Tag: loneliness
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Tokyo National Museum… a rainy day
Yesterday ended well. Marci, (an American) had her birthday so Roxanne (Dutch) and I went out to a great restaurant to celebrate with her. The restaurant was on the seventh floor of a building in Shibuya. I’m always surprised by what goes on in these high rises; this one had several restaurants, a theatre, cinema,…
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My last day
Well I’ve just finished my last lesson. My Italian has improved and I’ve learned a lot although I got off to an over ambitious start which dented my confidence. The grammar of prepositions has been very difficult as Italian has about seven variants for each one and they use them differently … English is much…
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At the FolkeMuseum Bygdoy
This was a great day out and the weather was beautiful today; a ferry trip to the museum and a wander around this enlightening space. Founded in the 1890s it’s sim is to display Norwegian culture and heritage through buildings and objects. It is a little like our Weald Museum in Sussex and it contains…
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At the Munch Museum
I was blown away by this museum. A comprehensive view of Munch his life, his art and his themes and their interconnection. Of course like the Mona Lisa the Scream was almost impossible to see. However the vast array of prints, paintings and drawings more than made up for it. The themes that coloured Munich’s…
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Wandering in Stockholm Old Town.
I’m now wandering in Stockholm Old City getting my bearings. It’s very attractive with its cobbled streets and painted buildings. It is very touristy but that’s to be expected. Tomorrow I’ll go in search of something less so. I’ve been recommended Sodermalm as hipster Stockholm so I’ll give it a try. One thing intrigues me;…
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Saint Germain des Pres and l’Odeon
This afternoon Cedric and I had ananother wandering tour of Paris around the 6eme … Saint Germain des Pres and L’Odeon. A bougie area very different from the boho vibe of the 4eme. We did a little shopping at Courreges where we both bought something a little extravagant … then to Hermes and to La…
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Quotes on courage
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. Anais Nin I have accepted fear as part of life – specifically the fear of change… I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back…. Erica Jong It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to…
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Some quotes I’ve been thinking on lately which seem to resonate with me more than ever
Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year’s time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings.…
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Escaping ….
I’ve called this blog escape to myself and it’s struck me how many people I’ve met are escaping from something… or trying to find a place where they fit. Like me there is a dissatisfaction with their lives and they are consumed with the idea that somewhere there is that place in which they find…
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Ducal Palace in Mantua
The Palace is remarkable. It is a huge space with so many rooms and galleries. It is a testament to the wealth, power and pride of the Gonzaga family who ruled here. The frescos by Mantegna in La Camera degli Sposi are absolutely wonderful. Painted into wet plaster they seem fresh as the day the…
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Staying in hostels and connections
Hostels So far this has been a great experience. All the hostels bar one have been clean, friendly, great roommates and wonderful facilities. Varied in price and obviously Paris and Rome have been more expensive but between €35 and €50 per night … some with breakfast included. My only real gripe is that Paris had…
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Wonderful Lucca
I’m loving this city. It’s beautiful with something of interest around every corner. It’s obvious the Luccense love their city. Well cared for, clean, beautiful shops. Pisa is a poor second to Lucca. The architecture is fabulous. A church or beautiful building wherever you look. Great museums and there are towers everywhere. I’ll post separately…
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A morning in Nervi
Just 15 minutes by train from the centre of Genoa is Nervi. Today it looks fabulous. No tourists so I’m sitting writing this in a cafe by the sea. It’s a pretty little town and I’m practicing my Italian where I can. For €1.50 what a bargain on the train! I think I may be…
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Looking back to Paris
Well having left Paris behind I’m looking at the highlights of my visit and my impressions. Firstly the people I met … friendly and witty. The buildings beautiful and well kept. The vibe was so exciting, on trend and easy. I think the 4eme is wonderful. So many independent shops of all types; wonderful chocolatiers,…
Escape to myself 