Thursday, March 25, 2010

TRAIN STATION WINDOW ~ LIMOGES, FRANCE

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TRAIN STATION

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BUREAU DE POSTE~POST OFFICE

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FRENCH DOORS

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LA BOULANGERIE

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FALL LEAVES

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THE PARK FOUNTAIN

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LIMOGES TRAIN STATION FROM PARK

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Exploring Central France by Train

In hind's sight, I see Steve and I meandering up small roads into uncharted territory on the map from Carcassonne to our next destination Versailles. I know now by whisking through this beautiful territory aboard the train that there is much that we missed and much to be seen.
If any of you out there know of some beautiful spots to stop along the way from the south to the north, please give me input. at this time and part of the trip I was somewhat at the mercy of the train track, and our reservations in Versailles.
I think that I said before that siting at my desk and plotting out the trek across France proved to be challenging in my not knowing distances and train schedules. I am sure that there is probably some sort of chart out there that could help.
I honestly spoke to several people who had traveled in France, but they traveled by car and were accessible to many different roads and beautiful must see towns and villages.
My mistake was that I did not make any plans for the next two days. I figured that we could take our time to get to Versailles, but where were we to stay?
We went to the Tourist Information in Carcassonne and decided that Limoges would be our next stop. It happened to be a five hour train ride, passing the French landscape that begged to be explored.
Farms, green hillsides, and woods whooshed by as I gazed out the window of our train.
Fall was arriving and the trees were turning their yellow and orange and reds. Chateaus were perched atop distant hills and Nature's beauty was at it's best.
Arriving at Limoges, we exited the train station with a view of a beautiful park and fountain. The train station itself is something to see. Inside the stained glass windows depict the four seasons.
We spent the night here and wandered around somewhat, but am afraid that we missed the city's splendor, and what it had to give being there only for the night. Perhaps we will return another time to explore her loveliness, as she was quite lovely.

Monday, March 15, 2010

~ BEAUTIFUL CARCASSIONE ~

On to beautiful Carcassione.
I knew that I wanted to see the wonderful Medieval walled fortress of the old city.
Any self proclaimed "princess" dreams of her "Prince" and the beautiful Castle they live in.
I had convinced myself this was the walled city that was filmed in the movie "Ever After", but alas it is not. How enchanting to walk through the streets toward this fortress, seeing it in the distance on the hill overlooking the town where life is buzzing by.
The walk to the fortress was not that taxing.
We were staying just across from the train station at the Hotel du Soleil Terminus. It was a great place to set camp. The hotel had a wonderful turn of the century feel and the sweeping staircase and balcony overlooking the main mezzanine, and entrance gave a great panorama.
I enjoyed our room and the feel of the floor to ceiling windows that opened to the view of the streets and restaurants below. Across the street is a park and canal that runs through the town. Canal boats maneuvering the locks and traveling by.
I especially liked sitting in the open square where there is a wonderful fountain. There are many restaurants that take advantage of this beautiful spot and many opened umbrellas shade the cafe tables . People gather in the afternoon and have their cafe' and chat after shopping or gathering their children after school, letting them run in the square, playing . Little boys sailing make believe boats out of large leaves in the fountain. All is restful with a Cafe' Au lait and a cookie accompaning it. I enjoy the view as I sip my drink, which is gone too quickly!
This square becomes a marketplace for the villager's to buy their foods three times a week, and we too gather to see what is for sale. I salivate at the spices and flowers, fruits and veggies with their colorful pleasure, feeling rather conspicuous with my camera lens snapping. I am astonished by an old man telling me he does not want me to take his picture to post on the computer! He points to another seller and tells me to take his picture!
I tell the herbalist that I wish I could buy all she sells, as I ask her if I may take a picture. She quips," Then, why don't you?" and I sadly reply that I cannot bring it back to the U.S.
We have enjoyed our two day stay here and will remember how lovely it was.
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Saturday, March 13, 2010

Blog drawing

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AND THE WINNER IS....

Thank you all for joining me here. I hope that you enjoy reading and looking at my memories of family and wonderful places to explore either from the comfort of your home or in your mind.
The winner of Beverly Cottage drawing is.... Julie from THE PROVENCE POST !
I will contact you through your e-mail address to make arrangements to mail your photograph.

Look for my next post on Carcassonne, France, and my latest adventure to the Anza Borrego Desert for the spring bloom of wildflowers.