Assisi Wednesday 30 August 2017

This morning had our breakfast at the hotel and then set off for our day at Assisi.  The first step to get down to the railway station from the city centre is what is called an inclined elevator, there are also escalators.  Once at this point one purchases a mini metro ticket to ride the mini metro, it is tiny, efficient, frequent and much fun, little kids would love it. Once down it heads straight to the railway station.  Perugia Railway Station does need a few improvements, one has to lug ones case up and down stairs, it could be so easily remedied with a level crossing built safely of course at the end of the station, it would not cost a fortune and with a minor clean and tidy up of the station which is quite pretty really, it could be safely done and would make an enormous difference.  This would make it easier for wheelchair access, pram access.

We caught our 10.20 to Assisi which took about 25 mins then from Assisi Station we caught the Line C bus which took us to the walled city of Assisi where Basilica di S. Francesco stands.

I have taken this from my little booklet The Basilica of Saint Francis.

Probably no city in Christendom has been thoroughly identified with its saint as Assisi has been identified with Saint Francis.  Through the centuries Assisi has been described by an impressive array of authors as, ‘One of the most holy cities of our western world;’ ‘The town at whose feet everything bad dies;’  A citadel of the spirit;’ ‘A city of light;’ ‘A particle of paradise.’ Johannes Jorgensen, an early biographer, and a long time local resident, said that in Assisi, he ‘sat at Francis’ feet and entered heaven’.

St Francis of Assisi died on the evening of 3 October 1226. Two years after his death, 30 March 1228, Brother Elias of Assisi, Francis’ administrative successor, in the name of Pope Gregory IX, received a piece of land from Simon Pucciarelli, on which to build a fitting oratory for the blessed boy of the holy man.  On May 25, 1230,the body of the saint was transferred from his temporary resting place to the newly built church. 

Sam and I entered the bottom part of the Basilica, there was a priest so I asked him if he would bless a Rosary I had purchased at Sacre Coeur in Paris for my aunt, he did not understand me of course so I showed him what I would like him to do he was delightful and blessed it for me then directed me to go down to St Francis’ resting place, what a special moment.  The entire place did have that feeling you were in a very special place indeed. 

Sam and I continued on our journey walked thru the whole town and then back down to catch our bus back to the station. I feel very privileged indeed to have been able to go and see these places I have known about since a child, we learned so much about St Francis of Assisi. 

We did another walk thru town here tonight, found a Laundromat to do our weekly wash tomorrow, had some dinner, just walking down through the walled city to see the walls the Etruscans built, out of this world really. 

There really are no words to describe these places. Sam said Sabine you seem to find plenty.  I will post this tomorrow.  I do all my blogs in word then post them with photos etc.   Sabine and Sam  

The mini Metro cars

The view from the men's toilet at Basilica of St Francis

Perugia 29 August 2017

We left our hotel this morning about 8.45 made our way across to Milan Garibaldi to catch our train to Florence then on to Perugia.  Our train to Florence was a Trenitalia Frecciarossa Very Fast Train.  It started in Turin and went to Rome we caught it in Milan, unlike the others we have encountered there was Sam and I and another business man whose associates boarded at different stations down the line.  Beautiful train and they actually cater for business meetings on the journey, we alighted in Florence and they would have continued on to Rome.  We had an hour wait and then caught a Trenitalia Regional for the journey to Perugia, we did not have to book for this one.  As we have a Eurorail Pass we can always use the first class carriage on the Regional trains.  Each journey was 2 hours when we arrived here we caught a cab to our hotel which is in a building built in the 18^th century.  It would have been a house belonging to one of those influential families who ran the city in those days.  We booked in had lunch in the restaurant which was lovely and then headed out to explore, a delightful place indeed.  We found these buildings under what are now the main regional government buildings, absolutely fascinating, I have a little info but will find out more and elaborate further. 

I am sitting in bed doing this, a few sore bits after my meeting with the road yesterday but very fortunate it was not worse.  It was not so hot today which was very good.  Tomorrow we intend to catch the 10.20 to Assisi and have the day there and then on Thursday we will do some more research and tours of this delightful place.  Sabine and Sam   

Lake Como 28 August 2017

Monday again they come around very quickly.  We had a little sleep in this morning had our breakfast and headed to Milano Central to catch our train to Varenna.  It was a good walk from where we are and having seen many railway stations this one was the most outstanding I have ever seen.  I did not even get a pic as we were running to a schedule.  We knew what platform but getting there took longer than we thought we were the last people on the train had to walk from the back of the train to the front to find a seat.   This was a beautiful journey pretty much followed Lake Como until we alighted at Varenna where we followed the crowd to where the ferries come in bought our tickets and were the last people on the car ferry and another beautiful journey only about 15 mins over to Bellagio. 

