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Tagged With "Parc des Buttes Chaumont"

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Re: St Stephen's Green, Dublin. (Where Gumbo was #137)

Paul Heymont ·
I have to admit that the first clue reminded me, in succession, of a spot in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris, of Prospect Park in Brooklyn and of Frogness Park in Oslo...it was only when the clues got more specific that I could rule them out, and only when the Fusiliers Arch appeared and I could search its text that I could find the answer. That arch, by the way, provoked a lot of controversy when erected in 1907; it memorializes a regiment in England's colonial war against the Dutch Boers...
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Re: Oct. 31, 2018: Dia de los Muertos, Cozumel, Mexico

PortMoresby ·
Currently in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Today was full of action all around town but especially in the zocalo with students dressing up the square and themselves. Tomorrow I’m off to a couple of villages and we’ll see what a Zapatista Dia de los Muertos looks like.
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #14: A Sewer Journey

PortMoresby ·
Very good. Mrs. Gumbo and I will wait for you over une carafe de vin ordinaire (blanc svp) over there.
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Re: Is Porto worth the trip?

Paul Heymont ·
Much as I loved my time in Porto...it's NOT a day trip. Much too much to do there, including evening stroll along the Douro, port-wine tasting across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia and more. I'd say take the advice above and save Porto for another trip. Of the recommended day trips above, I'd vote for Sintra. It's an easy trip--trains run about every 30 minutes, more frequently in rush hours, The town itself is interesting, the Moorish Castle up on the mountain and the Pena Palace above that...
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Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

PortMoresby ·
Regarding his feeling about slavery, I have no doubt, because of the nature of the man as shown by the things he did write, he was conflicted. And while he seems never to have come to a personal solution I don't believe, either, that his lack of action was de facto support for the institution. Sometimes there just isn't time to resolve one's own conflicts and be a father of a new nation too. We may be asking too much of human beings if we expect tidy packages and complete resolutions in 1 ...
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel

Travel Rob ·
Your piece will serve inspiration for many future trips,I'm sure of that.I had no clue as the extent of Eiffel's work but I now want to see several of them in person. This serves as an example of why TravelGumbo is so different and needed
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel

WorkerBee ·
PHeymont, Your post reminded me that I had seen a pre-fabricated church designed by Eiffel in Baja, Mexico. It is in the small town of Santa Rosalia and still in use. There is more info here .
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #5.5

PortMoresby ·
It might very well be St.-Paul-de-Vence. I've never been there so can't say. However, it doesn't seem tidy enough for France. At least where I've been in France. I think the French are more particular about details in their medieval towns than this picture seems to indicate. I suppose it could be in a very out-of-the-way corner but, still, it just doesn't seem French to me for that reason.
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel

Mac ·
Absolutely fascinating, thank you. And I thought that UK's Isambard Kingdom Brunel was prolific!
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel

Paul Heymont ·
Brunel has fascinated me since reading a book on the Great Eastern, an unlucky ship he designed. Perhaps someday I can find time to post about his work...unless I hear a volunteer? Thanks!
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel

PortMoresby ·
I'm personally acquainted with one of Brunel's railway bridges, the Gatehampton Bridge over the Thames in Berkshire, England. I was advised by my Thames Path guidebook that I was approaching it. There was a strategically placed bench in a meadow where I sat, had a snack and looked at it from a distance for a bit before walking under it. Not at all knowledgeable, or even much interested, in bridges I tried to get at least a glimpse of what the guide meant when it said "one of Brunel's Great...
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel

Paul Heymont ·
T&N, you make an interesting point about the air circulation and coolness of Eiffel's building. These days we are constantly reading about advances in "green design," intended to reduce excess energy use. Ironic how well some of those principles of making life bearable were known so long ago by those who didn't have the option of mechanical air-conditioning! Another example is in today's blog about Gaudi's Casa Battlo in Barcelona, which uses an open well through the center of the...
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Re: Frommer's New EasyGuides: A Future for Print

Former Member ·
What great news to hear that a publisher recognizes the need for practical budget travel information. I can spend ages on the Internet trying to work out a basic trip scheme. When a location is new to me, I need that overview in hand. It does me no good to read that the Paris' Luxembourg gardens are wonderful when I am trying to work out how long I can afford to be in Paris. It does me no good to know that there are marvelous chambre d'hotes in the Ile de Cite when what I need is a couple of...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 30, 2014: Jean Cocteau on Wine

PortMoresby ·
I've seen Jerez de la Frontera on the map and have wondered about it. So far I haven't contrived to get there, close, but not quite. But as the name says, a place at the edge, so I must sometime, right? What did you think of it?
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Re: A Rambler in Strasbourg

George G. ·
Alsace was our favorite destination for relaxing, taking the Rue de Vin for picnics, and enjoying the cuisine and slow pace of life. Colorful timber houses and festivals added to the richness of this region. A couple of our photos. My wife Diane with a local policeman, the cathedral and a canal.
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Re: Back to Oaxaca: Hoofing It, El Picacho & Teotitlan

