TravelswithCharie

Joy to the world The Lord is come! *   *   * Image by TravelswithCharie. Yosemite National Park. 

"The following morning at dawn I went toward it across the sands, my eyes fastened on this gigantic jewel, as big as a mountain, cut like a cameo, and as dainty as lace. The nearer I approached, the greater my admiration grew, for nothing in the world could be more wonderful or more perfect". Guy de Maupassant, The Legend of Mont Saint Michel Mont St. Michel from the causeway It's hard to forget the first time I saw Mont Saint Michel from the bus window. I saw its fairytale like silhouette from a distance and I was captivated. So this time around, I waited with bated breath as the bus approached Mont Saint Michel but alas, we took a different route and I didn’t see the Mount until I had walked up the causeway from the new village that grew in recent years. Our bus from Dol dropped us in front of the tourist center where free shuttle buses ferry visitors to the foot of the Mount. I opted to walk the 2 km distance so I could see the Mont from afar and feel its magi

Fondation Louis Vuitton The Fondation Louis Vuitton at the Bois de Boulogne in Paris is a new gallery for modern and contemporary art.  Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive of LVMH, envisioned architecture that would be symbolic of the 21st century and to this end, entrusted the project to renowned architect, Frank Gehry. The glass and steel building represents Gehry's idea of an evolving structure as it interacts with time and light, creating an impression of perpetual change. The gallery was inaugurated in October of this year and the line to purchase tickets was understandably long in late November. I opted to enter the Jardin d'Acclimatation to get a close look at this colossal structure and observe the play of light on the curving glass panels as the afternoon progressed.  Gehry's creation was inspired by glass and steel buildings of the 19th century. However, the Fondation is definitely 21st century. It appears like a ship with a re

The inverted Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is sensational! And the glass cupola reflects the changing light moods of the tree. You get a different perspective of the Christmas tree from the upper galleries and a great view of the golden legs that reach up to the cupola. Pink monsters dance behind display windows to the delight of the children. They flocked to see the decorated Christmas themed windows as their parents excitedly took their pictures with the monsters. I couldn't get a full view because there were so many people milling around. So I had to make do with a side view.  It's a Joyeux Noël indeed in Paris. Through January 4, 2015. *  *  * Images by TravelswithCharie

Rue Crémieux It’s as if I’m going out again with my old lover. I’m discovering new things about him that I wasn’t aware of before. That’s how I feel about my love affair with Paris . Case in point: Rue Crémieux. Rue  Crémieux  is a sleeping beauty with its cobblestone street, pastel painted fa ç ades, thoughtful murals, potted plants and an air of unhurried pace amidst the bustling Gare de Lyon area.   The concerted efforts of the residents of Rue  Crémieux  to beautify their neighborhood is cause for applause. This is what happens when neighbors commit themselves to a worthy and far reaching goal. I love the illusion of a tree straddling the house as if it always belonged there. Notice the murals on this house. These well thought out personal touches define this neighborhood. To get to Rue  Crémieux, take the metro to Gare de Lyon. Walk down a few blocks along Rue de Lyon which is across from the station and Rue  Crémieux will be on your left side.

The program for the Fall/Winter 2014 Collection One of the unique experiences I had in Paris recently was attending the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann fashion show. Paris is, of course, at the forefront of haute couture so I was thrilled to have the chance to be at the défilé. The show beautifully presented the trends of the season. I was mesmerized by the variety of fun, chic and elegant outfits. The clothes and accessories worn by the models on the catwalk were available at various GL department stores.  By the way, no photos are allowed at the fashion show but I inquired from the usher who seated me about the no photo policy and he informed me that I could take pictures without a flash. It's always good to ask first. The ensemble shown above is categorized as PopTimisme. PopTimisme is defined by rhythm, color, and energy. It evokes New York City's street style. Young fashionistas will be both comfortable and hip in this plaid shirt with cool bl

 Rue Thermopyles Rue Thermopyles takes its name from Thermopylae, that narrow pass in Greece where a great battle was fought in 480 BC between a handful of Greek warriors under the command of Leonidas and the 150,000 strong Persian army under Xerxes. But that's the end of the similarity - a narrow street. Rue Thermopyles is a tranquil neighborhood with trees climbing up the walls of its houses and covering some of them in rich foliage. The cobblestone street is lined with potted plants. If you continue walking to the end of the street and make a right, you will find these two charming homes one of which is nearly hidden from view by trees and shrubs. In front of these homes is the Alberto Giacometti Park, a small square which is a nice extension to Rue Thermopyles. Paris is a big city with staggering urban growth that comes accompanied by the cacophony of modern day living. It's refreshing to find a haven such as Rue Thermopyles, a little piece of "co