We took in all the beauty Bellagio has to offer then caught the two hour ferry which zig zags across Lake Como to the many different places the ferries pick up and drop off, stunning, a gorgeous day.  We met a couple who had just had ten days on the lake they were heading home to the UK.  Our ferry dropped us at Como so we decided to have some early dinner as we had anor train to get back to Milan.  Just as I was crossing the road the next thing I knew I was face down on the road I did not trip or fall who knows anyway a lovely young man and Sam helped me up I thanked this fellow just a few grazes luckily.  The station was very close and there was a train we  could catch but knew we would have to find a new way back from where it terminated.  Quite a few stations along this lady got on I moved so she could sit down she was chatting to me in her language I said sorry only English she was just lovely we managed a conversation she could understand English and could speak a little, I told her where we were staying she told me we needed the green Metro line she asked this other chap to look after us at Milan Cadorna which he kindly did took us to buy a metro ticket we thanked him, while we were buying our tickets a gorgeous girl said I work in Milan I am going to Milan Garibaldi so took us to where we needed to go, we thanked her as well caught our train and was back very quickly, the kindness of strangers really.

We are both very grateful for the lovely journey we are having and for staying safe, the kindness we have encountered from people we have met just briefly. 

Tomorrow we head to Perugia for three days.  All the best Sabine and Sam

Milan 27 August 2017

We arose early today had breakfast early and were checked out of our hotel by 7.50am.  We walked across to the station much more civilized this morning thank goodness, our platform was announced so we made our way up our carriage was no 2 wagon there is notification on the platform as to where each carriage will be.  These trains are always on time we stowed our luggage found our seat and set back for our five hour journey which was indeed delightful through The Alps.  We arrived in Milan at 1.50pm good station I stayed with the luggage while Sam did a quick check to see where we were staying, he was back in no time it literally was a 7 minute walk checked in and headed straight out. We knew it was Sunday afternoon but we could not believe how quiet it was here compared to other places we have been in.  We had a coffee and a beer and just kept going.  Milan is a very lovely city clean I do not know how they manage their homeless situation but other cities need to follow suit.  We all understand there are homeless everywhere but some of these cities are filthy and you simply would not go back. I do not know what the answer is but I think all school children should be made aware of homelessness and tell them do not waste the education provided to you because this is one of the many results.  I am sure no parents these days would want their children to see such things, they must be protected from everything type of thing, but really maybe we need to start somewhere.  It is major, shocking for the people who are homeless and for everyone else.  It is sadness on a huge scale.  Once upon a time there were boarding houses I do not think they were great either but now there is nowhere for these people to go, all the boarding houses were in prime locations so sold and developed into prime real estate.  How do we stop it getting worse, education of our young for a start. 

I only went to one church today and that was the Catholic Filipino Community very beautiful it was too.  I did intend to go to the Cathedral Church of Milan, which took six centuries to complete only finished in 1965, the third biggest Church in Christendom but I could not even get a ticket as I had no sleeves in my dress, the only day I did not have a scarf tied to my bag, mind you it was hitting 40 degrees.  I was not the only one turned away a young girl in front of me was as well and she was really upset poor love, she was not shamefully dressed by any means.  I said to Sam it is boiling hot there is a hour wait anyway lets go and see the many other beautiful sights this town has to offer.  He said you have seen enough Cathedrals and it will save your blog readers having to read about it, every cloud has a silver lining. 

We continued on had some dinner on our way back to our hotel, an early day tomorrow we are catching the train to Varenna then a ferry across Lake Como to Bellagio then another ferry from Bellagio to Como.  We will then make our way back to our hotel and the following day we head to Perugia.  All the best Sabine and Sam   

Lyon Saturday 26 August 2017

We arose early today as we only have one day here in Lyon.  After breakfast we head out walking towards the city which is about 1 and half ks. There are two rivers the first one being the Rhone, it is a very wide river and green from its glacial origins in the Alps. This bridge takes you into the main city centre with beautiful buildings all very upmarket designer shops, huge squares lovely area.  There is always great amounts of work being carried out on the buildngs in all these cities cleaning and restorarion etc.  We continued on to the bridge over the next river called the Saone which is only about 500 metres from the previous river.  This takes you into the old town.  The Saone is not quite as dark a green as the Rhone.  These two rivers join up just over a kilometre further south.  As you walk you enter an even older part of the town built on a steep hill above the river.  We rode the funicular to arrive at the top and you come out at Our Lady of Fourviere Basilica, outstandingly beautiful as they all are.  This in particular though was outstanding. 

Fourviere hillside has always been a highly significant part of the city.  It became a place of pilgrimage, the first written record of the building of a chapel dates back to 1168.  In 1643 the city councillors made a solemn promise to go each year in pilgrimage up to Fourviere and to offer there one gold piece and a candle weighing 7lbs if the city was freed from the plague.  The plague epidemic ended.  Each year still, on Sept 8^th Feast Day of the birth of the Virgin Mary, city councillors walk up to Fourviere Basilica: it’s the Mass of the renewal of their solemn promise in 1643. 

There is a tiny chapel The Chapel of the Virgin Mary.  On 8^th Dec, 1852, a gilded statue was placed on top of the bell tower.  Each year on Dec 8 the people of Lyons still celebrate this Feast Day including torch-lit processions which make their way up from St John’s Cathedral. 

In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian war, the citizens of Lyons prayed to the Virgin Mary for her protection and made a promise to build an important sanctuary in her honour if the war did not touch Lyons.  Their prayer was answered, and to thank her, the decision was taken to build Our Lady of Fourviere.  Then began an enthusiastic generosity (many families gave sums of money, sometimes very modest but also jewels, liturgical vestments). This generosity continues today for the maintenance and restoration of the Basilica. 

