precursor to chemistry, I was particularly fascinated by the alchemy references. Sadly (for us), some of the tapestries were trimmed down to fit the existing space, so some of the panels were no longer complete. However, despite the centuries, the colors were still vivid and all the detail quite impressive. The tour of the Chateau de Commarin was the first excursion on my European Waterways barge cruise on the Burgundy canal.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose