Sacre-Coeur

Sacre-Coeur stands on the highest point in Paris and provides some of the finest panoramic views of the city. The Basillica is approached by a series of steps and narrow winding streets but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. I did think I may need oxygen by the time I arrived at the top but I managed with a rest whilst admiring the view!

Despite their sign of 'no photos' they had better things to discuss than to watch me with my camera!

At last nearly there.

Oh no not more steps!

To think I had walked all that way up, we didn't even ride on the funicular!

The surrounding streets are crowded with artists trying to sell their works. Most were happy to be photographed but a few were rather rude and turned away when they saw a camera pointed at them.

Eating out in Paris

This was our hotel, as look would have it we were on the top floor, fortunately the lift was working.

This was where we ate the first evening. People have asked me if Paris is expensive - I will let you decide -

Notice the price of the (small) plate of chips. With the exchange rate that I received that bill cost us £36-60. I know it was the centre of Paris and if I went again I would probably go to the same place, I couldn't fault the food only the price!!

The second evening we were a little more adventurous and got a much better deal. We had just vacated the second table from the right as I took this photo.

The total cost of this meal was a mere £34-39.




We stopped here for a coffee - and I had a rest!!





The next 2 photos are for Edward who, no matter where we go, must look at the price of veg.

I'm sure I had hair there the last time I looked in the mirror!

Around the Eiffel Tower by day

As we stayed within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower it obviously featured in many of the photos. Here are just a few for starters! These were taken just after we had left our luggage at the hotel.

Now which way is the Tower?

Everywhere you looked you could see the Tower or at least a reminder of it.

London to Paris via the Eurostar

Last weekend Anya kindly took me on a whirlwind tour of Paris. She had arranged and booked it all, I had just to turn up on the day! The hardest part was keeping up with her, we were up at 7am each day and continued until the early hours before falling into bed!

After going through security and passport control we had a quick breakfast and left St Pancras

on Saturday morning to arrive in Paris just 2 hours and 20 minutes later. Much better than travelling by air, there were no delays and we only had to arrive 1/2 hour before the train was due to leave!

This was our train - on the left above the shops.

And this was my first photo of the Eiffel Tower. I think I have about 365 more that is one for each day of the year!

Man City, Lavatera, Hypericum, Hydrangea etc.!

This is the time of year when all the hard work in the garden pays off (well not exactly my hard work but you know what I mean!). It is also hedge cutting time - - I rest my case!!!!!!!!!

The Hypericum will soon be past it's best.

The Lavatera is just beginning to flower

This lily keeps cropping up all over the garden and has been here as long as we have lived here.

The Hydrangea is taking over near to the bbq and seems to be sporting 2 different colours.









The apples look good as long as we can keep the wasps and birds at bay!






Deutzia.





Cistus X purpureus (yes I did look that one up!).

See they already have their eye on the apples.

While out in the garden I noticed some activity next door - first it looked as if the birds where checking if anyone was home -

Then as the coast was clear they continued with job in hand -

Just a few more pieces should be enough

Do you think I should tell him in case he gets the roofers back??????

Orrell Water Park

Orrell water park is two disused reservoirs surrounded by woodland. I have passed by many times usually of a winter evening when the gates were firmly locked however last night we had an hour to spare so ventured in. You can walk around the lakes but beware of midges at this time of year!!

Fishing allowed and it was good to see these young lads actually fishing and not messing about.

(Oh why did all the youth clubs close????)

The Ranger's office. I wouldn't mind living there!

Most of the ducks had come up onto the banking for the night. This (Heinz 57) Mallard seemed more worried about the Coot than us

The sun was beginning to disappear and we had to make a move before the gates were locked by the Ranger.

We then managed to gatecrash a birthday party.

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY JULIE

(that's the one on the left, the one on the right is Sue and she is only 40+++++)