All of this info I have given here is in the Visitors’ Guide.  It is indeed a magnificent place. After our visit to the Basilica we looked over the city from this height quite amazing.

For a complete change of scene practically next door is the almost intact remains of a ancient Roman amphitheatre built around 15BC.  It originally could seat 11,000 people but can still hold 4,500 and is still used today, quite spectacular.  Sam walked all the way to bottom I must admit after the million stairs I had already done I sat on a ruin, a ruin sitting on a ruin. 

We caught the funicular back to the lower level and visited Cathedrale Saint Jeaq-Bapiste again no words really.

Further out of  the city and we did not make it there, there is a museum called The Resistance and Deportation History Centre which is dedicated to preserving the history and memory of the Resistance and Deportation enabling visitors to discover one of the darkest periods in the city’s history.  The museum is inside one of the very buildings used by Gestapo Head Klaus Barbie. 

We would have loved to have seen this I (Sabine) have always been an avid reader of anything to do with the Resistance. 

We continued on back towards our hotel as it was becoming very hot just drinking in the beauty of the city.  Sabine and Sam 

Toulouse to Lyon 25 August 2017

Friday again the weeks go so quickly, left eight weeks ago today.  We had a sleep in today did not have to be out of our hotel until 11.00am so took advantage.  We were organised by 10.30 so walked over to the station just five minutes away had a coffee and something eat, our train was not until 2.50pm so quite a long wait today we did not mind bit of a challenge finding somewhere to sit but managed.  They announce the platform 20 minutes prior to the train you just see this sea of people waiting at the screen and then they head off towards the platform.  This was a big one there would have been well over a thousand of us, everyone booked so everyone has a seat but gracious me not for the faint hearted.  Luggage stowed (a challenge too) find one’s seat, they are lovely trains but it is just the number of people. This was a TGV so high speed with a number of stops, each time someone alights that seat is taken by someone else who has that seat booked for their part of the journey.

We did this six years ago a vastly different story now.  I remember back then we caught our booked train from Lugano to Lucerne and Sam and I were the only people in our first class carriage that will not happen again.

We were very comfortable and saw some lovely scenery, lots of little villages up in the hills.  It is obviously wine country all thru this area as there are a great many vines.  We touched the coast at Sete.  

We arrived in Lyon at 6.50pm, they are always on time, yet another sea of people I said there are 24 million of us in Oz there are 24 million here tonight.  The number of people everywhere this time has just amazed me, and this is everywhere.  We are staying at the Novotel at the station so booked in went downstairs had some dinner and so to bed.  Tomorrow we will do what we can here, have a bit of a plan then leave for Milan on Sunday morning.  All the best Sabine and Sam

PS I hope this is not too boring, but it is my diary otherwise we would just forget, it is so busy I can only just remember yesterday.  Sabine xx

Tarascon-sur-Ariege 24 August 2017

Sam had Googled possible train day trips from Toulouse and found a recommendation from an Aussie to visit a little town in the foothills of the Pyrenees called Tarascon-sur-Ariege, So we set off to the station and caught a local train from Toulouse and travelled about an hour and a half to the town.  It was a lovely little sleepy place off the tourist trail, there was a river through the town and some old fortifications.  We found evidence relating to the occupation of the town by Nazis during WWII. 

As we walked from the railway station the river meandered through the village very picturesque indeed.  We found a bar open it was after 12.00 and they all close for siesta so he brought us a beer and said just leave the glasses on the table anor two couples happened by and they ended up with a beer as well. We just sat and watched the river very peaceful.  We then took a walk thru the streets found a plaque “Avenue Francois Laguerre – Victime des Nazis 1944” so not always peaceful.  This really is the first plaque we have come across. 

We also found a couple of beautiful churches as well. We wandered down to the station to catch our 2.52 train back to Toulouse it was a lovely train indeed we found two seats we used our pass for these journeys but it was not a booked train.  We arrived back, we are in a hotel/apartment so there are washing and drying facilities on the ground floor so I took advantage did my washing/drying etc and I have now ironed it and it is back in the case for the next leg of the journey. We have only a small case each so I have to be very organised.  Tomorrow we head to Lyon check out of here at 11.00 our train is 2.50 so a bit of a wait at the station but the stations are like small towns anyway.  It is a long journey 4 hours but our hotel is again part of the station complex in Lyon.  All the best Sabine and Sam  xx 

Toulouse 23 August 2017

This morning we had to leave lovely Bordeaux. I could have stayed for however long. We set off this morning to the beautiful station for our train at 10.34 travelling to Toulouse. Good journey lovely train.  It took two hours about 250ks not quite as fast as the TGV but just as comfortable.  Your tickets do not even get checked they know you have a booking.  The trains we have booked are the ones where it is compulsory to book.  We arrived at 12.30ish walked across to our hotel most of our hotels are in close proximity of the stations. 

