Tagged With "Parc des Buttes Chaumont"
Comment
Re: St Stephen's Green, Dublin. (Where Gumbo was #137)
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...
Comment
Re: Oct. 31, 2018: Dia de los Muertos, Cozumel, Mexico
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.
Comment
Re: Where Gumbo Was #14: A Sewer Journey
Very good. Mrs. Gumbo and I will wait for you over une carafe de vin ordinaire (blanc svp) over there.
Comment
Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
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 ...
Comment
Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
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
Comment
Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
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 .
Comment
Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #5.5
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.
Comment
Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
Absolutely fascinating, thank you. And I thought that UK's Isambard Kingdom Brunel was prolific!
Comment
Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
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!
Comment
Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
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...
Comment
Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
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...
Comment
Re: Frommer's New EasyGuides: A Future for Print
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...
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 30, 2014: Jean Cocteau on Wine
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?
Comment
Re: A Rambler in Strasbourg
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.
Comment
Re: Back to Oaxaca: Hoofing It, El Picacho & Teotitlan
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...
Comment
Re: No more TGV: France says 'Oui' to new name
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...
Comment
Re: Yellowstone HQ, Mammoth Hot Springs
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.
Comment
Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#67)
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!
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 12, 2014: Sunday in the Park with Dog
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!
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 12, 2014: Sunday in the Park with Dog
I like city parks like this one, though they in no way compare to National Parks, which I enjoy infinitely more.
Comment
Re: Why the Return of Frommers Guidebooks is a Big Deal
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...
Comment
Re: Weymouth's tribute to the brave.
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...
Comment
Re: Old San Juan: Beautiful...and not all old
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.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 30, 2014: Vegetables in Formal Garden, Musee Carnavalet
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...
Comment
Re: Marseille's Vieux Port and Forts: An Urban Hike
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.
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
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.
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
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!
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
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?
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
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!
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
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.
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
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!
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
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!
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
Thank you Islandman! And congrats to you too! Here's to a life of incredible experiences.
Comment
Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#84)
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.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 25, 2015. St. Augustine, Florida
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.
Comment
Re: Beware of inflight pickpockets
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.
Comment
Re: Nov. 8, 2018: Milano Centrale railway station
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.
Comment
Re: May 4, 2019: Nike of Samothrace, Paris
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.
Comment
Re: The Falkirk Wheel, Scotland
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.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 24, 2015: Poppies -- Weeping Window at Woodhorn
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"
Comment
Re: J. M. W. Turner in San Francisco
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.
Comment
Re: To the top of Mount Teide, Tenerife, Canary Islands.
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.
Comment
Re: Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
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".
Comment
Re: Aviation Museums: Another good reason to fly
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
Comment
Re: The Petite Ceinture, Paris: Where Gumbo Was (#71)
Fascinating! I've been by the front many times and I never knew!
Comment
Re: The Petite Ceinture, Paris: Where Gumbo Was (#71)
In an e-mail, Jonathan L provides an update—a happy one—on the Gare Ornano. It appears that about a year after I took my pictures, the station was sold, the KFC is gone, and a new cafe+recycling center has renovated the station; a picture below shows a view of the rear very different from the one below the KFC picture above. The site now also hosts food trucks! Thanks to Jonathan L for finding the followup, which can be found at http://www.larecyclerie.com/ It's in French, but if that's a...
Comment
Re: When there are no more beaches, will we all head for the hills?
I do not believe that the burning of fossils fuels has any effect on the direction of the Jet Stream. Which in turn controls the weather around the world. I do believe that the Petro-Chemical Refineries from the New Jersey coast and further south releasing tons of nasty unwanted chemicals into the atmosphere does have a big effect on the de-forestation of Europe with acid rain. They release this gas when the wind is blowing east across the Atlantic. And when the wind suddenly changes the...
Comment
Re: When there are no more beaches, will we all head for the hills?
The Jet Stream is responsible for the California drought. The Polar Vortex you've been suffering from - and for the UK not having frosty weather since last November. English strawberries in Winter and de-icing salt being 15cents for a 10 kilo sack ! Its not yet April and I've cut the grass twice ! Blame it all on the Jet Stream.
Comment
Re: Finding Reiner #2: Chasing Ghosts
Merci encore une fois, Vivie. Je suis sur le point de partir. Thanks for reading. I'm about to depart. Hope you'll follow along.