November 18th, 2009
The journey began on S.’s birthday after school. Here she is with her birthday “cake,” a selection of 12 pastries she sampled into the night. Long but pleasant drive to Paris.
Stopped by Chartres on the way, which was undergoing a top-to-bottom cleaning, including the windows. Can’t imagine how amazing it will be when everything is gleaming. Saw “La Boheme” at the Bastille Opera House–fantastic!
Walked out of our hotel to the Sunday Bastille Farmer’s Market–100 stalls of seafood, produce, cheese, and bread–unbelievable. Bought our breakfast and lunch materials for the next two days. Doug made us wild mushroom omelettes! Onion bread–mmmmmm.
Had a very rainy day at Versailles, but it was intriguing to see the place off-season. The weather didn’t deter the crowds much, at least inside.
Stopped by the Eiffel Tower on the way back. The top was closed due to weather, but we were able to go to the second level. No crowds! Wonderful views. Went to the Louvre the next day–again, very few people, given it was a Monday holiday with no other museums open. Saw the classic must-sees.
Drove through Bordeaux country and stopped at Saint Emilion, a classic old town surrounded by chateaux and vineyards. T. decided to sample the remainders–delicious!
Stopped by Hossegor, a little surfing town in French Basque country where the continental shelf is near shore. The waves are crazy.
All photos copyright 2009 Diana Rathe Pray
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November 10th, 2009
Austin
Frank Gore
Vince Young
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November 9th, 2009
THE ATLANTIC BOTANICAL GARDENS IN GIJON
400-year-old oaks, pokeberry, hips, and Laboral University view.
SALAMANCA, SPAIN
Lively city between Madrid and Portugal. Massive square where the city once held bullfights, beautiful old sandstone buildings, and a 13th century university.
NORTHERN PORTUGAL
Porto church and pier; Viana do Castelo with a modern basilica on the hill–impressive view and Sophia’s dream car; lots of old and crumbling buildings.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN
Many pilgrims walking the Way of St. James in the countryside and arriving at the cathedral; gorgeous lighting.
LUGO, SPAIN
Complete Roman wall around a crumbling city in Spanish hills.
BAIONA, SPAIN
Little town north of Portuguese border where the Pinta returned in 1493 to deliver news of the New World. Below is a replica of the Pinta–hardly more than a tub with sails. It happened to be Columbus Day when we were there, hence the traffic jam.
All photos copyright 2009 Diana Rathe Pray
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October 13th, 2009
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September 27th, 2009
We stopped in Segovia on the way back from Madrid. Storybook kind of place. Alcazar is the castle some say was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle (but I think a lot of European castles claim that). The highlight in Segovia was the mortarless 2000-year-old Roman aqueduct, still in use with a pipe on top.
OTHER SPANISH DETAILS
The cuisine of Northern Spain is wonderful–apples, beans, lots of seafood, and, of course, ham! In EVERYthing! Our first night was spent on the Boulevard of Cider in Oviedo, capital of the Principality of Asturias. The cider, which has very little apple flavor and very little alcohol content, must be poured from a distance to aerate it. Fabada (huge beans in stew with saffron, chorizo, and blood sausage) is a regional specialty–very yummy.
Tunnels are everywhere in Asturias, some 4 km long through mountains, and some just ‘cuz…
Art is everywhere, too. Even the graffiti is nice…
(Click on pix twice for largest size.)
Copyright 2009 Diana Rathe Pray
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Street Below Cathedral
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Massive Cathedral
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S Cloister
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LA Girl Enters Church
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A Graphic Reminder
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Chant Book
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Alcazar
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Aquaduct
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Blvd. of Cider
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First Night
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Air Time
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Fabada
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Coke Bottles
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Metermen and Chevrolet
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Picasso
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Tunnel
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Spain!
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September 25th, 2009
Had a nice visit with Bruce in Madison.
Bruce gave me a tour of the state capital building, very impressive!
Many of these shots were taken with my iPhone, which is also impressive. It compares pretty well with my old Canon Elph!
Also went back the next day to take some HDR photos before they closed.
Categories: Bruce, Richard |
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