We went out to walk to town decided to have a drink and something to eat on the way.  When Sam went to pay I just stood outside and there were these two fellows one young one older and very dishevelled, he got up instantly and came to stand beside me, I could see him making eye contact with his mate so I thought they are going to separate us so I went to get around him but he stopped me then I walked right around him into where Sam was paying said to him put your wallet away take my hand and straight back to the hotel just come with me.  We passed him walking very quickly I told Sam the story he had not noticed anything you do have to be careful.  Everywhere you go there are homeless and they are ok it is the ones who are befriended by these really young dudes that are a worry. We are always careful but you just never know.  We came back and then took a different route to town about 2ks.

It was very hot but we started off towards town, we went to the Tourism place first gorgeous girl gave us a map and suggested where we should head.  First of all we came to the Capitol Theatre housed in the most beautiful building this also houses the city hall.  There was a market in the square so we continued on until we found the Convent of the Jacobins a most amazingly beautiful building started in the 13^th century.  We then continued on to see the Pont-Neuf (new Bridge) given this name upon construction in the 15^th century, has steadfastly linked the two banks, its noble stature and artful design have foiled all the assaults, even the most ruthless, of the Garonne in spate. 

We continued on wandering and came across this beautiful little square called the Hotel d’Assezat which is an art gallery museum.  We continued walking and we came to the Cathedral of St Etienne too beautiful really  The Stations of the Cross like nothing I have ever seen before.  We came out boiling hot by then I saw a bar across the road and that is where we went poor Sam had done 4 cathedrals in a very short time he needed a sit and a drink.  We then continued back to where we slept for many hours we then went downstairs to one of the kerbside restaurants for dinner.  Big day exhausted.  Sabine and Sam  

St Emilion 22 August 2017

We arose early this morning had our brekky downstairs and headed to the station to catch a train to Saint Emilion.  We had been to the tourist info centre yesterday and she suggested we do this. 

Our journey was about 35 mins.  We alighted from the train in a small siding it was a 20 min walk into Saint Emilion.  WOW what a place just beyond anyone’s imaginings really.  It is completely intact not affected by World War II. 

They say there are few historic villages in France that attract the same affection and inspire such passion and romanticism as St Emilion.  Arguably the most famous viticultural centre in France outside the city of Bordeaux itself, this small village is a powerful advertisement for the pleasures of making wine.  The Church is celebrating its 1,250 year jubilee and it was began by Emilian. 

We both said today was indeed a special day in a very special place. 

We caught the train back had a small rest and then went across the street for dinner.  Saint Emilion is somewhere not to be missed.  We leave here tomorrow morning for Toulouse for two days and then on to Lyon.  Love Sabine and Sam  xxx

Bordeaux 21 August 2017

We rose reasonably early this morning.  We had our brekky at our hotel we were all packed and ready for the next leg of our journey.  We headed down to Montparnasse Station five minutes walk.  We had a wait of about 1 ¾ hrs before our train to Bordeaux.  We met up with a lovely lady who had been on holiday at her home up close to the border with Belgium and was returning to somewhere between Bordeaux and Toulouse where she works.

Our train platform was announced and we headed off to where we needed to be.  There were many others with us.  We found our carriage no and boarded found our seats beautiful TGV train.  We have a Eurail pass and also all of our journeys are booked, your bookings being way more expensive than your pass.  If you did not have a booking you would not get on the train.  Six years ago when we were here we did have bookings which we did in Paris but it is a vastly different story now.  No booking no journey very simple really.  After a lovely two hour journey it is about 575 ks from Paris to Bordeaux we alighted from the train what a glorious station.  We did reach up to 319ks an hour on this journey. 

Our hotel is only 2 mins from the station and we were booked in by 2.00pm.  The city centre itself is about 2ks from the station.  After a beautiful walk thru gorgeous buildings and streets we first came to St Croix stunning just sitting there in a square no one about I am always blown away by these places.  Then we came to the Basilica St Michel also magnificent, we had a juice to offset the 37 degree temperature and continued on our journey.  We came to a magnificent bell tower and a church, called St Eloi, which was just divine, there was so much to take in.  I have always thought Lucca in Italy was delightful but Bordeaux was just something else.  The women were beautiful they dressed beautifully they certainly gave the women of Paris a run for their money. 

We just walked thru many beautiful squares I was totally enthralled with the entire place, certainly a place not to be missed and one that you should spend more than two days seeing.

We had something to eat then we went to Cathedral St Andre.  It is being cleaned and restored.  It was quite outstanding.  They said on their info sheet, that they cleaned and restored what they could to the best of their ability, they did not profess to make it the same as it was but restored it so it did not deteriorate any further and gave it another chapter for its future.  I thought this was just lovely.  There must be an amazing budget around the world for cleaning and restoring these places of history.  I am in awe of the people who organise and do these cleaning/restoration jobs.

Sam said he feels as though he is a saint himself at this point.  Way too much information for him. Four churches in one day!

We headed back to our hotel we probably walked about 20ks this afternoon, exhausted but such as beautiful place.  Sabine and Sam

Paris 20th August

Today is our last day in Paris so another early start.  We are heading to Montmartre this morning.  We only had one train to catch today that was the no 12 line, the trains are fantastic really. We alighted at Abbesses Station and it was 200 steps (stairs) to get out of station.  We walked along the streets just taking in everything until we arrived at the foot of Sacre-Coeur of Montmartre.  We caught the funicular up the hill.  It was another beautiful day.  We joined the line to go into Sacre-Coeur.  Mass was on at the time, it is indeed outstanding. 

