A real wintery scene looking over to the hills of Mull. Lots of snow! Friday, 26 February 2010
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Friday, 19 February 2010
Au Revoir, Paris!
Time to leave behind the lights of the city to travel across the channel back to Scotland and over to the island of Iona...time to get back to work!Versailles
A sunny day in February, looking from the palace of Versailles over frozen fountains to the far end of the property. Forty minutes of walking to the Estate of Marie Antoinette.Estate of Marie-Antoinette
At the far end of the property of Versailles you reach the Estate of Marie Antoinette with the summer house, delightful gardens and a little hamlet of thatched cottages built in 1783 for the Queen, with a working farm, dairy and water mill.
Paris
Illuminated golden dome at Les Invalides (inspired by St. Peter's in Rome) above Napoleon's tomb.
Saint Chapelle
A stunning Gothic chapel on Ile de la Cite built to house the precious relics (including the crown of thorns) bought by Louis IX. The price of the relics was actually far more than the cost to build this impressive chapel.
The Tower
Walking under the tower is quite something....as are the crowds lined up for the elevators. (I did take the elevator up as it was after dark, but took the stairs down from the second stage.)
The Lady and the Unicorn
Displayed in a darkened room of the Cluny Museum of the Middle Ages, are six wall-size tapestries woven of wool and silk in the 15th century. The size, colour and detail of these tapestries is very impressive.
Monet's Water Lilies
Paintings displayed in the Orangerie and Orsay Museums. Light and colour create a dream-like world on a peaceful pond reflecting clouds, willows and the passage of time.
The Pyramid
A last evening walk in Paris along the river to the Louvre where water reflects the glow of the pyramid. Paris!
The city of lights....and so many sights to see! Bridges, churches, works of art and works of steel; a city full of tourists even on cold rainy days in February. Yet a few hours of sunshine and the city shines with gold, and after night falls the light show is brilliant.Thursday, 18 February 2010
Trosly
L'Arche in Trosly, France....the first home started by Jean Vanier in 1964.
A home that now is part of an international federation of over 135 communities in 36 countries.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Camino
Passing in front of Chartres Cathedral, the mosaic in the pavement points the way on the famous medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain where the remains of St. James were said to be found.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Travels ... in Rome!
January 2010 found me back in Italy with the L'Arche community of Il Chicco. I often went to Rome on my day off to explore favourite places and make new discoveries.
The dome of the Vatican is a sight that never ceases to inspire me.