This morning I was all keyed up for a travel day.  It started out a little frustrating, took forever to find my seat on the train, but from then on it went very smoothly.  Unfortunately I remained a bundle of nerves, that is until I got on the bus to Sarlat.  All of the sudden I was feeling at home.  We drove through hills and woods and passed little village after village.  It reminded me of Skagit Valley, only instead of our old barns there are lots of old stone buildings.

Sarlat itself is a beautiful little medieval town.  Tiny little streets and alleys straight out of Harry Potter.  And guess what, even the french are relaxed and friendly here.

The only hiccup so far is the tour I was going to take has been cancelled.  But I'm not giving up!  I will find a way to see some castles!!!

The sketch was done during dinner tonight, the pigeons were waiting for us to finish so they could get to the crumbs.

Hooray, I made it!

Now this is more like it!!!  When we started driving into the hills and woods my whole body relaxed!  The next three days are going to be GREAT!

SO EXCITED!!!

I just booked a day long tour of the Dordogne river valley.  I thought I was going to miss out because Ken isn't with me driving us around but I found a tour outfit that will take me to the places I wanted to go the most.  I'll get to climb around in some castles afterall!!!

Tuesday morning (day 20, I think...)

The pictures are from yesterday.  Today is taking care of business day.

First, thanks so much for the great comments, I look forward to them everyday.  It's strange being here on my own.  The pace is different, as is the language, manners, oh, everything.  It's very humbling to see the range of experiences and in a sence how similar we all are.

Sorry I missed our call this morning (evening your time) Ken, Sam and Ellie, my minutes ran out on wi-fi and I had to go get more after breakfast.  Everything is fine, can't wait to see you!!!

The next leg of the trip will be in Sarlat, a little medieval village just north of here.  I'll be there for four days then either head north to Paris if the volcano permits or south to Madrid if not.

Anyway that's what's up here.  I hope you are all well, enjoying the spring, staying healthy!!

Oh!  Anne, are you almost done with work? I bet you're ready for some rest!  Lunch when I get back?  

Another day of wonders

I'm getting the hang of this town.  Keeping out of the not so pleasant streets.  I went back to my favorite museum today and spent quite a bit of time sketching and taking photos.  From there it was off to St. Etiennes for some very interesting eclectic architecture, sculptures and paintings.  Then on to the  Jardin Royal.  My goodnes what a beautiful park in the middle of this city.  Flowers were blooming everywhere and the trees were sprouting all of their new leaves.  The weather has been just gorgeous for days and days, I can't believe my luck!

For this weeks assignment I'd like my students to either find a photo or go outside and do a drawing mixing architecture and nature.  It's very interesting the juxtapose the organic with hard edged man made.

Hi Joan and Leon

Thanks for the message/comment!  It came through just fine.  I was very sad that Ken couldn't make it, we are both disappointed.  Making the best of it though.
Love
Michellle

Toulouse

Today was interesting sometimes wonderful sometimes grim.  Having now a little more experience in big cities I know they are a reflection the best and worst of who we are as human beings.

I won't be posting the images that show the grim side, I think we all know what that looks like.  It's easy to forget how beautiful the world is.  Toulouse is a great city, I'm looking forward seeing more.

Day 18 (can you believe it?)

Worries about travel have me jittery, but I find once I'm outside on my way to a museum or cathedral my mind loosens up and I remember why I came here.

So more new stuff to post later...

XOXOOO  to ken, ellie, sam, mom, dad, joan, leon, Teresa and Brian, cindi, anne, nana, omie, scott and elaine, all my critique buddies, all my arts umbrella buddies... oh almost forgot jen and vanessa!

Some sketches and a bit of daily life

My hubby was asking to see some sketches from the trip.  I've posted a few here, plus my other accomplishment of the day, laundry.  The thing is, when in big cities filled with tourists it's not a very good idea to get totally absorbed in doing art.  As soon as you appear to be oblivious young scruffy men seem to migrate toward you which the guide books tell us are not violent, they just want to pick your pocket.  It's a little creepy so I have to be very particular about where I sketch.  Usually I'm tucked into a cafe with a cappacino with a view of something to draw.  It's great fun, but it's necessary to be cautious.

Bad luck turns to good...

When I woke this morning my head was pounding and I was totally stressed.  After talking with Ken and getting a few ideas how to handle the volcano situation I went downstairs had some breakfast which included a very good cup of coffee.  Feeling better already, heading down the nearest street to get me to the center of "old town", it was shocking to see that the street I had chosen was lined with ladies of questionable lines of employment... (at 10am, none the less)!  Obviously I didn't stop to take pictures.  Feeling a bit disappointed, but pushing on, came upon a beautiful little square with a fountain and some great sculptures and old folks sitting on benches.  Getting Better!

As you can tell by the photos that the day just kept getting better with every turn.  I came upon the Musee des Augustins.  I immediately realized this was the reason I'd ended up in Toulouse.  This place had me in tears it was so beautiful. The last photo says it all.

