Sunday, 29 October 2017
Holiday Statistics - Daily Temps and Steps
I've added a graph of the daily temperatures (from the internet) and steps (as recorded by my iphone).
Sunday, 24 September 2017
A divertimento
Saturday 23 September 2017 - Election night and I prepare and consume an Italiano Banchetto.
Sunday, 17 September 2017
A walk and a dance
Saturday 15 July 2017 - Last day in Paris. Here is a view from one of the windows of my apartment.
From the window by the lift I could look down on the Anne Frank park, so today I went down there and wrote in my diary!
Practical stuff today, sending off the Colissimo box, packing, and test weighing my bags. Headed to Montorgueil for lunch. There are several 'passages' in Paris, and this is one of my favourties, it being in 'my' area. There are some wonderful small shops in here.
After a wee zzz, it was off to a modern dance, called Drumming Live, set to music by Steve Reich. First a shot, or two, of the ornate metro station at Bastille.
Nice to get the the July Column (Colonne de Juillet) with Auguste Dumont's Génie de la Liberté (the 'Spirit of Freedom' gilded statue in the background.
From the window by the lift I could look down on the Anne Frank park, so today I went down there and wrote in my diary!
Practical stuff today, sending off the Colissimo box, packing, and test weighing my bags. Headed to Montorgueil for lunch. There are several 'passages' in Paris, and this is one of my favourties, it being in 'my' area. There are some wonderful small shops in here.
After a wee zzz, it was off to a modern dance, called Drumming Live, set to music by Steve Reich. First a shot, or two, of the ornate metro station at Bastille.
Nice to get the the July Column (Colonne de Juillet) with Auguste Dumont's Génie de la Liberté (the 'Spirit of Freedom' gilded statue in the background.
Here's the modern opera house, Opera Bastille. I have an interesting memory of those steps (story for another day).
Inside, there are several modern sculptures. This one caught my eye because it looks like the characters in the Stravinsky fountain, but I was unable to find out who the artist was.
Although this venue is often criticised, I thought it was rather splendid.
View of the stage from my seat.
The work was, shall I say, interesting.
Saturday, 16 September 2017
Bastille Day
Friday 14 July 2017 - I made a brief entry before, to bring you a video of the jets, but it was a big day, so never got around to covering it properly. Here's the report, but I'm afraid the fireworks are still to come - I need to learn how to edit the video.
I set off early, as I knew the crowds would be huge. Came to a stop just before the Louvre and the Metro wasn't going to stop at any other stations near the parade route. So it was quite a long walk from there.
What stupid schmuck would leave their car on the main route on this day? Deserves to get towed away, I say. So all the streets nearby were shut down, very heavy police and military presence, and frankly, I thought they seemed quite jittery.
The route was not direct. We went through the Tuileries and crossed the Seine (ie, away from the parade route!). Caption for the photo above is, "I'm following them!"
This shot shows the Pont de la Concorde and I made a decision to stop just before this bridge on the d'Orsay side. The crowd was huge by this stage, and the hapless hopefuls who carried on had to go further down to another bridge to head toward the Champs Elysees - and I reckoned they would not have got near it. Where I was, I knew I would see the fly-past - and I was dead right.
It was a perfect spot to see the aircraft. It was amusing, like they had bought everything out of the hangar. So there were lots of whizzy jet fighters, but also every transport and utility plane they had.
My position was confirmed as I was surrounded by English aviation geeks who knew every aircraft type and model on display. It was funny, really. I spoke to them about the restoration scene in New Zealand, and promoted the Classic Fighters show and Wanaka.
Afterwards, I wanted to kill time to let the crowds disperse, so had lunch back across the river, and then went for a Ferris wheel ride.
Great views, first time on this don't know why I haven't done it before.
On the way home...
And that evening, I have a cruise on the Seine with dinner and fireworks. As mentioned earlier, the Maxim's boat cancelled, so I was offered a substitute, still with window seat. And it wasn't half bad, the redeeming feature being an open deck at the back where we watched the fireworks. But compared to some of the other boats around, this did seem like a tub bought out of retirement for the occasion.
I promise, there will be fireworks before I'm done with this.