The location of Sacre-Coeur has a long history of worship since Roman times.  It is an old claim that Montmartre was the place where St Denis achieved martyrdom by being beheaded.  The Abbey of Montmartre, consecrated in 1147.  During its 659 years of existence, the Abbey’s fortunes fluctuated between prosperity and vicissitude, its last Abbess, Madam de Montmorency-Laval was guillotined during the time of the French Revolution.  In 1843 the last traces of the Abbey were destroyed.  The current church, Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, still bears witness to the Abbey’s finest moments.

A vow was made to built a new church, a competition to elect an architect and it was won by Paul Abadie.  The first stone was laid on 16^th June 1875 and building began.  Funds were raised by a collection of very small contributions, large contributions were rejected.  A large number of benefactors are commemorated by the inscriptions carved into the stones of the Basilica.  The amount gathered over a period of 45 years finished at 84 million euros. Problems appeared swallowing up all the money, pleas for donations increased and building continued.  Despite the fairly rife anti-clericalism at the end of the century, the walls and the domes went up.  In 1914, just when all was ready for consecration, the First World War broke out and it was not until 1919 on the 16^th October that Sacre-Coeur was consecrated by Cardinal Amette under the auspices of Cardinal Vico.  It was then elevated to Basilica. 

It has many chapels all paid for by different benefactors.  There are really no words as anyone who has been there knows to tell of its beauty. 

The Savoyarde Bell reached Montmartre on 16^th October 1895 it weighs 19 tons, was Baptised on 20^th November 1895 it gives a low middle C, one tone less than Notre-Dame’s bass bell.

Visitors are always amazed to find a community of people silently praying.  Ensured by the faithful of Paris and elsewhere, prayer has remained uninterrupted, even during the invasion of Paris in1940 during the Second World War. 

This is only a little info about such an amazing place. 

We made our way through Montmartre and came upon a Metro station on the No 13 line so we hopped on the train and back to our hotel.  We had a little rest and then headed out for some dinner.  We just walked down the Blvde Pasteur found a beautiful restaurant just opposite his monument, beautiful meal.  We then continued as usual taking in all the beauty the city has to offer.  We waited in the square until the Tour de Eifel stopped blinking its lights at 10.05 and wandered home in readiness for our journey Monday to Bordeaux.  We did enjoy our five days in Paris and did not waste a moment.   Sabine and Sam  

Paris 19th August

This morning we had a very early start, breakfast early and we had left for Montparnasse Station just after 8.00am.  We were heading to Versailles.  We had not been there before.  Sam had organised our journey, we caught the train from Montparnasse on Line 13 alighting at Duroc then changing to Line 10 to Javel Andre Citroen.  We then crossed the road to the RER station called Javel to take us to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche.  We arrived about 9.15 and made our way to the Chateau.  I saw a place selling tickets on the way so we popped in there and we in readiness for when we arrived.  Glad we had done this as the line for tickets was extremely long. Pretty much in straight away, through security etc. We were told it takes about 5 1/2 hrs to do the entire Versailles experience, and it took five and half hours exactly.  It was quite astounding and I am sure most who have seen it would agree.  There are no words really to describe it, perhaps excess on a grand scale.  The day was perfect weather wise we did the gardens also on a grand scale and the Grand Trianon, Sam and I thought it more lovely than the Chateau.  We headed back the way we came three train journeys arriving back at 4.15 had a small rest then headed off again about 6.00 I wanted to go to Mass at Notre Dame des Champs about ten minutes from our hotel, while I was there Sam headed along to do the laundry I went down there after Mass and we had something to eat on the way back.  We did at least 1000 steps (stairs) today I did give up counting after 500 because I knew I had to do them on the way back.

History of Notre-Dame des Champs

On the site of today’s parish there used to be a temple for the worshipping of the Latin god Mercury.  After the first apostles began to evangelize the Paris area, the temple was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  It was given the name of Notre-Dame des Vignes (Our Lady of the Vineyards).

King Robert, called “Pious Robert” (996-1031) then had the church rebuilt in order to honour the site were Saint Denis was said to have celebrated the Sacred Mysteries.

At this time the Benedictine Brothers of Noirmoutier were granted permission to minister the church, where they established a priory.  The vineyards round the priory were dug up, and the church began to be officially known as “Notre-Dame des Champs”.

In 1603 ,the Benedictines gave Notre-Dame des Champs over to some Carmelites from Spain.  Their monastery was among the most famous places of the century of Louis XIV.

With the Revolution (1789-1799), the convent was shut down and the church pulled down. Only the memory of the church remained, and its name in the rue Notre-Dame des Champs. 

The parish of Notre-Dame des Champs was founded in 1858, its only place of worship a wooden chapel.

The first stone of today’s church was laid on March 17, 1867.

The church was blessed for the first time in 1876.

Cardinal Amette, Archbishop of Paris, consecrated the church on March 25^th 1912.  

