Met a Couple of Sirs who Cycle

Once again, I had the opportunity to go to the Champions of Cyclosport charity dinner. I get to get all dressed up and meet some interesting people. 

Here I am with Julia and Louise and Sir Chris Hoy. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this man (or his thighs), he's the winningest track cyclist in history. He also has a gold medal or two. Pretty darn good.

I was seated next to this guy, Sir Dave Brailsford. You may have read about him in David Millar's book, or Bradley Wiggin's book or Mark Cavendish's book. Yeah, he gets around. He's also a genuinenly nice guy and had a great time chatting about how much harder it is to negotiate with his daughter than with crazy cyclists. All in all, fun to get dressed up, good food, good drink and amazing company.  

Before, During and the Aftermath

I'm woefully behind in my blog but I'm vowing to catch up and be better for 2014. Therefore, I'm going to include my photos from November and December 2013 to start. Ha!

I hosted Thanksgiving again for my British friends. It was 12 people for dinner and the biggest turkey ever. Here's the 'Before' photo. The table is set, the bar is ready, still a few more chairs to borrow....

Here is my 'During' picture. I was too stressed to get dinner on the table to take a picture of the food, so here is everyone and our empty plates. Yum!

This is what I call 'The Aftermath'. Tucker was super tired and with a large turkey belly from leftovers. I'd consider that a success.

Last of the Paris Photos

I'm rubbish. I've been neglecting this blog for too long - caught in a rut. Hopefully, I've climbed out and am trying to book some new travel.

The last of my photos from my lovely weekend in Paris. I wandered around Notre Dame for awhile and probably took a few too many photos. 

Look! I'm actually in a photo for a change. Look kids, Notre Dame (again).

A bit of scale. The people look a bit teeny tiny, don't they? Where's Quasimodo?

Is Notre Dame really 850 years old? Wow.

Had to take a picture of a tree lined boulevard. Love 'em.

Of course, I got distracted by a woman throwing a ball in the Seine for her dog.

I liked the view from Holly's apartment. Holly likes it too. But she doesn't like the motorcycles. Sound echos......

Next time, I'm thinking I should cycle there and back. Discuss.

The Love Bridge

Paris is known as the City of Lights, although it is often referred to as the City of Love. And for those in love, there is an interesting tradition in Paris.

From afar, this bridge appears to have gold railings/iron work.

But upon closer inspection, it actually is filled with hundreds of locks.

The custom is to write the names of you and your loved one on the lock, lock it to the bridge and then throw away the key into the Seine. Thereby declaring that your hearts are forever locked together in love. Aw... sigh.

Holly and I decided it would make a good photo op although I am so pale that I appear a bit reflective.
But the real question is.....

Are you cheating when you use a combination lock? That's not very committed now, is it?!?!?!



Four Wheels on the Water

In Windsor and along the London canals, there are lots of houseboats. Some people plant gardens o the top of their houseboat, or travel with pets and bicycles.

I have to admit, this is the first time I've ever seen someone travel with their car on the boat.

Parisien specialties

What I found quite interesting is there are tons of specialists stores in Paris. I got distracted and didn't take pictures of all of them, but somehow in addition to the ones below, I also walked by a candle maker, a sock maker, a paper maker, fake flower maker and a million chocolatiers. That might have been why I was distracted!

You don't have to speak French to understand what their speciality is. Artisan Beers!



Thought this shop looked interesting. This person is master of the biscuit. Butter cookies only!

The view from outside. I was afraid that I might eat them all if I went in. A giant Nilla Wafers store.... mmmmmmmm....

 

This person is a master soap maker. Who knew that you didn't just go to the drug store to buy your soap? I highly recommend wandering in the 7th arrondismont (neighbordhood). Lots of good finds!

Temporarily Do Not Enter?

Saw this Do Not Enter sign in Paris.

Thought it was hilarious. Does it mean that someone is trying to make it accessible??