I set off early, as I knew the crowds would be huge. Came to a stop just before the Louvre and the Metro wasn't going to stop at any other stations near the parade route. So it was quite a long walk from there.
What stupid schmuck would leave their car on the main route on this day? Deserves to get towed away, I say. So all the streets nearby were shut down, very heavy police and military presence, and frankly, I thought they seemed quite jittery.
The route was not direct. We went through the Tuileries and crossed the Seine (ie, away from the parade route!). Caption for the photo above is, "I'm following them!"
This shot shows the Pont de la Concorde and I made a decision to stop just before this bridge on the d'Orsay side. The crowd was huge by this stage, and the hapless hopefuls who carried on had to go further down to another bridge to head toward the Champs Elysees - and I reckoned they would not have got near it. Where I was, I knew I would see the fly-past - and I was dead right.
It was a perfect spot to see the aircraft. It was amusing, like they had bought everything out of the hangar. So there were lots of whizzy jet fighters, but also every transport and utility plane they had.
My position was confirmed as I was surrounded by English aviation geeks who knew every aircraft type and model on display. It was funny, really. I spoke to them about the restoration scene in New Zealand, and promoted the Classic Fighters show and Wanaka.
Afterwards, I wanted to kill time to let the crowds disperse, so had lunch back across the river, and then went for a Ferris wheel ride.
Great views, first time on this don't know why I haven't done it before.
On the way home...
And that evening, I have a cruise on the Seine with dinner and fireworks. As mentioned earlier, the Maxim's boat cancelled, so I was offered a substitute, still with window seat. And it wasn't half bad, the redeeming feature being an open deck at the back where we watched the fireworks. But compared to some of the other boats around, this did seem like a tub bought out of retirement for the occasion.
I promise, there will be fireworks before I'm done with this.
Monday, 11 September 2017
I bought it!
Thursday 13 July 2017 - Not a big report from this day. I had been stewing all week over something I had seen in a shop or gallery (bit of both). Finally decided to buy it this day, and then had to buy some packaging materials, etc, etc. It weighed in at 4 kg so I decided to take it home in my suitcase. Other stuff then went home in a Colissimo box from La Poste.
Interesting graffiti. Guess where I'm on the way to? La Poste, of course!
I have no idea why I took this photo, or where. Can't even tell you when, because the file is telling an impossibility (early morning!). But it's a nice typical Paris street at night. The non-stop service signs amuse me, because they're on all the restaurants, but what does it mean?
I had dinner at a restaurant that had live jazz which was very enjoyable. Perhaps the photo is of that, lol.
Oh, and perhaps you are wondering what "it" is. You'll just have to come and see it.
Interesting graffiti. Guess where I'm on the way to? La Poste, of course!
I have no idea why I took this photo, or where. Can't even tell you when, because the file is telling an impossibility (early morning!). But it's a nice typical Paris street at night. The non-stop service signs amuse me, because they're on all the restaurants, but what does it mean?
I had dinner at a restaurant that had live jazz which was very enjoyable. Perhaps the photo is of that, lol.
Oh, and perhaps you are wondering what "it" is. You'll just have to come and see it.
Sunday, 10 September 2017
Liberte and La Poste
Wednesday 12 July 2017 - A general walk around today. Somewhere along the way, I found a live, open, La Poste! Could it be that Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite is all about post for the people?
Started walking around Ile de la Cite, and despite having many photos of this ol' dame, I took another one.
This is one of a series I'm going to title "Dude on a horse".
I passed the boat that cancelled on me. I was originally going to do my Bastille Day evening cruise on the Seine on Maxim's Bateau Ivre. Beautiful old style with Art Nouveau furnishings inside.
In the Jewish quarter at the end of the Marais, the Fallafel houses are famous. This day, one in particular seemed to draw the crowds.
This scooter has "Oldies 50" written on it. Can't imagine why that caught my eye.
This is one of a series I'm going to title "Dude on a horse".
I passed the boat that cancelled on me. I was originally going to do my Bastille Day evening cruise on the Seine on Maxim's Bateau Ivre. Beautiful old style with Art Nouveau furnishings inside.
In the Jewish quarter at the end of the Marais, the Fallafel houses are famous. This day, one in particular seemed to draw the crowds.
