Paris - arrived 14 February 2013

A rainy day on our way to Paris le 14 février 2013.

Buying Coquilles St. Jacques at our local Marché Bastille

Our local Metro - Bastille



At the market. Acacia in the background.

JOE AND KAREN IN PARIS 23 FEBRUARY

Joe and Karen came across from Kirkintilloch for 4 days. Jack and Catherine minded the kids. They arrived on Joe's birthday so we celebrated at the restaurant, Roger la Grenouille on the left bank. Geoffrey and I have been there a number of times and enjoy seeing our family and friends have their first taste of frogs legs. They really are quite delicious.


Joe having his first taste of une grenouille.
It's his birthday.

Karen having a go.


















Joe and Karen

Having a coffee near where we stayed last year in the 8th arrondissement.



The lovely Joe and Karen having a snow fight in le Parc Monceau.
Last year, this was our local park.



Us, in front of 'that' waterfall in the Parc Monceau and yes! that is snow on the ground.
Last year, at one time, it was so cold that the water falling from the waterfall was frozen.










This is a stained glass window directly above our table at the restaurant, Bofinger.
It is in the 4th arrondissement about 100 metres from our place.
Joe chose this place for us to have lunch and his Mum and Dad paid for the lunch.
It was all very nice.
Bofinger is Paris's oldest brasserie, dating from 1864.
The decor is magnificent. with the original wood, glass and leather seating.

 

 

Karen and I drank a bottle of really expensive French champagne each night that they were here.
On their last evening we treated ourselves to dessert from our local patisserie.

 

Dubai 12 February

A mosque from our room window

Abra Station where you catch the ferry to cross the Dubai Creek etc.
Opposite the Spice Souk.



Went on a cruise up and down the Dubai Creek on an abra - a traditional wooden boat..

This is the sort of boat we are on - an abra.

Cargo boats laden with goods

Coming back into port. We had shared the cost of the boatride with an English couple
who were visiting their grandchildren.



Goods ready to be loaded on to the boats.

Singapore 12 February 2013

Opposite Istana, home of Singapore's president on Orchard Road. Most of the time the closest you can get to it  are the well  guarded gates but it is open to the public on selected public holidays such as New Years Day and that is when we were there. Well we were there and didn't know this. In the morning we could have just walked straight in but in the afternoon we would have to joined the long queues in the rain.

Geoffrey's idea!



Geoffrey's Idea! Do I look part of?



My Idea! A Designer Sangria on Orchard Road. Irish whiskey, white wine, fruit juices and fresh apple.



GB's gourmet coffee. Syphon-brewed - Aged Sumatra Mandheling - the beans are green (unroasted). Was like a strong long black, no crema and served with a small container of German milk.



GB Prawn Noodle (egg) with Pork Rib Soup
EB Prawn Noodle (rice) Soup

Gin Slings on the balcony at the Raffles Hotel

Claire, I have changed sides!

 

 

Went on from Raffles to a German Beer Bar and Restaurant and watched Swansea vs QPR and Man U vs Everton. On the way there we passed Luke Managan's 'Salt tapas and bar' at 252 North Bridge Road across the road from the Raffles Hotel

Our last breakfast in Singapore. GB with the waiter who helped him put together the breakfast of 'porridge'.

Leaving Bass February 2013

Bass Study late January 2013

The piece of furniture on its end is the dresser from the city! and Bessie on her usual spot.

 



21 February 2013

Joyeux anniversaire! Ayda de Tante Betty et Geoffrey de Paris.

Tu as trois ans.

Lots of Love

LEFT PARIS 31 MAY 2012

Geoffrey enjoying the Sun 17 May 2012

The weather in Paris at the moment is a bit like Melbourne weather - 4 seasons in 1 day. Last year, in Paris, all of May was very warm. this year, I still have not worn summer clothes.

A pre-lunch beer in the sunshine.