Le Carlton Amiens

... beautiful to see all those colors and leaves on the ground (in Paris they sweep them up). I could spend a while talking about this park because it is that big and I took way more pictures than I put on here. The main areas we visited were the lake, the natural area, and the flood plain. The flood plain which is adjacent to the quai is able to receive flood waters if needed but at the same time displays molded landforms and lush plantings. The approach to the ...

To wake up in Paris is quite surreal, but I was more excited when I realised I had woken up at six in the morning to watch the Eels hopefully win the grand final. Being in one of the most cultured cities in the world didn’t seem so interesting when my team was competing for NRL glory. Call it what you will, but I love my sport. I had actually purchased a live stream from Australia for about 10 Australian dollars, but those who know me know I have very little patience, and ...

... as the bus felt like any regular coach bus in the US, you’d look out the window and realize with a jolt that you’re in a totally different country. It’s great to be sketching the historical buildings I’ve read about for years. I mean, I love the Illini Union and all, but it just doesn’t have the same kind of pull that an ancient cathedral does.

This trip also marked the end of our orientation period ...

... World War II, and you can really tell by walking around. They tried to find a mix between the old style that was lost, and new technology and working practices, and the result is still pretty French looking streets, but everything is a lot more modern and simple. They’ve tried to save heritage by moving some old facades to other buildings, and integrating old with new. We also saw some important buildings like August Perret’s tower and the modern train station.

... left town quickly.

We reached our arranged stop but logistics were still at camp sipping coffee and feasting on croisants. So we soldiered on without food or water. The sun also came out and provided a wonderful day.

We had completed 40 miles when logistics caught us up and we had a lovely lunch outside Etaples Commonwealth war cemetary. One of the largest from the 1st world war with over 11,000 soldiers ...

... and wait for Jane to arrive from London...and she got there at midnight, with our last train leaving for our apartment at 12:30pm. A bit tight

This morning Sue and I went for a bike ride. LIved on the edge, no helmets, wrong way up one way raods...

Lots of fun

xx

When I was growing up, we learnt about the ANZAC's legend and the history of Gallipoli. Back in 1915 on the 25th of April, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, hence the name, had a fateful landing and the rest is history, but there is always more. As the campaign waged on through the years, the main attention turned to the Western Front, mainly the Somme and Flanders. On the 24th of April 1918, the very first tank ...

... Wow, we were packed in the metro like sardines in a can! We had to make one change, and as we got closer to our stop, it became less crowded. Louisa packed most of her suitcase before dinner, as she was heading home the next day. We met up with fellow Fodorites/Slow Travelers (Sam, Anne and Jim, and Jan) at Bistro de L'Oulette (previously named Baracane) located one block east of Place des Vosges. We had a great time and we all really enjoyed the food at this place. We all ...

... extant across the square from it, reminding you that even Picardie was once a beautiful corner of France. It's a pity what happens after two World Wars bulldoze a place. But I digress. Just around the corner is le Quartier St. Leu, a thoroughly restored canal district of colorful old houses and charming cafes. It was here when Mayu perked up and decided the city wasn't so bad after all. Most of the same businesses that were there when I studied in town some nine ...

We left Amiens at 5:30 this morning. Despite being told we could leave the car at Amiens, we found out we had to return it to Lille, an hour and a half drive back North where we had come from yesterday. We arrived at about 7:30 and had Maccas for breakfast before catching our 8:30 train back South to Paris. Everything was a rush today. After arriving in Paris we had under an hour to catch a ...