Summer's Comin'

Getting prepared to hit the road, or should I say rails, again this summer.  (Can you spot me?)  My favorite way to travel, bar none!  Well, for short distances...my bike takes first place!

Hmmmm. Passenger or Freight?

There are two kinds of trains.  One carries freight like cars, coal, cows, and cabbage. This car is a box car on a freight train.  The other kind of train is a passenger train which, of course, carries people.  There are tourist trains (which carry passangers and little dogs) like the Canadian train, the Rocky Mountaineer.  Check it out at www.rockymountaineer.com and book your seat!

My Favorite Mainland City

Riding the rails into and out of Washington, D.C., is exciting! Take the Amtrak to the Nation's Capital and you'll love the experience.  You can hop right off the train at Union Station and onto the Metro, the city's subway.  It takes you almost anywhere...the Smithsonian, National Gallery of Art, National Portrait Gallery (my favorite,) Air and Space Museum, Eastern Market, etc. And many museums are free!

Oh, the Peaches and the Flowers!

As I said, there is lots to do in Washington, D.C.  I am making my plans to be at the Eastern Market behind the Capitol this summer.  I'll visit the peach man and the flower lady for sure.  Then I'll have Sunday breakfast at an outdoor cafe and people watch!  Knowing me, I'll probably chat with a few people, too.

Whew, Back in London Town

It was a long ride from Paris on the Eurostar to London, but here I am.  Be advised...sometimes crossing borders can take awhile.  Just chat up the fellow in line behind you and time will pass more quickly.

Ahhh....the Farmers' Market at the Ally Pally

The bread, oh, the bread.  One of the most wonderful delights of traveling in Europe, especially in London, is the "Staff of Life."  I love the dark bread the best!

More Bread, Please

Yes, just pass me some Irish butter and I'll be in heaven!  This Farmers' Market in north London is near the Alexandra Palace. Built in 1873 and called the People's Palace, it's purpose was to serve the citizens as a public center of recreation, education, entertainment.

Everyone's Always so Friendly

Visiting farmers' markets is one of my favorite pastimes when I travel.  I make new friends and learn about the neighborhoods.  I love talking and listening to the growers, bakers, herbalists, artists, chefs, and locals.  The interactions make my brain grow and I become more open-minded.

And I Bid you Farewell

Saying goodbye to the Ally Pally Farmers' Market.  When you are visiting London, there are so many absolutely wonderful places to visit and this market is just one of them!

I Love the Train! Heading South to Paris

Taking the train is my favorite way to travel.  It's like checking into a spa.  Meals are served in a dining car with waiters and fancy, white cloth napkins!  The rocking of the wheels on the track puts me happily to sleep.  No waiting in security lines or agricultural inspection.  Heaven!

Nosey, Just like Me!

I meet and make friends with a lot of dogs as I journey around the world.  This little pooch is in Paris, The City of Light.  

Sweet Max

My friend, Maximilien, is showing me around his Dad's very cool and trendy men's clothing shop, Sausalito, in Montmartre, Paris.  The family put me up in their bright and beautiful apartment while I was visiting them in the 18th Arrondissement.  Their neighborhood is the art center of the city.

Street Music

Traveling opens your eyes...This piano just sets on a Paris street and is available for anyone to sit down and play.  I love that!  Traveling opens your heart, too!

The River Seine

Boats have long traveled on this very important river which cuts through the heart of Paris dividing it into the Left Bank and the Right Bank.  Lots of tours boats, like the red-bottomed one above, show visitors the sights, now.  If you want to read a great chapter book about the River Seine and a homeless family, check out...

FAMILY UNDER THE BRIDGE by Natalie Savage Carlson.  It will warm your heart and make you laugh, promise.

Our Own Thomas Jefferson

Right above the bridge in the above photo, stands this statue of our 3rd US President and Founding Father, and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.  Thomas Jefferson was our Minister to France and the French people love him! 

The Art Center of the City

Montmartre is always high on my list of places to see when I visit Paris.  I love talking to the artists and sharing stories.  I get inspired there, also, when I see work that I know I could do, too.  To be an artist, you must be brave because you are truly "putting yourself out there."  Be Brave.  Do Art!!

Spectacular Architecture

The very old buildings in Paris take my breath away.  I love looking at the fancy handiwork of a bygone era.  The builders loved their jobs and it shows.  The attention to detail is what impresses me most.  Did you know the basic plan for Washington, D.C., was designed by the French-born American architect, Pierre L'Enfant.  That's why the District of Columbia is full of traffic circles or roundabouts as they are sometimes called. They have lots of those in French cities.  L'Enfant was also a volunteer in the American Continental Army.

And Another View of Paris

I just wanted to stare out this window for hours...it was so beautiful.  Beauty lifts your spirits and produces endorphins which make you feel happy.  I call it "happy juice."  Keep a garden and your heart will be full.  You could also have a window box and/or big pot on the balcony or porch.  Just grow something and you will grow, too, mostly contentment and deep smiles.

Midsummer, on the Baltic Sea...Brrrr

Rotraud, my dear friend, was so kind to take me to northeast Germany and show me the coastline of her country.  It was beautiful and cool, but a little nippy for this Hawaiian pooch!

Waiting for Lunch to Arrive

I'm in a little fishing village near the city of Lubeck.  The boat carrying a big load of fish is about to pull up to the dock.  I'm staring very hard, being patient, yet I am starting to drool.  Hope nobody notices!