A Walk on the Great Wall

I couldn't take a trip to China without visiting the Great Wall.  There are a couple of sites close to Beijing where one can go to the Great Wall.  I went to the Mutianyu site, about an hour and a half outside of the city.  This section of the Great Wall was first built in the 6th century and has been restored and rebuilt throughout history.  I took a cable car up to the highest part of the restored section where the views and scenery were wonderful!

There was so much to take in - not only scenery around the Great Wall, but also on the Great Wall!  For the most part, there were not many people on this section of the Wall, but it was fun to see some people with colorful kites running up and down and also see those walking slowly and posing, wearing special outfits.

After about two and a half or three hours of walking up and down the Wall and going through several towers, I took a ski lift down.  What a wonderful experience it was!

A New Gallery Show

It has been a long time since I have updated this blog.  I have been doing a lot of work in the studio getting ready for some spring art festivals.  Also, I have been busy working on photos for several juried shows - January to May, 2014.

Here are two photos of mine that are in the Jacksonville Coalition for the Visual Arts, Juried Spring Show, at The Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra.  This show opened on Friday, April 11, and will go until May 9.

This shot of a vineyard was taken in the south of France.  It certainly reminds me of a lazy afternoon in the summer.

This shot of "a walk for remembrance" is from a cemetery in Paris.  Most people walking along this tree-lined lane had a lot to think about.

A few More Photos from Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a very walkable city and we certainly enjoyed walking and looking at all the interesting sights.  The architecture in Strasbourg is very different from what we usually see in the south of France, it seems to be more typically German.  

The Ill River flows around Strasbourg, much like some cities have roads circling around to create a center city.  There are sightseeing boats - however, that was not on our agenda this time - maybe when it is warmer in the summer?

Here is a photo that shows a lock for the river. (Look on left side, just below center to see.)

The Cathedral Notre-Dame is an example of Gothic architecture and has a tower with an outside clock.  

There is also another clock, an astronomical clock which is located inside the Cathedral.    This clock is beautiful - it dates from 1843.

Noël in Strasbourg

Strasbourg was very festive in December.  Not only had the Christmas markets been up since November, but there were decorations all around the city.  We noticed the lights hanging over the streets first of all.  One section of the city had these beautiful chandeliers hung inside huge lanterns.  Not all the chandeliers were exactly alike, but all so beautiful!

One of the huge squares that was set up with Christmas markets, also had the normal fruit and vegetable markets, as well.  And in this square, there was a tall Christmas tree, too!  The tree was decorated all over with lights, and other decorations, and at the foot of the tree, there was a wonderful little village, all decorated as well.  

Here are some other decorations we saw as we wandered the streets, mostly sticking to the older, narrow streets without car traffic: a tree that looked like it was coming out of the side of a building, although, upon further inspection one could see the trunk of the tree hiding behind the restaurant sign,

and some very decorated storefronts, this one was typical.

My favorite, however, was this one:  I loved the decoration above the door - especially the angel.  And, even better, this one had delicious spice bread and cookies!

It was a real treat for us to be in Strasbourg during Noël!

Le Marché de Noël

What an interesting visit to the Alsace area of France!  We stayed in Strasbourg for a three day trip to this area.  It seemed very cold to us, but not bad at all compared to what people in most of the U.S. are experiencing right now!

The markets are located throughout the city of Strasbourg.  The city is wonderful in that it is very easy to navigate and we enjoyed walking all over.  This is the entrance to one of the markets.

One is able to find almost anything desired in these markets!  Decorations and ornaments of all shapes and sizes are sold, as well as, all kinds of wonderful food!

The most interesting is the hot spiced wine!  It is not only a special treat, but it certainly helps to keep your fingers warm!