Shoot Three - "Normandy"

Scotland - the native land for my Mother's side of the family! Also, the country that Michelle, Milt, Jim, Peyton, and Joani guessed. Doris did some time to check in this week!

"German View of Omaha Beach"

Another one of our side trips out of Paris was Normandy. Other than what was in museums, there is not much to see there nowadays but what was there left a stark reminder of the valiant efforts of the Allies to end the war.

This was one of the bunkers in which you could walk around and look out. I wanted an image of what it might have been like with the German guns looking down on the beaches of Normandy. I believe the barbed wire was not the original barrier.

Getting Older?

"Just remember, once you're over the hill 
you begin to pick up speed."

   ~ Charles M. Schulz

Where in the World?

Here are some interesting facts about various countries of the world. Just where would I be?

in terms of land area, is the largest country in the world.

is located across 9 time zones.

has a wide range of natural resources and is one of the world’s largest producers of oil.

has over 40 national parks and 100 wildlife reserves.

has the largest freshwater lake in the world. It reaches 1642 metres (5,387 feet) in depth and contains around 20% of the world’s unfrozen fresh water.

has the world’s largest area of forests.

Interesting Fact. . .

Kites were used in the American Civil War to deliver 
letters and newspapers. 
(now we have drones!)

Leaving on a humorous note, I hope!

What is a "free" gift? 

Aren't all gifts free?

Shoot Three - "Paris and Beyond - Chateaux"

Guess many of you forgot how to use the Internet! however, Elaine and Michelle chimed in with Japan while Peyton and Jim were not too far away.

"St. Hubert's Chapel"

This shot is from the insides of Ambiose Chateau. When I looked out the window, I knew I had to shoot it! I used my patience filter to the max! As you can see very few or no people are in my final shot. No, they were not cloned out!

Interesting facts about St. Hubert's Chapel - it houses the remains of Leonardo da Vinci!

Getting Older?

"What a wonderful life I've had!  

I only wish I'd realized it sooner." 

   ~ Colette

Where in the World?

Here are some interesting facts about various countries of the world. Just where would I be?

includes over 700 islands!

the highest mountain is Ben Nevis which stands at a height of 1344 metres (4409 feet).

has over 300 railway stations.

has a unique culture with traditions such as bagpipes, kilts and highland dancing (this one should solidify your guess).

In 1872, it participated in the first international game of football (soccer). The result was a 0-0 draw.

the thistle is a national symbol.

Interesting Fact. . .

Earth gets 100 tons heavier every day 
due to falling space dust.     

Leaving on a humorous note, I hope!

The only difference between a rut and a grave is
the depth!

Shoot Three B - "Paris and Beyond! - Chateaux"

Fiji - not sure what clue helped Michelle, Joani, Jim, Milt,  or Elaine? Peyton came about after his second guess and Doris just stopped by to say a few words.

"Chambord Chateau"

Using Paris as our home base, we were off the see the Chateaux of the Loire Valley. Our excursion included visits to three of them - Chambord (picurterd above), Ambiose, and Cheverney. Each of these "cottages" were well decorated with furniture, artwork, and other items to make you feel the castle life. Much like the mansions in Newport, RI, these villas were used sparingly! 

I don't think we had enough time to see any one of them in their entirety. And, the challenge to capture their essence on memory cards was daunting!

Getting Older?

"The best way to get most husbands to do something is 

to suggest that perhaps they're too old to do it."

   ~ Anne Bancroft 

Where in the World?

Here are some interesting facts about various countries of the world. Just where would I be?

country is made up of 6,852 islands!

has the tenth largest population in the world with over 127 million (July 2012).

almost three quarters of its land is either forest or mountains and is difficult to be made into farms, industrial or residential areas.

it is a world leader in robotics.

the most popular spectator sport is baseball.

it has hosted one Summer Olympics and two Winter Olympics.

Interesting Fact. . .

The University of Alaska spans four time zones!  

Leaving on a humorous note, I hope!

It's hard to make a comeback 

when you haven't been anywhere!

Shoot Three B - "Paris and Beyond"

Wales? Does anyone ever visit Wales?? And, who knew they were famous for their male choirs - Michelle did! So Milt, Peyton, Elaine, Jim, and Michelle were spot on with Wales while Joani and Mike were so close. . .

"Mont St. Michel"

From Paris there was an all-day excursion to see Mont St. Michel - the island community in Normandy. We booked it! Throughout the year there are forty-four full-time residents living in Mont St. Michel. In the course of a year some three million tourists will make the pilgrimage here - I think most of those three million were there the day we visited!

As you may guess, the structure was a strategic location since ancient times. Beginning in the 8th century, it was the seat of the Mont St. Michel monastery.  

