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a perfect final day in Paris

October 28, 2012 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

This morning I walked down rue Mouffetarde to buy a loaf of bread and find a spot to sketch. This is a lively area of market stalls, shops and cafes. This has been a roadway since the Roman settlement of the area and originally lead to Rome. Many of the current buildings date back to the 13th century.

I found a table in a cafe with a good view for sketching…

and right beside me was wonderful fench music and dancing!!

All around people were singing and enjoying the street theatre and a morning cafe. How civilized.
Then this afternoon we walked along the Seine to the Tuileries Garden to sketch. The weather could not have been more perfect. All of Paris seemed to be out enjoying the afternoon. The Tuileries has many, many chairs, enough for everyone to take in the sights and savour the day.

We finished the day with a short visit to the Louvre–a perfect ending.

Paris

October 25, 2012 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

The weather in Paris has been clear and sunny, intensifying the beauties all around.

The Marais is my favourite area in Paris, and Place des Vosges is its quiet green spot where the people watching is the best.

We also went to a wonderful fabric store in a courtyard in the Marais just off rue des Francs Bourgeois, Entree des Fournisseurs. Linen, Liberty cotton, yarn, woollen felt and so much more.

Yes, that is my bag of purchases outside the door. And, everywhere I look I see potential rugs!

And last for today, our visit to Sennelier to buy watercolour paints. What a place!

first post after almost a week away

October 22, 2012 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

I have been in Germany for the past week with my long-time friend, A. How lucky we have been with 20+ degree days of sun. We spent two days in Weimar and three in Berlin, sketching and taking photos of these incredible cities. For the next couple of posts I will include some of my favourite images and then later some of our sketches. Today some shots of Berlin. First off, I could not resist the red Deux Chevaux! And one of our favourite corners was this one:

The street name reminds us to “remain faithful” and this corner gives us the message in German and in French.

The incredible Reichstag Kuppel is a structure of glass and steel erected on top of the original 1894 building housing the German Parliament.

Marx and Engels:

Art Nouveau or Jugendstil design elaborately executed and echoed beautifully in the subway:

And finally the Berlin bears spotted all over the city.

giudecca and venice

June 4, 2012 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

Finished the cycling, 232 kms, and then came our first glimpse of Venice….

The barge moored on Giudecca the island across from Venice. I loved this island with few tourists.

But, Venice too has its beautiful quiet corners. This photo was taken from the small bridge into our hotel.

And this famous bridge is just around the corner–you can even find its silent moments which allow you to imagine all the feet which crossed for the last time.

good luck and more

May 29, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

Verona’s good luck bird, polished by many hands as they pass.

One last shot from Verona–someone else loves the graphic quality of Hundertwasser as much as I do

and now on our way…

We have cycled 55 kilometers each of the last two days along canals and wooded trails stopping in small villages for latte macchiato. The damage from the recent earthquake was evident. These bells were removed from a crumpling church tower.

along the route…

Ferrara…

and finally back to the barge to enjoy the edge of a glorious day

Verona!

May 26, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

This is a city of love. Outside both Romeo’s and Juliet’s homes thousands of lovers have inscribed their names in hearts. You can also buy a lock and fasten it to the gate along with the many others who have made promises and thown away the key. Or you cam touch Juliet’s right breast (the shiny one) for good luck.

The architecture tells the story of this ancient city, from Roman roads to new bridges which replaced those blown up in 1945. Here are some of my favourites.

There are rug inspirations everywhere–in the beautiful iron work and the frescoes. But the highlight of yesterday which we found by good luck was the Conte Graphic Arts Museum where the granddaughter of the original owner, Rossana Conte, gave us a wonderful tour. Just look at those stunning geometrics on the old wooden printing blocks!!

Couldn’t resist that last shot which I took with my iphone last night outside the restaurant–iconic!!

Nairobi

February 19, 2012 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

We spent part of yesterday walking around downtown Nairobi–a world away from Matangwe. We went to the Maasai market and through the university. Rug inspiration everywhere!