PortMoresby ·
Another interesting item from the OLL newsletter regarding the weaving village of Teotitlan: TOUR: ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS in TEOTITLAN Presented by Dr. Robert Markens Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas—sede Oaxaca Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 / 9 AM-4 PM MX$350 (M) MX$400 (NM) Local archeologist Dr. Robert Markens will lead a tour of the archeological ruins located in the ancient village of Teotitlan del Valle, world-famous for its woven textiles. This...
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Re: No more TGV: France says 'Oui' to new name

inOui ·
Why would they want to name it something that sounds like "boredom, difficulty, tedium, obstacle?" I don't get it. Seems strange. Or were they going more for, "Je m'ennui de toi" so I'm going to hop on a fast train! Also reminds me of, "Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane Ain't got time to take a fast train. Lonely days are gone, I'm a-goin' home My baby, just-a wrote me a letter" In any event, still not getting it for the TGV's new name. I know the pronunciations are a bit different but reminds...
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Re: Yellowstone HQ, Mammoth Hot Springs

PortMoresby ·
I guess "spunk" is one way of seeing it. I suspect for the Park Service he's more huge pain in the butt. I'm surprised they haven't deported him, could maybe drive him to Banff in the dead of night.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#67)

Paul Heymont ·
Sunday evening, and time to post the e-mail responses. This week, there has been one, from PortMoresby, and her guess was correct. Gumbo was in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in Paris, looking at the Ile du Belvedere. For more about the park, see tomorrow's "reveal" blog. A new puzzle will appear on Tuesday. And again, congrats to PortMoresby!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 12, 2014: Sunday in the Park with Dog

Travel Rob ·
Great photos that shows why parks in Paris are so special! Hands down my favorite park experiences are in Paris. Parisians enjoy their parks and gardens so much, it's contagious!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 12, 2014: Sunday in the Park with Dog

DrFumblefinger ·
I like city parks like this one, though they in no way compare to National Parks, which I enjoy infinitely more.
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Re: Above and Below at the beach

Paul Heymont ·
It’s actually a fairly long-standing program now…started in 2002, with just the one on Rive Droite, just below the Hotel de Ville. We first noticed it in 2005. By 2006, they had added one on the Rive Gauche, and in 2007 on the Bassin de la Villette. I don’t know how long they’ve been doing the on in front of the city hall, but when we saw it last week it was set up for beach volleyball!
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Re: Why the Return of Frommers Guidebooks is a Big Deal

Paul Heymont ·
A thought about guidebooks: They started, really, as travel diaries of people who had happened to travel somewhere, for one reason or another—but not just for travel. De Toqueville comes to mind, and others after. Of course, these books all had a point of view! Many of the modern guidebook series don't really seem to have that, at least not a clear guiding philosophy. Rather, they tend to be comprehensive tomes—useful but not endearing. I always thought one of the best qualities of the...
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Re: Weymouth's tribute to the brave.

Paul Heymont ·
Together with the Finding Reiner series, this post helps remind us of the individuals and the effects on their communities. We've been seeing large and small memorials in France this past week. We were stunned, viewing the memorial in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, to note that there are over 100 names on the WWI memorial, many with similar, even identical names, contrasted with only a half-dozen or so from WWII, and then other numbers from other wars. The large losses in France in the First World...
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Re: Old San Juan: Beautiful...and not all old

Jonathan L ·
Plaza de Armas is NOT the premier pigeon feeding spot in San Juan. The honor goes to the near by Plaza de las Palomas (Plaza of the Doves). This park has a wall with literal Pigeon holes and is the home to hundreds of the birds. There are machine to buy food and if you stand real still they will land on your hands and arms to eat.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 30, 2014: Vegetables in Formal Garden, Musee Carnavalet

Paul Heymont ·
We've spotted some more vegetables among the ornamentals, this time at the Bassin de la Villette in northeast Paris. In the first picture, a gorgeous Swiss chard; in the second a delicate young artichoke has formed...
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Re: Marseille's Vieux Port and Forts: An Urban Hike

Travel Rob ·
Great write up on a magnificent city! If you approach Notre Dame de la Garde from the side, it's a hike in itself climbing to the top of the hill.but the beautiful views and church are well worth it.
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Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart

Jonathan L ·
I love Barcelona. It is one of the few cities that I feel I could live in, if I were to leave NYC. Large enough to have an active cultural and social life that is not dependent on tourists, small enough to be able to get around and do things without a car. Lovely things to look at. Great food.
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Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart

Paul Heymont ·
I'll second Jonathan L on that...one of the two or three cities I'd be willing to live in, besides Brooklyn...and you found my favorite tapas place, too!
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Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart

