Today was disembarkation day, our final morning on the Saone River. I spent as much time as possible outside before heading to the train station. The ride to Paris had a couple of minor glitches—to get to the track required a long flight of steps down and another up. That wouldn’t normally be a problem, but with luggage it wasn’t … Read More
Tournus and the Saone River, France
Today was a lazy, relaxed day—a break from touring and endless walking. In the morning I headed off the boat to wander around town by myself. Curving back streets, with ancient doors and shutters, charmed me—they’re such a far cry from New York City. Little details caught my attention—doorknockers and handles, signs, rooflines, and windows. Huge rose bushes bloomed, their … Read More
Macon, France
Macon is a city on the Saone River. It’s also a wine growing region known for white wine, especially chardonnay. Today I got to explore both. In the morning I ditched the tour and walked around Macon on my own. Most things were closed, but that gave me an opportunity to wander down small back streets, look closely at architectural … Read More
Vienne and Lyons, France
Prior to this trip I’d never heard of Vienne, so I was surprised by how much I liked it. We took a “Toonerville trolley” to a high point above the city that had an expansive view of the city. The Rhone River snaked through a city awash in red-tiled roofs. Directly below where we stood was the massive, ancient Roman … Read More
Valance, France
Last night we took a short scenic cruise to see Avignon’s famous Pont Bénezet (bridge) lit up. It’s famous due to a song about it. Most tourists assumed (as I did) that it was destroyed during the second world war. In fact, it was abandoned long before that. Built in the 12th century, it was washed away several times by … Read More
Arles and Avignon, France
Today was a tale of two cities with very different histories and looks, united by their dependency on tourism. In the morning we took a walking tour of Arles, known for its relationship to Van Gogh. He lived in Arles for one year, but during that time he created three hundred drawings and paintings. There is a trail through town … Read More
Marseilles to Arles
Woke up this morning to bright sunshine and a gorgeous view of Marseilles’ old port. We started the day with the most typical of French breakfasts, a croissant and café au lait. We walked around the area, stopping at the morning fish market. I wish I could have bought some of the fish, it could not have been fresher. From … Read More
Travel Travails
It’s 9:15PM and my friend Sue and I are in Marseilles, France. We just enjoyed a glass of wine and wonderful Bouillabaisse dinner, in a restaurant with a view of the old port. But since last evening it has been a crapshoot as to whether we, and our luggage, would make it here. It started with a gate change … Read More
Bainbridge Island, Washington State
The ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island takes less than thirty minutes. But step off the ferry and you feel as though you’ve been transported much further than that. It’s easy to walk to town, passing by several trailheads, unusual sculpture, and lots of green. Once in town, the pace is slower than across the bay. There are several museums, … Read More
Seattle, Washington
No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the Pike Street Market. Though it is touristy, it is also great fun to wander around. I love taking photos of the flower bouquets and always regret I can’t take them home with me. After seeing so many tulips growing, it was nice to see them mixed with other flowers … Read More