 

good morning...

Thanks for the comments!!! It's easy to feel a little lonely here so the comments are much appreciated!


Hi Dad, so far the comment you just left is the second I've had so far. How many have you posted? Keep trying. Love you guys.

More later tonight when I have new photos

Travel snarl update...

Ok, here's the scoop.  Ken isn't going to be able to make it.  His schedule is too tight and we don't know when the volcano dust will settle.  My plane trip to Toulouse was cancelled also.  So bright and early this morning I took myself to the Nice train station and bought a ticket to Toulouse, as did everybody and there brother.  Lets just say the last four hour leg was in a packed train with cranky french folks and it was 88 degress farenheit.  Fortunately Cindi and I did enough train rides that I feel pretty comfortable with the system so no freakout on my part.  Look at me wearing my big girl pants now!

I'll be here in Toulouse Friday and Saturday night ( I need a rest after today!) I'm at the Ibis Toulouse rm 216 and the telephone number is 05 61 62 50 90 for emergencies.  Tomorrow I'll work out what's next and post to let everyone know.

Thanks Elaine for the pick me up message.  I needed that.

I miss you Ken, and wish the volcano hadn't blown it's top. xoxoooo

Sam and Ellie lots of love!!!

Mom and Dad, no worries, I'm being safe and careful.  I don't go out after dark and don't talk to strangers.

Please leave me a message on my blog, I need a little extra umph to keep up the gumption!!! xoxoxo

Mother nature...

Thanks for the message Sam.  I'm going to have to figure out what to do next myself.  I'll check in
ASAP. xoxoxo

Tomorrow's a travel day... I hope

Tomorrow I head for the Dordogne area to meet Ken.  Hopefully the travel will go somewhat smoothly, there may be hitches due to strikes on the rail system and volcano dust in the air.  Yuck!  Keeping my fingers crossed.

Today I'm taking it easy, repacking and getting ready for tomorrow.

Another beautiful day...

Lots of walking again today.  I climbed some twisty stairs to the ruins of a castle overlooking Nice. It's called Parc de la Colline du Chateau.  The view of the town is breathtaking especially on such a gorgeous day.  Afterwards I wandered in the fruit and flower market resisting the temptation to buy plants!  From there grabbed what is considered fast food here, a bagette with tomatoes, basil and mozarella cheese, yum, then headed back to my room for lunch and a nap.
Later in the afternoon I hiked over to the Musee des Beaux-Arts to look at some lovely 19th century and some older paintings and sculptures.  One particular artist I found intriguing was work by Gustave Adolphe Mossa.  Strange but lovely.
One more day to see Nice then on to Dordogne and to meet Ken.  Yay!

Quick note

Ken, if you get this message let me know.  My email is not working so I haven't let the B&B know about our late arrival on Friday.  Could you email or call them?  the email is info@lepetitversailles.fr and the phone is 06 71 88 59 72, it's called Le Petit Versaille and the names are Francoise and Jean Claude.

Cindi,
Thanks for the note.  I'm so glad you made it home safely!  You were the best traveling buddy, it wouldn't have been nearly as fun without you, thanks so much for being there!  Love you!  M

A nice day in Nice... tee hee

I woke homesick this morning.  But thanks to a wonderful talk on skype with my hubby and ellie I felt much better.  So I ventured out a couple of times today and was glad I did.  The weather was gray and bleak this morning but by this afternoon it cleared and was beautiful. 

There is a wonderful art supply store not far from my hotel.  After choosing a lovely small sketchbook I made my way to the beach.  Did some sketching, attracted a flurry of japenese tourists and soaked up some sun.

When I began planning this trip I said I would be sketching everyday.  My well traveled critique group buddies said I probably wouldn't have time, guess what, they were right.  I'm so busy looking that I rarely stop to sketch. Maybe with my new sketchbook that will change.  One can only hope...

On my own...

Yesterday was our last day in Rome and we had a lovely relaxing day wondering aimlessly.  This morning we were up early and off to the airport.  My plane took off for Genoa at 8:55, it was a smooth ride.  From there it was a train ride from Genoa to Ventimiglia then Nice.  It's quite a lovely coastline.  I made it to Nice and found my hotel without any real problems.  Cindi would be proud of me! 

My hotel room is nothing to shout about, except the free Wi-Fi.  HOORAY!  So now I can check in everyday.  Tomorrow if the weather is ok I'll head toward the beach and listen to the breakers for a while.

Oh yes, tomorrow's assignment for my adult students...
I want you to take some time and look at paintings by Rubens, yes, we think of his chubby ladies when we here his name but what I want you to really pay attention to is how dynamic and theatrical his paintings are.  Contrast that to works with paintings from the 15th century.

Thinking of my Sam and Ellie.  Miss you both terribly!  Don't think I'll take anymore month long trips away from family, it's hard!

See you later this week Ken.  xoxoxoo