DrFumblefinger ·
Great post! Have yet to visit Barcellona, but will soon. An unrelated question. Is that Madonna as in the entertainer, or Madonna as in the mother of Jesus?
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Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart

thepoormadonna ·
My friend jokes that I am the Queen of reinvention - much like Madonna (the musician type). Forever having a complete change of heart about my life's direction. But I've decided to embrace that now change is good! Keeps things interesting. Wholeheartedly agree Jonathan and Paul. In fact I applied for a few jobs there in the summer! I'm still considering it... Oh, and that tapas place! Just brilliant. Was completely worth the 40 minutes we had to wait for a table!
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Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart

Travel Rob ·
Thanks for the great post and I'll have to try the Tapas Place next time! I got the same impression in my visits as you - that the locals seem very happy and proud of their city , as they should be.
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Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart

thepoormadonna ·
It was a pleasure to write. Glad you enjoyed it! Yes you simply must check out Taller De Tapas - the atmosphere is amazing and the food is to die for!
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Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart

IslandMan ·
excellent article and pictures.... I can relate with many of the personal comments you make; decisions you make in life should be for yourself first. I too made a decision to leave home, family and friends and see the world. It was tough at first, but, once you explore and experience, you don't look back. Congratulations!
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Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart

thepoormadonna ·
Thank you Islandman! And congrats to you too! Here's to a life of incredible experiences.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#84)

Paul Heymont ·
Drum roll, please! The e-mail submissions are hereby revealed...and tomorrow morning the answer will be revealed. Both Jonathan L and PortMoresby e-mailed their belief that the scene is Castillo de San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, PR.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 25, 2015. St. Augustine, Florida

Travel Rob ·
The dining hall at Flagler College(in your last photo) is really something to see. The Tiffany Windows are incredible.I also love the concrete used to build Flagler college , former Hotel Ponce de Leon , made from the local coquina stone.
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Re: Beware of inflight pickpockets

PortMoresby ·
This silly woman violated one of the basic tenets of thiefdom, the certainty of a quick getaway. Never steal on airplanes or cul-de-sacs. Poor creature.
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Re: Nov. 8, 2018: Milano Centrale railway station

Paul Heymont ·
Actually, in passenger traffic, it's listed here as #8 in passenger traffic. Perhaps it's #1 in mainline traffic? Certainly #1 Gare du Nord and Gare de Chatelet, both in Paris, have heavy concentrations of commuter and regional passengers.
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Re: May 4, 2019: Nike of Samothrace, Paris

PortMoresby ·
Though over the years I've lost almost everything I owned in 1966, somehow I still have a roll of B&W negatives that includes Winged Victory. Venus de Milo is also on the roll. Thanks for the memory, DrF.
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Re: The Falkirk Wheel, Scotland

PortMoresby ·
My darling father-in-law grew up in Falkirk and I've never gone there. But just mention a canal and I want to know about the towpath. A walk through Falkirk may be in my future: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk...de-union-canal.shtml Thanks, Ian.
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Re: Neighborhoods in Santiago de Cuba

GarryRF ·
I'm not familiar with Santiago de Cuba. Casa particulares will provide you with meals and drinks. Stores and Restaurants are hard to find and most food is still rationed to the Cubans. Cuban water is safe for the locals but carries a high mineral content, which may cause gastro problems. Bottled "Montero" water is available and low cost. Quite nice too. Santiago de Cuba is not on the tourist lists for us Brits. Most Cuban food uses - Rice -Beans - Eggs - Chicken - Pork (No Beef) - Fish...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn

TravelingCanuck ·
While the poppy is mainly used in the Commonwealth it is a symbol for all who have died in war. As Chris de Burgh sang in one of his songs "Up here in heaven, we stand together, Both the enemy and the friend, 'till the end of time"
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Re: J. M. W. Turner in San Francisco

PortMoresby ·
Don't let them hear that capital D in de Young. If you change your mind and visit SF before July 19th, you can hop over to the Legion of Honor and catch the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection show, too.
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Re: To the top of Mount Teide, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

GarryRF ·
Tenerife is an all year resort and has its peak season around Christmas. One of the rituals on Christmas Day is driving up Mt Teide in a rental Jeep. Take a couple of cooler box's and fill them with fresh snow. Drive back to Playa de las Americas and have a snow ball fight on the sunny 75'f beach with the sunbathers. Something that leaves a lasting memory of Christmas Day.
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Nomad Women

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Norman

Norman
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Re: Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America

Former Member ·
Monsieur, vous êtes très gentil de le dire. I do try to make a stab at the local language wherever I travel. Around the world, people are amazingly patient with my mangling of their language. It does create good entertainment. Almost always, my puzzled efforts put people at ease. They are instantly willing to help "the poor confused thing".
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Re: Aviation Museums: Another good reason to fly

arion ·
The Aviation Museum in Bourget, outside of Paris, can be very easily reached, by the way, on Bus No. 350 from Gare de l'Est. This same bus also goes to CDG at a cost of 3 metro/bus tickets. Norma
 
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