There Is, Perhaps, No Solitary Sensation So Exquisite As That Of Slumbering On The Grss Or Hay, Shaded

Andorra

Mmmm I would say Andorra is an unusual country, reminds me of lego blocks just put on a green piece of green plastic.  We went to Andorra la Vella which sits within a natural environment of beauty.  We took a route path which continues towards the mountains, through a wild valley, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. It was a breath taking view!   Remarkable to see efforts made by man in order to live here.  It was lovely to see our son drink fresh water from a stream instead of a tap!!

Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.  Elizabeth Lawrence

Are We Kissing Goodbye To The Local?

Another one bites the dust. The Jester pub, Cockfosters being demolished.  3 pubs a day close their doors for good.  Pub closures have an impact on communities.  Pubs have been at the heart of our culture for generations and remain one of our most valuable assets. 1 in 4 of us fall in love in a pub!

Wow!  This staggering skyscraper is sure to turn a few heads!

Inside the Extraordinary 190m Atrium (World Tallest) Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects

New photographs have emerged of the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed Leeza SOHO, a mixed-use office tower in Beijing’s Leeza Financial Business District. Featuring the world’s tallest atrium, the twisting, contorted structure weaves two separate sections of the tower in a visual infusion. The new images celebrate the 190-meter-tall atrium rising through the full height of the building, designed to “rise as a single volume, divided into two halves.” The 172,800-square-meter scheme sits atop a new transit hub straddling a subway tunnel currently under construction.

Chateau de La Ferte Saint-Aubin.  Part 2.

The Sitting Room.  The paneling, floor and chimney date back to Louis XVI (late 18th century).  The room includes an 18th century Persian carpet, a pair of gilded wooden consoles and furniture covered in Aubusson tapestries dating back to Louis XVI.  The large mirror on the left has a medallion portrait of Marshal de la Ferte Senectere painted in 1670, with a portrait of Duchess de la Ferte Senectere, his second wife, painted by Mignard in the 17th century, facing it on the mirror above the chimney.The Billiard Room.  This room was entirely redecorated by the O'Gormans around 1911.  It had originally been a bedroom with 18th century paneling.  The room has a beautiful set of neo-gothic furniture brought back from Britain by the O'Gormans, each piece featuring their arms and motto.  The billiard table comes from the Chevillottess in Orleans.

Pomperols Festival, South Of France. Festivals is about the eclectic range of weird and wonderful activities.

Pomperols Festival, South Of France.  The enthusiastic spectators, eclectic range of weird and wonderful activities combine to create a vibrant, theatrical visual experience and a wealth of photo opportunities.

Cite de L’Automobile, Mulhouse, France

An automobile museum located in Mulhouse, France.  It contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of Bugatti motor vehicles in the world.  I enjoyed looking around, a lot to see.

The place where I want to be!

Library of Vienna

South Of France Festival

Mostly every year we go to The South Of France.  We tend to stay at small villages not far from the beach.  One of the villages we stay at is Pomerols.  In August every year the local villages hold their own festival.  This was the first time we attended Pomerols festival. Other villages take part as well.  It was really good and enjoyable.