I am now all organised for the next leg of the journey ironing done just been watching the blinking lights on the Tour de Eifel which is directly in line to our room. I think when we get home we will sleep for three months, I will anyway.  Beautiful day hard work though we have not wasted a moment so far.  Sabine and Sam   

Paris 18th August

The forecast for today was quite a bit of rain so we decided to head back to the Cathedral of St Denis where we had visited in 2011 just by chance really.  We were blown away back then when we alighted from the train and around the corner was this beautiful Cathedral flanked by the Council of the City buildings also magnificent just sitting there.  When we were there in 2011 Sam and I were the only tourists there for the entire afternoon, it is the burial place of 42 kings, 32 queens 63 princes and princesses and 10 great men of the realm.

I had said to anyone I knew who was going to be in Paris you must go to the Cathedral of St Denis.  Anyway this time a very different story security at the front door, many tourists and tours.  We went into the Cathedral proper first then decided to have a coffee in one of the restaurants close by before we entered the choir and the crypt.  When we paid our fee we saw there was an English speaking tour at 2.00pm we joined this, there were only five of us and our guide was a delightful young French woman whose English was excellent she was passionate just what you want for such a tour.  It was to be 1 and half hours but ended up being 2 and half hours, she gave us so much information a few hours in Sam was flagging poor man.  This was a lovely afternoon we then had dinner at one of the restaurants close by and caught the train back to our hotel.  I will just add a little info about The Abbey Church of Saint Denis.  It had been called a Basilica but after 1966 was upgraded to a Basilica Cathedral I can only think this would have been after Vatican II which made great changes to the Catholic Church I do not know for sure but imagine this would be so. 

The basilica stands on the site of a Gallo-Roman cemetery with the tomb of Saint Denis.    The long history of the St Denis Abbey Church dates back to the origins of the French monarchy and the two histories very rapidly become inseparably interwoven.  St Denis was martyred in 250AD he was buried here.  There were two others martyred here too and these tombs became a focal point of worship. St Genevieve built a basilica here. It is an exceptional monument and lavishly patronized by Kings.  The first official histories of France were written by the monks of St Denis. 

A monastic community that appeared in the 7^th century made St Denis one of the most important and richest monasteries in Gaul.

It has so many stories I would be here forever. At the end of the 13^th Century all major construction was complete.  In the 14^th Century six chapels were added.  In order to protect the Abbey during the Hundred Years’ War Abbot Guy de Monceau (1363-1398) erected a high fortified girdle wall around the church. Construction would not resume until the 16^th Century.  Catherine de Medicis, queen of Henry II and widowed in 1159 decided to erect a huge dome to house her husband’s tomb as well as her own.

The monastery asserted itself as one of the most important centres of national historical research and writing.

Many many changes with time all sorts of destruction decay.  The French Revolution 1789 caused further destruction.  The treasure was for the most part melted down in 1793.  In October of that year the Kings tombs were desecrated.  Alexandre Lenoir made an attempt to salvage the tombs for his future Museum of French Monuments.  The tombs architecture was dangerously exposed when the lead roofing was removed in 1794.  The lead melted down and used for ammunition.  The founding of the Empire brought renewed attention to the church, and restoration began by order of Napoleon I in 1805.

There were many restorations under many different people over the years. 

There is a restoration ongoing now including cleaning the stonework and restoring many of the stained glass windows which have not already been done  It is estimated to cost two and half millions euros but I am sure will take much more than this.  A truly beautiful place so much history just an immense privilege to be able to be in such a place. 

Very exhausted we headed back to our hotel.  Sabine and Sam

Saint Denis is not a place to be missed.

Paris 17th August

Today we contemplated going to Versailles but it was raining so we had breakfast then listened to a weather report which said it would stop raining in 8 minutes.  It actually stopped in 8 minutes very impressed.  We decided to just walk into Paris go where our heart led us.  With brollies and map in hand we set off.  We did wonder where everyone was it was very quiet.  We walked past Notre Dame des Champs about ten mins from us.  We continued on just taking in all the beautiful architecture making mental notes to go back if there was time. We walked along the Blvde St Michel looking up a street we saw a beautiful building so went to investigate.  It was a building which had been a military hospital quite magnificent but locked it would have opened later in the day.  We made our way thru the Luxembourg Gardens down past the Sorbonne and came to Notre Dame which is on Ile de la Cite.  We just sat in the park next to the Pont Neuf then crossed to the right bank and came to the Louvre complex which was also unnaturally quiet, actually you could take this all in very differently than when it is extremely busy. 

We passed thru Jardin des Tuileries which was established by Catherine de Medici, to the Place de la Concorde and the beginning of the Champs Elysees, past Cleopatra’s needle.  We crossed the river, gradually making our way back to our hotel all the while drinking in everything before us.  We had a few minutes respite and headed back down to the Blvde du Monparnasse and found a lovely place for dinner, there is so much choice.  It really is a very easy city to find ones way around Paris with a good map of course, there are also many maps on the streets to help you on your way.

When we arrived home we Googled why was it all so quiet and we found that Parisians leave Paris for holidays from mid-July to the end of August and leave it all to the tourists and those who do not go away at this time.

