Haigh, Aspull and Blackrod Show 2009

Today we went to Haigh Show with Poppy, she wanted to try her hand in a dog show. Although registration was supposed to begin at 10am it was delayed until 12md and the competition commenced about 1pm by which time Poppy was both cold and tired. She had made friends, and enemies, had treats, drinks and cuddles galore. She didn't take kindly to the judge prodding and poking her and told her so!! Even so she came away with a 'special' rosette for a 'special' dog. Well done Poppy and Sarah.

Now I have done a hard day's work please let me have a bit of peace and quiet!

Other beautiful dogs in the show.

It was rather embarrassing that someone thought I was taking photos for the show!! Oh how I wish I was that good - but - you never know - one day!!!!!!!!!!!

Playtime!

Falconry display

The Young Farmers had a tractor pulling contest.

Shire horses.

Beautiful as ever but this one seemed to have a mind of its own!

Feed time.

Dressage

And last but not least the cattle.

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle was built in the 13th century and is famed for its magnificent stained glass windows. In medieval times it was called 'gateway to heaven' and when I stood in the upper chapel I could understand why.

Unfortunately there were many other people there and taking photos, although permitted, was difficult.

The lower chapel houses the statue of the Virgin Mary - the sanctuary's patron saint.

The upper chapel is unbelievable, there are 15 stained glass windows depicting 1,113 scenes from Genesis through to Christ's resurrection.

Arc de Triumphe

The next day was an early start and off to the Arc de Triumphe and the Champs-Elysees. The Arc de Triumphe was built by Napoleon to commemorate his victorious battles.

Beneath the Arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier who was buried on November 11th 1920

For the energetic (that's us then!!) there is a viewing platform at the top reached by 284 steps! Shame I hadn't had 3 weetabix for breakfast!

After a few minutes rest I was ready to explore. The views were breath taking and well worth the climb.

This is the Champs-Elysees looking toward Les Invalides.

And this is looking in the opposite direction towards La Grande Arche - the 20th century version of the Arc de Triumphe.

And this is the Montparnasse Tower which is not very photogenic in itself but has marvellous views from the top.

Continuing our jog around Paris!

We walked around the outside of the Louvre. As ever there were crowds so I opted not to go inside but to stay out in the fresh air and do a bit more walking.

Did I say walking - I think I meant climbing!

Young love, they weren't doing much sight seeing!!

Then of course we just had to have a ride on the wheel.

The views were marvellous but unfortunately the wheel was moving too fast for good photos, (well that's my excuse!)

Then after we had eaten it was up the Montparnasse Tower for the views of the Eiffel Tower!.

I don't think these photos do justice to the views, you just have to go up to see them for yourself.

Not very good but it does show the wheel that we were on earlier.

We finished with a walk under the Eiffel Tower and back to the hotel.

So that I would remember where we had been I kept a sort of diary so am slowly going through the photos in order of where we went so please forgive me if I am a bit slow at putting them on here. Hopefully this way I will avoid senior moments, (of which I have a few!!) also perhaps Anya will correct me if I get any wrong. I will get there in the end I promise!!