Paris continue - Update 2

Paris continued

Saturday – Canal du Martin

This magnificent canal was originally used to transport goods and produce to Paris, it is now a major tourist attraction and meanders through some of the most historic parts of old Paris.  It was a perfect day to relax on our canal boat and watch Paris at play.  Lovers strolled along the banks of the canal, bike riders, joggers, weaved their way through the crowds.   Happy family groups picnicked in the beautiful parks. 

Sunday at Bastille Markets

On a beautiful sunny morning we set off to explore the Bastille Markets.  These are the best markets in Paris.  A mouth-watering array of food assails our senses, and the yells of the merchants adds to the carnival like atmosphere.  What a choice of food; fish and shellfish from Brittany and Normandy, hundreds of cheeses - and I mean cheeses - the freshest of fruit and vegetables, which has real flavour.  Back onto the Metro, after the obligatory wine, or two and to our apartment with bag fulls of strawberries, raspberries, olives, cheese and baguettes.  Should last us at least four months.

Phil with strawberries from the markets

Bastille Markets

Monet’s Gardens

Another beautiful sunny day in Paris.  We set off early on the train to Vernon and then connected by bus to Giverny to visit Monet’s Gardens.  The tulips were so beautiful – such an array of colours.  With the warmer weather Paris is currently experiencing, the flowers seem to be flourishing.  Flowers were in full bloom; pansies, tulips, iris and so much more.  Janelle and Kent bought two paintings by a local artist who has a gallery at the gardens.  One was of the water lilies which he had painted in July last year and the other was a scene on the river that runs through Giverny.  They had them shipped back.

Amines

We left Paris on Easter Sunday to come up to Amiens for the Anzac Day service.

We were invited to a Veterans Affairs reception on Sunday evening. The Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd was there along with other dignitaries.  Got to meet Kevie and have our photo taken with him. It was a great evening with plenty of refreshments.

Anzac morning was a clear but cold crisp morning.  The bus collected us at 4.30am for the drive to Villers Bretennoux.  Over 4000 people at a most moving ceremony.  We were lucky enough to get seats right up the front.  The dawn broke and the crisp breeze got colder.  After the service we toured a number of memorials and cemeteries which was also very moving.  The day turned out warm and fine after such a cold morning.  The evening was spent at a great little restaurant on the Amines canal with a group of Australians.

Today back to Paris then the overnight train to Florence. 

Au revoir for now.