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Showing posts from October, 2013

The South of France: Chateauneuf-du-pape

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Chateauneuf-du-pape I am a part of all that I have met; Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough Gleams that untravelled world,  whose margin fades For ever and ever when I move. Alfred Lord Tennyson, Ulysses After stopping at Fiona's in Paris I drove us down here in eight hours.  We stayed in a village just outside Avignon called Bedarrides. We rented a 3 bedroom townhouse with a deep balcony and a roof terrace. It cost £500/$750 a week. The people were so friendly in Bedarrides that they shouted greetings up to us every morning and every evening. Bon jour! Bon soir monsieur! The house came equipped with three bicycles. I may visit again next spring before I travel back to the Far East. Avignon With Dolly and Fiona appreciating Avignon cathedral in the sun Chateauneuf-du-pape village The sun-drenched vineyards we cycled past every day A Chateauneuf label I have a couple of bottles of this Chateauneuf blanc, quite a rare wine,

Super China

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Super China After my extraordinary trip to China I am presented with a challenge. How to revisit China again soon. Such was my excitement at being there I have to consider marshalling funds so I can go again. In a more directed way. I have different objectives in mind this time. To visit the Fujian province, the Shaolin mountains, Xiamen. So essentially southern China still but not with the same introductory feel. South-central Kunming Here's how I felt in Luolong Park with Yunnanese people. A variant on Daft Punk's 'Motherboard' with Sebastian Tellier. ‎ www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOSxuR0tItg That is very, very happy. ‎ Dancing in the park 昆明 Kunming The city has many things to recommend it. The beautiful park at its centre. Dian Chi lake fringed with types of trees I had never seen before. Random bursts of red and fuchsia bougainvillea at roadside. The tangmian, from local cafes. Xi Shan mountain temple. The view