Monbazillac I, Dordogne, France 19.11.15
Palette 19.11.15
France
Studio 365: Day 320
The Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, 31st August, 1962
One more page of drawings from my summer in Paris in 1962. I somewhat foolishly imagined myself as a young Toulouse Lautrec as I sketched the cast of characters in the gardens and around the fountain that day: the young boys sailing their model boats, the loving couple out for an evening stroll, the guitarist filling the air with his music and the lady sleeping soundly on the bench. The drawings may be primitive when looked at today but they capture a peaceful precious moment in time in a city that continues to be very much in my heart and thoughts today.
Studio 365: Day 319
I wrote, on Studio 365: Day 11 after the massacre at Charlie Hebdo, how I fell in love with Paris on my first visit there as a young boy in August 1962. I posted a drawing I had made sitting in the Tuileries Garden on a beautiful summer’s Day. Now, here I am on Day 319 once again expressing solidarity and sympathy through the best way I know how with all those mourning today in Paris, in France and around the world. The drawing from that same never-to-be-forgotten visit in 1962 is of one of bridges over the Seine, when one of the most beautiful cities in the world inspired a young boy who has felt that inspiration ever since. Je suis Paris.
Studio 365: Day 311
Studio 365: Day 298
Home tomorrow after two glorious weeks travelling in Southern England and South West France with dearest friends. The photos each day have been just a selection of so many magical and unforgettable moments; and how lucky we have been that the weather cooperated with blue skies and sunshine almost every day.
Thanks to all of you who joined us, albeit virtually. It was great to be able to share the holiday with you and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
…for J and V.
Studio 365: Day 295
Studio 365: Day 294
We spent our last day visiting Bordeaux. So much to see but too little time.
We definately need to come back.
Studio 365: Day 293
The highlight of today was our visit to Saint-Emilion, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. After climbing the 171 steps of the bell tower the view of the town and the surrounding countryside was simply and (literally!) breathtaking.
Before returning to Bergerac we visited Chateau de Monbazillac after another spectacular day.
I’m not sure how much more of this I can take!
Studio 365: Day 292
This morning’s view of the bridge over the Dordogne which leads to the centre of Bergerac.
The main square of the 13th century bastide town Monpazier, a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, and where we had baguette and cheese for lunch.
The spectacular Chateau de Biron which we toured in the afternoon.
This balcony of cascading flowers in the main square of the bastide town of Villeréal was a colorful climax to another memorable day. It just keeps getting tougher!
Weekly Photo Challenge: (Extra)ordinary
On our visit this morning to the Sunday market in the medieval French village of Issigiac this abandoned pump in a square off the beaten track seemed to mirror Cheri’s lone sink on Alcatraz in its (extra)ordinariness. I too could sense the passage of time and wondered about the many stories of all those who had stood beneath that tree and pumped their water in the early morning October air.
thechangingpalette 