Not too long ago visitors took their chances with the tides as they walked from the mainland to the island. Today a bridge and a shuttle make the trek less stressful. 

Getting Older?

"The older I get, 
the better I used to be!"

   ~ Lee Trevino

Where in the World?

Here are some interesting facts about various countries of the world. Just where would I be?

It gained its independence from the British Empire in 1970 after 96 years as a British colony.

It shares marine boundaries with Vanuatu to the west, New Caledonia to the southwest, Kermadec to the southeast, Tonga to the east, American Samoa, Samoa and Wallis and Futuna to the northeast and Tuvalu to the north.

It has a population of around nine hundred thousand (896,758) as of 2013.

There are 322 islands and over 500 small islets.

Major industries are tourism and sugar. Exports also include garments, gold, timber and fish.

Also a major tourist location, with its white sandy beaches, beautiful islands, all-year-round tropical weather and stunning coral reefs.

One of its most successful sports figure is professional golfer Vijay Singh, winner of three major championships.

Interesting Fact. . .

Where did the custom of shaking hands originate? 
One such theory was in ancient times 
strangers shook hands 
to show that they were unarmed.   

Leaving on a humorous note, I hope!

They begin the evening news with 'Good Evening,' 
then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

Shoot Three B - "Paris and Beyond!"

Cuba - too easy?? Nine of you thought so - Michelle, Elaine, Jim, Peyton, Mike, and Joani. Returning to my weekly were Carol, Michael, and Doris! 

"The Iron Maiden!"

What would a trip to Paris be without visiting the Eiffel Tower! My wife and I lucked out as the best way to see this iconic site is by way of a tour group - avoids standing in those long lines! However, all the tour groups were booked solid on the days we had open. We managed to find an American company that had two openings on our last night in Paris.

Skipping the lines for tickets meant more time on the Tower. 

I liked this angle I managed to catch while walking up to the #1 tourist activity in Paris.

Getting older?

"I don't plan to grow old gracefully; 
I plan to have face lifts until my ears meet."

   Rita Rudner

Where in the World?

Here are some interesting facts about various countries of the world. Just where would I be?

Called Cymru in its native language.

42% of the South and West coastline is designated as 'Heritage Coast'.

The country is said to contain more castles per square mile than any other country in the world.

It is often termed "the land of song" the country is known for its harpists, male choirs, and solo artists.

Although football (soccer) is the more popular sport in the northern part, Rugby Union is seen as the national sport and is passionately played and followed by most of the country.

Cardiff's Millennium Stadium has the largest retractable roof of any sports stadium in the world.

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is generally credited with inventing lawn tennis when in 1873 he designed and patented a similar game for his guests to play on his estate.

Interesting Fact. . .

The tooth is the only part of the human body 
that cannot heal itself.   

Leaving on a humorous note, I hope!

One nice thing about egotists: 

They don't talk about other people!

Shoot Three B - "Paris and Beyond!"

Nigeria! Only heard from Jim, Joani, Elaine, and Peyton. Let's find some place a little easier this week!

"Conciergerie Cell"

The Conciergerie was once a royal palace but later housed political and common prisoners. Probably the most famous among them was Marie Antoinette! Her former cell has been converted into a chapel.

The picture of the week was one of the cells in the basement area - cold, dark, and damp. Most of those housed here never got to feel the blade of the guillotine as the plague and others diseases were the most common causes of death.

This was a most difficult shot as flash was not allowed (and, that would have ruined the impact of the room). I braced myself between the wall and one of the bars and clicked away. 


Getting Older?

"Inflation is when you pay $15 for the $10 haircut 
you used to get for $5 when you had hair." 

   ~ Sam Ewing

Where in the World?

Here are some interesting facts about various countries of the world. Just where would I be?

One of the largest of all islands in the Caribbean. The country also includes more than 4000 other much smaller islands and cays.

From the air, the island resembles a crocodile or alligator and so it is often referred to in Spanish as "El Cocodrilo" or "El Caimá".

Country is renown for its music, bands play everywhere in its capital. The main musical form is called son, which is a combination of upbeat rhythms with classical guitar.

Sugar from sugarcane is the main crop grown here, followed by tobacco which is used in the making of hand-crafted cigars that are famous for being the finest cigars in the world.

Baseball is the most popular sport by far. The country is also dominant in boxing and has produced a number of Olympic boxing champions. 

The game of dominoes is extremely popular.

Interesting Fact. . .

Everything weighs one percent less 
at the equator! 
(Who needs Weight Watchers, then???)  

Leaving on a humorous note, I hope!

You do not need a parachute to skydive. 
You only need a parachute to skydive twice!