The Irish Part

 We're in Ireland.  Dublin was not as fun as expected because our colds turned into hideous sinus infections.  We had problematic symptoms not at all conducive to long walks and focused research.  But we did manage to check out the Book of Kells.  And the Museum of Literature.  St. Stephen's Green. Christ Church Cathedral.  These are important sites that we enjoyed.  

We paid some hard earned cash on an "air doctor" service that matches travelers with doctors who can write prescriptions.  We talked with our doctor on TEAMS.  He was located in Nice.  Readily gave us antibiotics. We love him so much.

Now we're in Dingle.  We like this place.  We took the Slea Head Drive.  Our airbnb host told me that the drive could take an hour or it could take 8 hours.  She was correct.  Along this beautiful drive, there are many stops.  Ring Forts.  Beehive Huts.  Ogham Stones.  Beach walks.  Lunch overlooking the Atlantic.  Blasket Visitor Center.  Feeding Farm Animals.  All phenomenal.  

We visited a fairy fort.  Not excavated so it appeared to be mere grassy bumps of land.  The woman there told me that they will never excavate the ring because it would bring bad luck.  The spirits of the fairy people do not want to be disturbed.  She heard about a fairy ring being plowed through to make a road near Galway and there have been many car crashes on that road. 

 Husbandman drives through the countryside like he was native born. If you by chance need a driver during future trips to Ireland, keep him in mind. He drives courageously and efficiently through the narrowest roads you'll ever see.  We've lost a hubcap but that's a small price to pay for all the pleasure I've had touring Ireland with nary a care in the world. 

Tomorrow we head to Kilkenny for a night.  Then we'll head back home.  2 thumbs up to the European summer trip of 2026.  Thanks for reading along!!!!

The London Times

 

   J and PA, our B-town buddies, live abroad now. We have been looking forward to visiting these 2 cool ex-pats. These 2 should work in the travel industry.  They know how to make the most of 3 days in London. Highlights included:

Victoria and Albert Hall for Symphonic Rock Classics.  David Hockney exhibit at the Serpentine: News of his death the following day made this memory bittersweet.  Peter Pan statue and the scenic Kensington Gardens. Westminster Cathedral with a veritable plethora of martyrs and Westminster Abbey where we visited the graves of Dickens and Jane Austen.  Afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and desserts.  Afternoon movie in a historic movie house. You should see Savage House if you want to.  Strolling through Nottinghill Gate neighborhood and some shopping along Portobello Road.  Walk through the Theater district.  Museum of Brands. Buses.  Tubes.  Bridge games.  Tasty Meals.  Maggie Jones Restaurant received an A for Amazing.  Chit chat kitty cat galore!  Basically, we were sad to leave.  

We're in Dublin at this moment in time. After a quick lie down in the hotel, we're ready to venture out in search of a nourishing repast.  

The Time in Paris

 As usual Paris doesn't disappoint.  Old stuff, new stuff, it's all jumbled up with wow everywhere you look.

We loved the Henry Taylor Retrospective at Musee Picasso.  He's American, so why haven't we seen him around?  Colorful mixes and messages- some massive some tiny.  Check him out.

JR was up to his antics turning the Post Neuf into a cave.  What a funny thing to do. Last week's windy storm caused some damage so it's being repaired now. I was glad that we got to see it.

Matisse's final years were featured at The Grand Palais.  That show was crowded as all get out, but I kept my own pace and took my time with the collages that drew me over for a longer look.  I don't like the feeling of getting jostled, but it was pleasant to be in a space where all the people were loving something simultaneously. 

Smiling people slipped in and out of invisibility at Fujiko Nakaya's Fog Sculpture at the Bourse de Commerce.  I lost Husbandman but then I found him.  When the fog dropped down and our heads emerged there was merriment and awe.

This morning we bought some cheese at a small fromagerie.  When I announced boldly to the woman, "We would like to buy some cheese," we both started laughing and she pointed around and asked, "Why not?" 

We asked her to recommend a boulangerie.  "You will go to the right for 100 meters and you will see a market and across from the market you will find it and WOW!" 

See what I mean about wow?  Things have been lovely here in Paris.  Tomorrow we head to London to visit with old friends from B-town.  I hope they're not disappointed when they discover that our bridge skills have taken a dive.  

Kicking Around Toulouse

 

Toulouse is a great city for kicking around.  

Today I walked and wrote in the cloister of the Couvent des Jacobins. This is where Dominican Friars lived starting in the early 1200s.  Unlike monks, friars could leave the convent to go out to preach.  You might be surprised to learn that convents can refer to homes for friars, monks, or nuns. 

Friars are mendicants, so they live through begging.  These friars eventually got donations from wealthy Toulousians.  Some of the elite families hogged the prime burial spots in the convent because a good spot helped you get to heaven quicker.  

The Dominican friars stayed super busy each day with attending mass, collecting alms, studying the bible, singing in the choir, copying manuscripts, and completing chores.  They couldn't eat meat or fat, so most of their meals consisted of pureed vegetables.  Occasionally they would enjoy a fruit or two.  

I thought about my dad quite a bit while walking around.  He loved to talk history especially where the Catholics are concerned. My newfound interest in the Dominicans would have kept him going for a good long while.  

After the convent I checked out the contemporary Art museum which is situated in a former slaughterhouse.  Learned about the amazing fashion artist-designer Charles Castelbajac.  You can read about him here if you feel like it provided that you know how to speak the French language.  Fun fact --- the language of this region was Occitan at one time.    Street signs here are in both French and Occitan.  Medieval troubadours sang away in Occitan as they troubadoured about.

I've visited a plethora of museums and basilicas here in Toulouse.  I've sat in public parks and plazas.  Have enjoyed cafe creme next to the River Garonne. Have actually enjoyed everything, to tell you the truth. Basically, I can't complain.