Also when we arrived home we learned of the terrible situation in Barcelona you never really know whether you will get home safely I must admit I am always very grateful.  No one can imagine being in such a situation. Just innocent people on holidays perhaps, doing their normal everyday things.  Sabine and Sam     

12 days with Sam's family Friday 28th July, 2017 to Tuesday 8th August, 2017

I am going to do these 12 days as a block.

We left Inverness on 28.07.2017 and travelled to Leuchars to stay with Sam’s cousin Donald.  Donald and Sam spent a lot of time together as children and young teenagers before Sam came to Australia when he was 15.  Donald very kindly looked after us until the following Tuesday when he took us to Katy and Joe’s, Katy is Donald’s sister.  Sam spent a lot of time with their family. 

Donald lives not far from the University Town of St Andrews where the famous Golf Course is situated.  It is a beautiful town very much like stepping back in time.  It is also very busy as is all this part of the country parking is scarce as hens teeth.  The following day Donald took us to Crail it is a fishing village Sam remembered going to as a youngster it is very pretty place.  We continued on along the coast to all these beautiful little fishing villages to name a few, Anstruther so busy not a parking space in sight, then Pittenweem, we continued along to many more fishing villages all the while the secenery is quite breathtaking and around every corner there is a castle or ruins of one, gorgeous manor houses and the color of the countryside is beyond green. 

We travelled through the centre of Fife through towns including Cupar, a Royal burgh since 1328 then came to the north coast of Fife to the town of Newburgh then travelled along the absolutely beautiful south side of the Tay River.  The vistas are just stunning.  A storm blew up over the Tay quite like we had not seen before we stopped and watched it come down the Tay.  Sam was very taken with a tiny village called Balmerino.

On the Monday another of Sam’s cousins Margaret came to see us with her husband Jimmy their daughter Cathy kindly brought them it was lovely to see them they had come to Australia about 20 years ago.    

On the Tuesday the three of us went to Katy and Joe’s in Huntly, Donald did a lot of driving taking us through countryside one would not see on ones own all breathtaking really. 

We spent 8 very lovely days in Huntly being very spoilt.  Lots of laughter and some partaking of whisky involved. 

On the first day Donald took us to Strathdon where Sam had lived as a child, his Dad was the headmaster of the primary school.  We went past Candacraig House which was up the street from where Sam lived, until recently it belonged to Billy Connolly.  We continued into the mountains where there is skiing in the winter.  We were very fortunate to see the mountains covered in Heather.  We then continued to Speyside where there are many whisky distilleries.  There are many gin distilleries now as well much quicker to get a return on gin than on whisky.  We also visited Dulsie Bridge over the River Findhorn built in 1795 Robert Burns was said to have stayed at the farmhouse known as Kings House during his Grand Tour in 1787. 

On the way back to Huntly we went to see Edinglassie the farm where Sam’s Dad was born.  There were nine children in his family six boys and three girls. 

The following day we went to Ellon where Sam was born, the hospital now being a Golf Club.  We left Kimmy (Donald’s puppy) to be babysat with Joes’ cousin Iain and his lovely wife Wilma, a delightful couple.  We then went to Peterhead which is now the biggest fishing port in the UK, we visited the old prison closed about four years ago, there was a gentleman there that day to greet visitors, he had been a prison warder,  he had been taken hostage in 1987 by some prisoners who were hopeful of escaping, he was taken onto the roof (in freezing Scottish weather) and kept there for five days, he was amazing told us of his ordeal, no days off for him afterwards just back to work, gracious if that happened to someone today they would be on stress leave and visiting the psyche for the rest of their days.  He is now 87 what a trouper I love someone courageous. 

We then visited the old lighthouse and museum in Fraserburgh meanwhile the sun shone most of the time a little rain now and again but it did not stop us seeing all the delights Scotland has to offer.  We went back to Ellon where Wilma and Iain had a lovely dinner for us all such a lovely day.

On Saturday the five of us headed to the Cairngorms where everyone skis we took the funicular, a new one now built about 20 years ago.  This is a very modern funicular,r such scenery breathtaking.  On the way home we visited the Reindeer Complex I have to say I have not ever seen such beauty we could touch them.  They were brought to Scotland in 1952 by an amazing man and his wife a huge undertaking, with breeding programs in place they are of course protected, They grow new antlers every year, whilst they are growing they are covered in velvet and once grown the velvet falls off the blood supply to the antlers stops and they eventually fall off and they grow anor set.  They are the prettiest animal I have ever seen. We called in to Aviemore on the way home to a ski village yet anor lovely day. 

I am going to let Sam take over.      

On Sunday Katy and Joe had a family barbecue with all their children and their partners coming over to say hello, we had not met Katy's daughter Gail or her partner Jamie before.  It was a lovely day and luckily the weather cooperated.

Donald (and Kim) headed home on Monday, who knows when we will meet again but we will make sure we do.

On Tuesday we went for a number of walks through Huntly with the highlight being a visit to Huntly Castle.  Sabine will do this separately.

Monday 14th August 2017 to Thursday 17th August, 2017

We were up early this morning. We were all packed and ready for our journey to Edinburgh.  We went down to breakfast were chatting to a young man at the next table he had just walked in he was a chef for Jamie Oliver telling us how busy Edinburgh was and how crazy really.  We said we had been there four weeks ago and agreed with him.  We were journeying to Edinburgh today.  Caught our train we actually alighted at Edinburgh Park and called a cab to our our hotel we are staying at the Edinburgh Marriot which is a bus ride into town.  We settled in and stayed put for the rest of the day.

