"Where Would You Like to Go Today?"

Like many of you. my wife and I now both work from home. As we've been blessed to travel quite a bit over the years, we have accumulated a number of Starbucks wonderful You are Here mugs. Some we've bought and some were given to us as gifts from people who visited places we've been before we began our collection. 

In the mornings, a cup of coffee is a must, the first for necessity, the second for pleasure. One day a couple of weeks ago, she asked me a question when she was on coffee duty: "Where would you like to go today?" meaning, "Which mug do you want?" So, now it is part of our morning routine to ask each other that question.

Today's destination? Paris, the City of Light. (You probably already guessed that, right?) Yes, as with any large city, Paris has its many frustrations. But it also has its delights!

Can there be a section in any big city as charming as Montmartre? This artist colony behind Sacré-Cœur basilica enchants guests with its quaint shops, small cafes, and a slew of artists painting portraits and landscapes. We've seen it during summer, but we found it just as charming in the midst of winter when strings of blue lights adorn the buildings like strands of pearls.

Photo by Lionel Bonaventure.

There's not much more I can say about the Eiffel Tower than hasn't already been mentioned. The photo above was just taken after the quarantine had been announced. It's not too often you see an empty plaza around it!

While the Louvre is justified in the public's love for it, we find the Musee d'Orsay more of a match with the kind of paintings we love. The Impressionists fill the galleries here in this old train station converted to a museum. A visit here can last well over three hours! And like many of the city's museums, there are a number of free days throughout the month. Hidden bonus- There's a great little cafe hidden inside the Musee d'Orsay beneath the iconic clock.

An official Disney photograph.

After these photos, you can guess the struggles Tony Baxter and his Imagineering team had in designing Disneyland Paris! When your park is going into one of the world's most beloved and beautiful cities, you've got to up your game. And they did ever! This park is the inspiration for my article, The Theme Park as Work of Art.

It's your turn. Where would you like to go today?

(All photos copyright Mark Taft unless otherwise noted.)

Timepiece

Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France. 2007. One of my absolute favorite travel photographs taken by yours truly. It hangs in my house in the largest size possible, reminding my wife and I of God's goodness to us as we celebrated a significant anniversary. What a wonderful three weeks in Europe it was!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Nature's Impressionism in China

While quietly resting inside during the last remnants of the snow storm, I decided to start nosing around for photos of my next international trip. Happily, I stumbled upon this absolutely incredible picture of the tea fields in Duoyishu, China. As my friends in Scotland would say, "I was gobsmacked by its beauty!" 

Instantly reminding me of the French Impressionist art at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, I was also thought of the Psalmist, and his realization of God's great hand in creating such a beautiful earth:

I will exalt you, my God the King;
    I will praise your name for ever and ever.
  Every day I will praise you
    and extol your name for ever and ever.
  Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    his greatness no one can fathom.
  One generation commends your works to another;
    they tell of your mighty acts.
  They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
    and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 
  They tell of the power of your awesome works—
    and I will proclaim your great deeds.
  They celebrate your abundant goodness

    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

                                                     Psalm 145

The original photograph can be found here.

(Photographer unknown.)

An American in Paris: Day Four

Alright, I'll admit it: I cheated with this first photo, since I took it on Day Two, when we visited Notre Dame. Given it is written in the Disney font, I couldn't resist. It perfectly captures how I feel about this city with a special Disney flair.

It was a long but glorious Day Three spent at Disneyland Paris. I absolutely love the place and always depart with a mixture of thankfulness and sadness. Sadness as I know it could always be my last, but thankfulness that I could spend another day there due to God's goodness to me. 

We slept in until the very last minute, rushing to shower and check out. Walked to the shopping center at Val d'Europe for a quick late breakfast bite and some strong French coffee. Then it was back on the RER train to our motel by the airport- and back to the City of Lights for our last day.

Our top priority was the Musée d'Orsay, the old train station filled to the brim with amazing sculpture and the incredible work from the Impressionists. My favorite works of art are found here, and every visit to Paris must include a stop.

To call the museum building a converted train station is to do it a severe injustice. It is a work of art unto itself! At about the 5th floor, guests find a nice little cafe with a cracked glass mirror that elegantly and artistically reflects the gorgeous and large clock found on the back wall.

On Sundays, entrance to most of the museums is free. Easy on the budget but difficult as crowds are packed- absolutely packed, making leisurely touring next to impossible. No matter, we were not going to miss a visit.

Following our tour, we took a rest and ate at this little cafe shown above. The service was fine but the diners were a bit rushed mentally. We had places to go, but the elegant surroundings and the delicious quiche were both meant to be savored. 

Exiting the museum, it was starting to get dark, but this didn't stop us from going a bit of exploring. Our last destination would be Monmarte, a most beautiful section of town. The artists colony of Paris.

We were not disappointed! The decorations, the beautiful blue lights that sparkled in the night sky, the festive spirit of Christmas everywhere we looked. Lovely. Just lovely.

Are these too may photos? I think not! But then, I am the photographer, and it was our little getaway- an unexpected, totally surprising little gift from God in the midst of a business trip. Who would have guessed?

Sneaking into a little chocolate shop for our last Parisian treat of the evening, we stumbled upon a glorious chocolate version of the Eiffel Tower. 

Of course, we walked out with a few tiny morsels to share. The perfect way to reward ourselves for walking all evening.

It was getting later and later, but we chose to avoid the obvious. It was time to go back to our hotel, as we were departing tomorrow for the business portion of my trip. One last look behind us for a quick shot of Sacre Couer. 

We did not stop to see my favorite landmark as we had on each previous night. I now regret it. But this photo is a perfect way to end my four day trip report. The memories I have of this trip are among my most treasured. It was an anniversary trip to remember.

(All photographs copyright Mark Taft.)