10-23 September
We stayed on the edge of central Paris (Pont de Sèvres) with Emma, daughter of my friend Madeleine, who taught in New Zealand for many years. Emma and family live just down the road from where I had attended a course in 1998. Such a difference in this area in the last 20 years or so!
Many thanks, Emma, Rachid, Adrien et Maxim. Such a lovely family.
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| The ceramic factory is just over the Pont de Sèvres |
Fontainebleau
Excursion to Fontainebleau - by train - a birthday celebration for Madeleine's oldest grandson, followed by short walk to the castle.
The chateau of Fontainebleau on an after-dinner walk
Paris- Pont de Sèvres (Boulogne-Billancourt)
This area is gradually transforming from an almost totally industrial area to a pleasant residential area with a number of head-offices and other businesses.
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| The original Renault factory gate is so-far preserved |
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| And just down the road - CIEP, where I stayed in 1998 |
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| The back courtyard of CIEP |
Sèvres is famous for porcelain and the ceramic museum has some amazing pieces. HUGE pieces.
And for something different:
Chez Chartier is a popular restaurant in central Paris, dating from the end of the 19th century. It offers traditional food at reasonable prices in the original setting. Thank you, J-A.
Visit to the Zoo of Vincennes with Emma and children - by tram which skirts the periphery. Vincennes zoo has been modernised and is a very pleasant place to visit.
Here and there in Paris
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| Side view of the Opera House |
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| A cute corner |
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| Detail of recent renovations at Le Printemps |
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| So typical... |
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| Peaceful spot in the Marais |
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| The latest addition to the shopping complex at la Défense |
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It costs €23 weekdays or €29 weekends to swim here, though this is only half the pool
(Aquaboulevard, Tramway Suzanne-Lenglen) |
A street poster, advertising English teaching. Being able to speak English is becoming more important each year.
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If you speak French and English this T-shirt photo is for you...read out loud carefully
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Home via Air France A380 to Hong Kong. So lucky to be able to meet up with an ex-pupil from the 1970s who has lived here (married to another ex-pupil) and raised a family since the 1990s. The stopover was for rest and exercise, and to ease the time change. Mission accomplished!
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| The A380 is big and stable. They apologise for mild turbulence... |
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| Our hotel was next door to this area |
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| Peaceful park in Kowloon, near the heritage Discovery centre (worth a visit) |
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| Kowloon Park: the smallest McDonalds ever? Sells drinks and soft-serve and has seats and tables |
My favourite cycle photo from this year:
