Ooh la laa

Last week I was lucky enough to land up in the world's number one tourist destination, and it isn't difficult to see why. Beautiful people, wonderful scenery, delicious food, old culture, modern convenience... the list goes on, I guess the worst thing about it is having to share it with all the tourists. That is why the best times where whilst lost in some back streets far from a loud American accent or flag bearing tour guide. France must be one of the few nations in the world that conjures up an emotion of sorts no matter who you talk to. Love it or hate it, you have to experience it! Please, just not while I'm there ;)

I would have to admit to being in the 'love it' camp.. how could you not??? smelly cheese, smooth wines and unpronounceable cuisine - can't go wrong. Gastronomic delights together with the sense of style, tradition and romance with which the French live... hmmm I guess you have to get used to the odd jealous tourist, and since I was one, I am glad they put up with me, seemed to bump into kind people at every turn.

Palace of Versailles
















Chateau Cahmbord in the Loire valley





















Chambord has a beautiful double spiral staircase (not picture here :)) inspired by Leonardo da Vinci

















Recognise a certain Moulinsart Tintin castle? Inspired by Cheverny, this privately owned chateau.





















Cheverny also has one of the largest packs of hunting dogs, grubs up...






















Chapel at Chateau d'Amboise
















Chateau d'Amboise

















My favourite... Chateau Chenonceau
































Beautiful gardens of Villandry

















A decorative roof of a little spot in Bourgogne between Dijon and Beaune

















Monet's Nympheas at the recently re-opened l'Orangerie museum after being closed for 6 years for renovation.






















Hmmm not so sure about the new light brown colour it is sporting, must have taken a fair bit of painting.

















Ahhhh... Paris by night.. mmmm

Magic week just flew by, it is incredible to think what stories those chateaux walls could tell...

Wishing you a smelly cheese french wine picnic!

Peru - character

Last week was a bit of an escape to get a bit closer to the gods, they do live in the mountains, they must also have darn fine outdoor gear becasue it was pretty chilly. I was lucky enough to spend an evening and morning in the high 3000 metres near Cajamarca. Well, near as the crow flies.

Peru has such beautiful countryside and the people always seem great, now I guess all they need is a leader, amazing how they have managed to defy Hobson's choice with a second round of voting.

Africa has great sunsets, but I guess South America isn't too shabby either.
















They say you can't go wrong with property investment... like my new house?

















Doesn't seem to mind the cold.















How's that rock formation!

Hope you get a little escape to your favourite spot this week.