This scooter has "Oldies 50" written on it. Can't imagine why that caught my eye.
Saturday, 9 September 2017
Trolling around...
Tuesday 11 July 2017 - Trolling around regular Paris haunts today, but as I set off, still looking for a convenient nearby La Poste.
What a surprise to find it closed and abandoned! Anyhow, onwards to Montmarte.
Looks even seedier with the truck outside, eh? But now to a favourite area, the Marais, and Pompidou is always enjoyable - great shops there.
The Stravinsky fountain is a highlight. It's always in a disappointing state of repair with only some of the animations working. This time, it looked like the sculptures had been repainted, but lots of the features weren't working. Here's what Wikipedia says of the fountain, "The Stravinsky Fountain is a whimsical public fountain ornamented with sixteen works of sculpture, moving and spraying water, representing the works of composer Igor Stravinsky."
Looks even seedier with the truck outside, eh? But now to a favourite area, the Marais, and Pompidou is always enjoyable - great shops there.
The Stravinsky fountain is a highlight. It's always in a disappointing state of repair with only some of the animations working. This time, it looked like the sculptures had been repainted, but lots of the features weren't working. Here's what Wikipedia says of the fountain, "The Stravinsky Fountain is a whimsical public fountain ornamented with sixteen works of sculpture, moving and spraying water, representing the works of composer Igor Stravinsky."
After that I felt compelled to immerse myself in local culture, so visited several bars in the area. Nuf said.
Wednesday, 6 September 2017
La Sylphide... indeed
Monday 10 July 2017 - Hmmm, 10 July rings a bell, eh? Went in search of La Poste...
Yup, first one gutted for rebuilding. I spoke of this earlier, you may recall.
Tonight's fixture was La Sylphide at the Opera Garnier.
I hadn't been inside before, but have read about this venue, in particular from the days of the Ballet Russes. It was because of my interest in that era that I wanted to see a ballet there. Here's the staircase on entry.
Checking out the wee bar where I'll have Champagne at interval.
So it's up to find my seat, it's here where you can see the printout of my ticket.
I can't get it all in a photo, but I like this one showing the curvature of the seating.
And looking forward to the stage and orchestra.
But it's only when you look up, you see the spectacular ceiling by Marc Chagall.
La Sylphide, I have to say, is a rather dreary ballet, performed to rather dreary music (give me the Russian Five any day). There were some good tricks though, like dancers propelled through the air. A very traditional production, which is funny when I was trying to visualise Nijinsky's L'aprés-midi d'un faun. They were trying to break away from the very tradition I was witnessing.
Yup, first one gutted for rebuilding. I spoke of this earlier, you may recall.
Tonight's fixture was La Sylphide at the Opera Garnier.
I hadn't been inside before, but have read about this venue, in particular from the days of the Ballet Russes. It was because of my interest in that era that I wanted to see a ballet there. Here's the staircase on entry.
Checking out the wee bar where I'll have Champagne at interval.
So it's up to find my seat, it's here where you can see the printout of my ticket.
I can't get it all in a photo, but I like this one showing the curvature of the seating.
And looking forward to the stage and orchestra.
But it's only when you look up, you see the spectacular ceiling by Marc Chagall.
La Sylphide, I have to say, is a rather dreary ballet, performed to rather dreary music (give me the Russian Five any day). There were some good tricks though, like dancers propelled through the air. A very traditional production, which is funny when I was trying to visualise Nijinsky's L'aprés-midi d'un faun. They were trying to break away from the very tradition I was witnessing.
Thursday, 31 August 2017
Arriverderci Roma, Bonjour Paris
Saturday 8 July 2017 - Usual tidy up, leave the key inside, bang the door. Metro to Termini, Leonardo train to airport. Here's a great sight, a shiny 3-wheeler full of Lemoncello.
Nice flight, here's a towering cumulus we skirted tactfully around.
Not sure where I am at this point, but I would say it's descending coming into Paris. Still a way to go, but clearly not at 35,000 feet.
There were delays getting into my Paris apartment, so not much more to say for today. I went to one of my favourite places for dinner, and it didn't disappoint.