Tuesday 15th August, 2017

We had a reasonably early start today had breakfast then headed into Edinburgh by bus just outside our hotel left about 10.00am. We pretty much just did as much as we could around Edinburgh such a beautiful city and funny we did not find it as crazy as it was the month prior. We visited Calton Hill which we had not done previously, with some interesting structures including a half finished replica of the Acropolis which was started in the 19th century but the money ran out before they got far.  The views from there were superb across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth and also in all other directions. I decided my hair needed to be cut so found a gorgeous hairdresser who totally knew what I wanted so now it is very short and easier for the rest of our journey.  We were due to pick up our tickets for the Tattoo at 7.30pm and our session for the Tattoo was due for 9.00pm.  We had dinner at an Italian place collected our tickets and made our way to the Royal Mile to go up to the Castle.  I must say organisation into the Castle seating etc very good. The whole event was just beautiful and exceeded our expectations, and as we had the late session the fireworks were very lovely.  We are delighted we decided to see this.  When it was over the organisation to get everyone safely out was excellent.  I have to say walking down the Royal Mile with lighting on all of those beautiful buildings was something to be seen no words really.  Everyone's safety was looked after lots of little alcoves along the Royal Mile and in each one a safety officer very impressive not intrusive but just taking care.  We walked down to where we were to catch our bus back to the hotel plenty of public transport we arrived back to our room at midnight on the dot.  We are to be up and gone by 10.00am for our journey to Paris.  Goodnight Sabine and Sam.

Wednesday 16th August 2017

We had an early start again this morning. Breakfast in the hotel and left by 10.00am.  We caught the bus to Edinburgh  Airport very efficient.  Bags dropped very busy but you know very efficient really the world is a very busy place.  Through security good really an extremely lovely young woman getting everyone thru she was a delight lots of people she assisted everyone with a smile what a huge difference that makes to everyone we all smiled back at her no one was stressed or angry and that certainly happens huge difference I wanted to hug her.

Our flight was delayed one hour but we did not mind we have had everything one time so far every train everything really.  We had a coffee and there was a girl opposite us gave us some entertainment.  On all of these what they call domestic flights you can only take one bag be it a handbag or anor type of bag. She had her bag but had done heaps of shopping in the airport after security well I have to hand it to her she managed to get most of it in her bag very impressive indeed I had visions of it all coming out of her case on the flight.  We arrived safely at Paris Orly airport, found our bus "Le Bus" to take us to Montparnasse Railway Station and we walked from there to our hotel. We unpacked to a degree went downstairs to the restaurant for some dinner and were asleep in two seconds, I think we slept for over ten hours.  Busy day.  Sabine and Sam  





  

Sunday 13th August 2017

It is Sunday today.  After a lovely day yesterday getting our chores done and in readiness for Monday we took a walk to see Cambuskenneth Abbey just a short walk from where we were in Stirling in Cambuskenneth a little village across the footbridge.  Years back it was proposed to build a road bridge across but that would have meant progress they did not want so the residents of the village protested against it and they won good for them, and a bridge for pedestrians only was constructed.  It just meant the village did not get any bigger, one can get there by road of course but it is a long way around.

We walked there thru a field of cattle very beautiful they were too we went thru the gate of the old Abbey the only part still standing is the Clock Tower kept probably to keep watch.  Sam and I were the only people there what a privilege.  The foundations of the Abbey are still there of course. Within these now ruined walls, history was made.  This is where Parliament met after the Battle of Bannockburn, where the future of the Stewart dynasty was determined and where King James III was buried. I photoed this little bit of info Sam is going to read it from phone:

Welcome to Cambuskenneth.  The name means Field of Kenneth after the 9th C Scottish King Kenneth MacAlpin fought and defeated the Picts in a battle near this area in AD834. Traditionally this battle has marked the foundation of Scotland when Kenneth MacAlpin became its first King.

Cambuskenneth Abbey was founded around 1140 by King David I and was originally home to Arrousaisian Canons.  The Abbey later became home to Augustinian Canons.  The Abbey was disbanded after the Reformation and its stones used to construct other buildings in Stirling.  (This is what happened to most Abbeys after the Reformation). The Campanile or Bell Tower along with the Western Doorway is all that survived of a structure that dates back to around 1300.

In the churchyard is buried King James III along with his wife Princess Margaret of Denmark. This was not their first resting place.  Queen Victoria paid for this resting place in her reign some 600 or so years later.

To walk in these places among these people from so long ago just gives me goosebumps not so for poor Sam.

We walked back sheltering under trees bus shelters the railway station until we made it back to our hotel.  I packed us in readiness for Monday and we had dinner in a beautiful Indian Restaurant called Ranas (I think) two doors from our hotel best Indian I have had.

Stirling is a delight and well worth a long stay.  Our hotel was in the perfect location and the staff could not have been lovlier.  It was extremely busy for breakfast lunch and dinner only small but delightful.

Sabine and Sam