toast for tea

What do you think? Give it a go? Yes - we did have a ride on a double decker. Of course! After doing our apprenticeship on the Metro, the London underground was a cinch! My Auntie Doreen - Hannah's great Aunt! - loves teddies. Guess how long she's had this one! This bear had us in stitches. It does an hysterical foot-tapping rendition of Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head. An unusual and poignant reminder of what the women did. Liz - my cousin, well - second cousin actually - and Hannah. So is she Hannah's third cousin? Does anybody know how this family stuff works? Looks like some got the punch line and some didn't. Come on Uncle Haydn, where's that Welsh sense of humour? The river Cothi in Wales where my uncle catches salmon - though, sadly, not as many these days. The Black Lion in Abergorlech serves up a pretty hearty Wednesday lunch. Did you know the Welsh have never heard of a 'lemon, lime and bitters'? I ordered one in a pub in Aberaeron and w...

I choose Café Le Petit Pont because it is bustling and alive and brimming with people. And I choose it for the view. From my table I can see Notre Dame – albeit through the cigarette smoke that hangs like smog and through which I can just read the ‘Espace non Fumeur’ sign in the blue haze. The atmosphere is electric – constant conversation; waiters flying past with trays on arms; people arriving, shedding their coats; orders shouted to the kitchen; people paying bills and leaving. The footpath is crammed with tables, where people sit elbow to elbow. I opt for warmth and sit inside at a table spread with white cloth and scattered rose petals. It is after work and people have come here to talk, smoke and drink. The talk is loud and animated. The piano player in the corner is working hard to be heard. I sit and observe and wait to be served. As much as I try to look as if I belong, I wonder if I have ‘tourist’ written on my forehead. For a long time I watch waiters invite people to seats,...

Last day in Mallorca. On the way to the airport we went via Es Grau. This cafe is way up on the side of a mountain. I don't think I've seen such a spectacular view. Ever! See what I mean? And perfect weather too! Visited the Chateau Versailles today. That's me in the middle of a group of lads from Quebec! Not quite the TGV but fun! Went for a ride all around the magnificent gardens of Versailles Chateau. A sample of inside. Phwar! The Louvre Guess which painting you need a telescope to see? From under the pyramid. Last night in Paris. Can't believe it's over. Sigh.

A room with a view. Everybody has a balcony here. Lucky things! A day out looking at the sights around Mallorca. Everything is coming in to blossom. Couldn´t resist this shot looking up at the palace. Mallorca Cathedral. On the same scale as Notre Dame. Amazing and awe inspiring. At the local supermarket. I think Coles should get in on this. Easter breakfast with Ursula's friends. Loads of fun and great conversation with these people who are world travellers with many a tale to tell. And all avid readers - much discussion about books too! See the coloured hard boiled eggs? We all had one. The tradition is to bash the end of your egg into the end of the person's egg beside you. A bit like pulling Christmas crackers. Ursula has an orange and lemon grove at the foot of her property. I discovered an orange tree that was still laden with fruit. I offered to pick some and make orange juice for breakfast. Ursula said I could if I wanted, but that she wouldn't be drinking any. ...

Turns out it was a good idea to purchase a 'Paris Visite' - a travel card that can be used on the trains and buses around Paris. We've often jumped on any old bus, sat back and enjoyed the views. Couldn't find it earlier in the day. Look what I managed to snap with my camera as it whizzed past. Happened upon this clown on stilts, entertaining a group of school children. It helped ease the disappointment of finding the Eiffel Tower closed for renovations. Couldn't resist snapping a taste of home right next to the Eiffel Tower! Ursula admiring something in a streetside shop. Lots of these everywhere. Had really healthy lunch at the cafe on the right hand corner. Une assiette de frites et un crepe avec citron et de sucre. Yum. Oh, et un cafe longue. See the bells? Climbed LOTS of steps to get to the church of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre. Like at Notre Dame, a mass was going on inside with more beautiful singing. An unfogettable experience. Hard to show with a photo...