Monochrome Monday: Prague
travel
Out for a Drive: Prague
Looking Out My Back Door: on Lake Lucerne
Evidence of travel aside, I am a homebody at heart– a creature of habit, a conscript of cozy. But travel is glorious too–new sights, new sounds, new smells, new tastes. When I am lucky enough to marry these things–to thrill to the new while being wrapped in a happy blanket of cozy– that is a joyful day. A recent trip to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland delighted me with just that experience. Here are a few photos and brief thoughts on the stay.
We drove from Germany to Luzern/Lucerne, and we spent our first day wandering around that town and drinking in her beauty. From Lucerne, we drove a short distance around the lake until we came to Weggis, where we set up camp for a few days. Our hotel was small and comfortable, and about as hospitable as any place I’ve ever been. The staff made us hot cocoa, coffee, or ice cream whenever we wanted (Yes, please!), and the morning breakfast was taken in a room that reminded me so much of old university or church spaces in England. Absolutely charming.
After watching the sun set on the lake and tucking in for a good night’s sleep, we got up to tackle a hike to the summit of Mt. Riggi the next day. The weather was accommodating, and the views from the summit (as well as all along the hike) were fantastic! I’ve posted some photos from Rigi already, and I’m sure more will come in the days ahead.
That night we had dinner in Weggis and tucked in for another good night’s sleep, nestled cozily in the comfiest bed, in the friendliest hotel, in the prettiest little town, around a magical sparkling lake, in the heart of the world’s most picturesque mountains.
As John Fogerty once said, “Bother me tomorrow; today I’ll buy no sorrow. . . Doo, doo, doo lookin’ out my backdoor.”
Friday in the Frame: Pont Neuf, Paris
The Pont Neuf (“New Bridge”) is the oldest standing bridge in Paris. How’s that for a paradox? It made sense at one time . . . a long, long time ago. It was built in the late 1500’s/early 1600’s– and still looks spry for an old girl. Yes, there have been nips and tucks, but the bone structure remains the same as far as I know.
If the structure of the bridge is little changed by time, what about the “life” and function of the bridge? It’s always held a central role in the city, but it was once a very dangerous place, replete with thieves and murderers. In fact, it was replete with everything: vendors, performers, prostitutes, con artists, pickpockets, artists, families . . .all the best and worst of Paris. It was the best of mimes, it was the worst of mimes. (Oh, so sorry–I didn’t want to say it, but I couldn’t stop myself.)
I remember reading (somewhere) that the Pont Neuf once had its own gallows right there on the bridge. That’s hard to imagine today, when you see her cleaned up and looking stunning, but I’d wager that at least a few of those surly pickpockets are still around. We haven’t changed that much over time, and, as this bridge reminds us, “everything old is neuf again.”
The Personalities of Paris
(an abbreviated list in photos)
Two weeks ago, we spent three nights in Paris and stayed at small hotel in the Tuileries area. It was a fantastic area in a fantastic city. (Was it Audrey Hepburn who said that Paris is always a good idea? Absolutely right!)
Paris is many things in the summer: the city of light; a banquet spread over a city-width of streets; a rock concert moshpit ; and a beautiful stroll.
In the weeks ahead, and when time allows, I’ll take you more in depth into some of our favorite bits of Paris. Until then, à bientôt! (See you soon!)
Travels and Tomes: One Expat's Amblings and Ramblings 