Blog Archives

A Side Trip to the Historic Town of Albi, in the French Pyrenees Region

15/10/2015

Have Eurail Pass, will travel…..

Albi is located on the River Tarn, about 85 km northeast of Toulouse. The episcopal city, situated in the centre of the actual city, around the cathedral, was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2010.

The Old Bridge (Pont Vieux) is still in use after almost a millennium.

The Palais de la Berbie, now Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in France. This imposing fortress was completed at the end of the 13th century.

The Sainte Cécile cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.

The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum houses over 1,000 works by Toulouse-Lautrec, the largest collection in the world. It is based on a donation by Toulouse-Lautrec's mother after his death in 1901.

We were fortunate to be at the Museum when it hosted an exhibition of some of the 2571 photographs taken by Bert Stern six weeks before the death of Marilyn Monroe. Stern is one of the greatest photographers of his generation. He did an amazing job capturing the mood of this fascinating and fragile woman.

Everywhere we looked we saw captivating scenes…..

We had to climb 145 uneven stairs to reach our spacious and eclectically-decorated apartment.

We had a great view from the third floor window.

The bedroom was up even more stairs.

The colourful IKEA kitchen.

And we enjoyed many tastey meals, accompanied by the excellent local wines from the Gaillac region.

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Gay Paree

6/10/2015

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The highlight of our time in Paris was a night at the Moulin Rouge.

Click on button to the right.

We enjoyed dinner at a nearby restaurant, where the chef and waiter gave us special treatment - perhaps they knew it was Johno's birthday (Cook Islands' time!).

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From Scotland to France - on Johno's Birthday

6/10/2015

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Rail is a fantastic way to travel in Europe - on Johno's birthday we went all the way from Hamilton (Scotland) to Paris (France), via London and the Channel Tunnel.

We left Hamilton on a cold but clear day.

We wondered if they knew Johno was passing through Glasgow station.

They must have known I was passing through as I was able to donate to the breast cancer appeal.

Once again we enjoyed Virgin Rail, from Glasgow to London….

….. and the EuroStar from London to Paris.

We had Johno's birthday dinner while under the English Channel.

We were intrigued by the instructions on the toilet seat on Virgin Rail.

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You Take The High Road……

6/10/2015

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The scenery on our train ride from Norwich to Scotland was stunning, and prepared us well for the even more amazing sights, sounds and family experiences in Hamilton (near Glasgow), and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, including Luss and Loch Katrine.

As we drove and walked with Julie, Craig, Jean, Skye and Torin the stories of Rob Roy and the song "Loch Lomond" - By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes - kept playing in our heads.

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On arrival in Glasgow we saw a large crowd with flags and banners. However, they were not there to welcome us but were showing their support for an independent Scotland.

It was great to be welcomed by my nephew Craig…...

…. and to soon meet the rest of the family (Skye, Julie and Jean)…...

…. and Torin - who was soon relaxed with us and showing his wonderful sense of humour!

This was our first glimpse of Loch Lomond.

A good time for a family photo.

The thought of swimming did not enter our minds!

The village of Luss was quaint and picturesque. The cottages and gardens were very well kept.

The village was developed in the 1800s, largely to provide homes for the people working in the near by slate quarries.

We also enjoyed a hearty family lunch…..

…. followed by a walk along the river…...

……. with impressive scenery.

The following day, a Monday, Julie and Jean took us to beautiful Lock Katrine, with its Rob Roy, Sir Walter Scott. the Lady of the Lake and other history. We also found a yummy bakery and a place to have lunch.