MONET'S GARDEN

Another day, in late April, off we go by train for a trip to Monet's gorgeous gardens; spring flowers all at their zenith. Monet, truly one of my very favorite artists, tops the list along with Chagall, Van Gogh, Renoir and Gaugin. Anyway, being in this heaven of fragrant flowery beauty, time stood still. Monet's house is immense and still has furniture, hundreds of Japanese prints, plates, copper pots and pans in the humongous kitchen that have remained since Monet lived there. He must have had big bucks

JOYS OF FRENCH FOOD

I salivate still when I think about the delectable French cuisine. For this gastronomical delight alone, the trip was worth it. Even though we only spent about $150 each on food for the whole 3 weeks, we still ate out about 1/2 dozen times and had lots of picnics and cooked in the apartment. Little local fruit and veggie stores became our favorites along with Le Boulangerie (bread store).

Le Boulangerie

The bread! ...'to die for.' That and the scrumptious strawberry tarts with real cream, quiches, all kinds of bakery delights ... and le vin rouge. Ooooh la la! I'm finally beginning to drink and appreciate wine. Les glaces (ice cream) eagerly looked forward to on a daily basis, sustained our sweet teeth, along with "les chocolats". Funny thing, right off I noticed that most people in France are fairly slim and I'm still trying to figure that one out because they sure seem to eat a rich diet of goodies.

THOSE SEXY ADS

Peach Douche Metro Ad

I shot 10 rolls of color film in France and Jim took 7 in black and white, plus we shot videos. Between us we have some great photos. The Metro displayed some hilarious ads, some quite sexy (you know those French!) but the ad that riveted my attention the most (I took a photo!) tried to entice one to buy peach douches, of all things. And the color poster depicted a butt shot of a person and a shot of half a peach, both looking remarkably similar. Between these two images rested a bottle of stuff you presumably douched with.

JAUNT TO THE CEMETERY

Top Left: The Eiffel Tower
Top Right: Noreen at Chopin's Grave in Paris
Bottom Left: In Monet's Garden
Bottom Right: Luxenbourg Gardens, Paris