Paris

Romantic, sophisticated, bohemian, cultured, glamorous and artistic. This is Paris. It is diverse and generous enough to satisfy them all. With our museum pass and our metro pass we raced around Paris not wanting to miss any of its delights. We indulged ourselves in the masterpieces of the Louvre, Dorsey and l’Orangie. The extravagance of Versailles and opulent lifestyle of Louis the 14th amazed us and the beautifully manicured gardens were a wonder to behold. Monet’s garden in Giverny  was a relaxing day out. The town of Giverny was a lovely French country town and was a pleasant break from the busyness of Paris. I visited his paintings the day before in L’Orangie, so it was wonderful to set our eyes upon the precise location of where he had painted them.

Paris may be famous for its wealth of art treasures but the greatest work of art is the city itself. We strolled along the pathways beside the Seine, from the Notre Dame to Eiffel Tower. Twilight descended through the trees and the reflections of the grandest collection of buildings ever assembled along a river stretch was ours to admire and be a part of.

Paris, a city of lights was just as exciting at night. We never grew weary of affixing our eyes to the Eiffel Tower on the hour, waiting for it to delight us with its five minutes of transcending sparkles. Ambling our way through  the streets of many quarters, including the Latin Quarter, taking in the atmosphere and soaking up the rich and wonderful frisson of the Parisian streets will be something we will always remember.  We leave Paris with fond memories.  Thankful to have been able to experience it.

BELGIUM

Despite all the wars the people of Belgium have managed to preserve a good proportion of their medieval towns. UNESCO listed Bruge,  enchanting and atmospheric, is a mish-mash of charming medieval streets, criss-crossing canals, red brick buildings and museums encircled by a ring road with four ancient gates. I was told by a local that it is the Venice of the North. The 12th-century town is bursting with history, culture and markets.

The indulgence in all the local delicacies of sumptuous Belgian chocolates, Belgian waffles, various local pastries and Belgium fries (They insist that the French were not the first to invent the French fries.  It was first Belgium fries).  I am sure has nullified all our walking efforts.

We strolled along the maze of cobblestone paths beside the winding waterways. Such attractions as the Lake of Love (Minnewater to locals) and the local park were such pretty sights. The Benguin’s houses from the 13 century, now home the  Benedictine monks were so worth the visit.  It is such a peaceful quiet place to wander around with its lovely gardens and stream running through it.

So picturesque.

Belgium is also a country which has known the devastation of war.  We were very fortunate do a trip out to the Flanders fields where my grandfather had fought during the first world war.  We had his diary with us which thrilled the tour guide.  Reading the relevant bits during breaks, he took us to the various places where he would have fought, and geared the tour towards the great contribution of the ANZACS. We walked through the trenches, learnt from the museums and were taken to Hill 57, where my grandfather would have been. We were very proud to be Australian and were very proud and grateful to the efforts of our Australian soldiers whom my grandfather was one of.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

 That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

 Scarce heard amid the guns below.

                                                             ……Dr John Mcrae

(sorry guys i cant get the photos up at the moment- tech glitch... I will get them up ASAP)