My Time in Vienna

September 21st, 2008

Although I went to Vienna for a consulation on my knee, it did give me the oppotunity to see Vienna.  The first Day I arrived Ruth and David took me on a driving tour of Wien.  This was a fantastic way to see the town in a way which did not effect my knee.  After my cnsulataion on Monday, my doctor said I would have the opperation on Friday the 5th of September.  So this gave me four days to enjoy Vienna.

Chalk Masters

August 10th, 2008

In spectacular detail, three people were drawing some of the well known Italian master art works in Pastels.  It was quite a sight to see.  It lasts a only a few moments but is enjoyed by many in Florence.

Italian Woman

August 10th, 2008

How to be a fashionable Italian woman?  Patterned dress, Italian leather handbag (of course), over-sized sunglasses, sandals, black hair and tanned skin.  I think I’ll just take the handbag, sandals and the dress.

My Favourite Place

August 10th, 2008

In Reggio Emilia the Piazza S. Prospero has a spectacular church which is guarded by four lions.  The Piazza is a great place to be as long as it is not midday.  At this time the stone covered Piazza (with no trees) becomes an oven.  So when in Italy do what the Italians do,  go home at 12 or 1 to sleep and have lunch for a couple of hours, then start again.

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Lost in The Florist

August 3rd, 2008

In an average shopping center was a gem.  A gorgeous florist, full of pinks, table settings and decor.  After the absence of such places in Kiev this was a welcomed experience.  The kind of shop guys run away whimpering from.  A.K.A Lauren paradise.

Flowers of France

August 3rd, 2008

Each day during our drive through provincial France, Paul would stop the car so I could pick the wild flowers buy the roadside.  Each day I had a fresh bunch of flowers to gaze at during our drive.  It was most enjoyable, and a ritual I looked forward to each day.

Petite Pastries

August 3rd, 2008

Every town in France seemed to have a a Bakery (the French really are passionate about their baguettes), and sometimes patisserie with a trained artisan.  In the town of Thiers we found one such place.  So for breakfast we bought a tray of petite pastries and desserts. Each one was magnificent.  The combination of quality ingredients and expertise was a delight to the taste buds.

Art Crazy

July 25th, 2008


I was so excited to be at the Louvre. The extensive collection was so special.  It was fantastic to see all of the paintings and artifacts I have seen so often in art books and documentaries.
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Chocolate Dreams

July 25th, 2008


The range of Lint chocolate avaliable at the Galeries Lafyete was quite amazing.  Needless to say I was as happy as a chocoholic can be in such situations.  So I purchased    one block of Darck lint chocolate with lavender and Blueberries.  It was truly lovely.

The Magic Hand

July 16th, 2008

Lauren's Hand

How do we pass the time on a flight from Kiev to Berlin?  Paul and I play Gin Rummy for two.  “My magic hand” has an uncanny knack for winning every game.  We enjoy the blissful game for but a while and  just as Paul is on the verge of a depression, we stop. I would also like to emphasize that this trend has been going on for 6.5 years!  We need to play a new two person card game.

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