Sunday 9 July 2017 - Just a walk around today, including looking at shops. Security is everywhere. Bags are checked entering the Les Halles shopping mall - once in, there was additional security entering one of my favourite shops, FNAC. I find it amusing that no one's interested in checking your bags as you leave these days!
And I found something very special right in the heart of Paris. I have always wanted to go to an Ikea shop in Europe - just to see the design influence. I didn't make it to Ikea, but this is the French equivalent, just opposite the northern end of the Pompidou, Leroy Merlin. Floors and floors of everything you could need for the home, including rebuilding it.
Spotted this light fitting in there and did a double-take. Not sure of the origin.
Not sure where I am at this point, but I would say it's descending coming into Paris. Still a way to go, but clearly not at 35,000 feet.
There were delays getting into my Paris apartment, so not much more to say for today. I went to one of my favourite places for dinner, and it didn't disappoint.
Sunday 9 July 2017 - Just a walk around today, including looking at shops. Security is everywhere. Bags are checked entering the Les Halles shopping mall - once in, there was additional security entering one of my favourite shops, FNAC. I find it amusing that no one's interested in checking your bags as you leave these days!
And I found something very special right in the heart of Paris. I have always wanted to go to an Ikea shop in Europe - just to see the design influence. I didn't make it to Ikea, but this is the French equivalent, just opposite the northern end of the Pompidou, Leroy Merlin. Floors and floors of everything you could need for the home, including rebuilding it.
Spotted this light fitting in there and did a double-take. Not sure of the origin.
Monday, 28 August 2017
Appian fail, Carmen win, and a pleasant interlude inbetween
Friday 7 July 2017 - I tried to 'do' the Appian Way today, but it was a big fail. I ended up on a bus that touched it, then veered away to places hitherto unknown, touched ancient stuff again, then departed again. I don't really want to talk about it. It was the most bone-shaking bus ride I have ever had, and it seemed to go on for ages. Actually, it did go on for ages.
So the only photo you get from this morning's exertions is of the Circus Maximus.
I finally escaped the bus back in Rome and happily walked from then on. Had a pizza near the Coliseum, went home for a nap, started packing, then ventured out again.
Piazza Navona with Bernini's fountains was glorious, despite the heat. I was desperate for somewhere to sit down in the shade but the church with steps had, in a very Christian way, fenced them off!
The highlight today, and one of the highlights of the trip, was a production of Carmen at the Baths of Caracalla. This is an historical site I haven't visited in Rome, and it's a must-see for next visit. It's a vast complex, and in summer the Rome Opera put on a production here. This is what you might call the back wall, seen as you enter.
Then I walked a circuit right around the staging area and found this welcome oasis.
Welcome because I hadn't had dinner, so a sandwich and glass of wine helped.
The opera had a modern setting. So much so, that Carmen took a selfie with Escamillo, the bull-fighter! This set, for Acts 1 and 2, is at the US and Mexico border. I expected a Trump reference any moment, but it didn't happen.
And for Acts 2 and 3 we are in the mountains, and you can see the background has been removed leaving the stark ruins of the Baths. Onto these, actual mountains were projected, making the whole thing very real. They played with it a bit - well more than a bit - at one moment the presidents' of Mount Rushmore were projected.
It was a magical night at the opera.
So the only photo you get from this morning's exertions is of the Circus Maximus.
I finally escaped the bus back in Rome and happily walked from then on. Had a pizza near the Coliseum, went home for a nap, started packing, then ventured out again.
Piazza Navona with Bernini's fountains was glorious, despite the heat. I was desperate for somewhere to sit down in the shade but the church with steps had, in a very Christian way, fenced them off!
Then I walked a circuit right around the staging area and found this welcome oasis.
Welcome because I hadn't had dinner, so a sandwich and glass of wine helped.
The opera had a modern setting. So much so, that Carmen took a selfie with Escamillo, the bull-fighter! This set, for Acts 1 and 2, is at the US and Mexico border. I expected a Trump reference any moment, but it didn't happen.
And for Acts 2 and 3 we are in the mountains, and you can see the background has been removed leaving the stark ruins of the Baths. Onto these, actual mountains were projected, making the whole thing very real. They played with it a bit - well more than a bit - at one moment the presidents' of Mount Rushmore were projected.
It was a magical night at the opera.
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