BERLIN: Random with a Runny Nose ;-(

(Click on a Photo, then Click "Original View" in upper right hand corner, for best, enlarged viewing!!! and the
slow down, pause, speed up buttons are always there!)

Woke up with a head cold. Ugh. It was bound to happen. I have been running myself ragged for three weeks; going on very little sleep and eating a "less than mediocre" diet. Ah well... I still walked all around the city this afternoon (some photos above - and below.)
I'm gonna "lie low" tonight. Plenty of O.J. and rest!
LOVE LOVE LOVE (but, with a very runny-nose ;-( )
xoxox
josef!!

The BERLIN Wall!

Looking "wasted" by the wall. No, I didn't become a "pot head"
in Amsterdam! It's the "head cold" people!

My Mug /Berlin's Wall (day before the head-cold struck!)

Double row of cobblestones traces the path of the Berlin Wall
throughout the city, dividing East & West.

East -------------------------------------------------------------West

BERLIN RAINBOW!!!

a RAINBOW! not the first thing that comes
to my mind when i think of berlin, but this
one appeared on my first day here, during
my very first walk around the city. ;-)

BERLIN or BUST! & FRISKED by GERMAN POLICE!!

There's a Train A'Comin' !!!
(Amsterdam Train Station waiting for my Duetchland Coach!)

Hallo Berlin!

I made it to my "homeland!" Haha! I couldn't help but think of my Great Grandmother Lenz who was born and raised in Germany and then left, on a ship, and passed through Ellis Island to start a new life in a "new world." Settled in Syracuse and raised a family. The rest, as they say, "is history." Or, at least "mine" anyway! I'll have to visit Ireland sometime to see how the other half lived, or at least where they lived!

Beautiful train ride. German landscape, just as I had imagined. Bare trees, vast expanse of dry land, ominous, foreboding sky, old stone hallowed out buildings dotting the scene. What I DIDN'T expect to see were SO MANY new, high-tech WINDMILLS! I saw a few while riding through Holland, but saw hundreds riding through Germany, especially once we passed Hannover and were about halfway to Berlin. They are fascinating looking! They look like futuristic creatures. HUGE, with slow spiraling arms. TAAAAAALLLLL and silent and spooky. Something right out of "Blade Runner." Looking like they could have been designed by the APPLE Co. (tripping on mushrooms!) Like a MacMill or something. Sleek, streamlined, white. I tried in vain to get a good shot of them, but it was difficult from the HIGH SPEED train, and through the windows with glare, etc. But, have posted a couple below anyway.

FRISKED by Hunky German Fuzz:
So, I am dozing on the train. Catnapping with my winter coat as my pillow, semi-comfortable, but perfectly content. All of a sudden I am startled into wakefulness by a SLAP on the Ass! (well, the Leg really, but ass makes for a better story!) I pull the scarf off from over my face and gaze up at two HUGE German Hunks in Official Green Law Enforcement Gear. They start speaking to me in German, and I reply with "Excuse me?" (I'm out of it) The one says, "Do you speak English?" I wanted to say, well ummm... yeah, I just spoke to you in English, "Excuse me?" But, thought it best not to rock the boat, they looked like they meant business! The "meaner" (and less cute) of the two says, "Let me see your passport!" So, I fumble around in my backpack and I pull it show to show him (my passport, that is!) He looks at it and tosses it back at me. Then says, "Where are you coming from?" "Amsterdam," I reply. He says, "You carrying any drugs? Weapons?" "No," I say. He says, "Open your bag!" So, I open my bag and he starts going through it. He comes upon something wrapped in a plastic bag with rubber bands around it, pulls it out and says "What is this?" I say, "It's a coffee mug." He looks puzzled. "Open it up!" he orders. I start to unwrap it. It's glass, so it's wrapped in about fifteen-layers of plastic and paper bags. The two mongo- uber-cops are staring at me saucer-eyed, like kids at Christmas. I am unwrapping, and unwrapping, and I get to the final wrap and the nicer one (cuter, and with a slight sense of humor) bugs-out his eyes and lets out an "OOOOOOoooooooo!!!" then smiles ;-) The mean one grabs the mug (by now you can tell that it is a mug by the shape, but it is still covered in one final wrap, so it is unexposed) out of my hand and sticks his hand inside to make sure it's empty. Then gives it back to me. They say, "Have a nice trip!" Turn, and leave. I am the ONLY person on the train that they approached! Do you think it is because I was sleeping with my Palestinian scarf wrapped around my head like a babushka to keep my head warm? I dunno!? But, I was SO RELIEVED when mean-cop didn't unwrap the final wrap from the coffee mug, because the mug is embossed with a giant MARIJUANA Leaf!!! The ONE thing in my possession that had anything to do with drugs!!! One look at that and they would have surely thought I was a smuggler!
When they got outside of the train, I waved my mug in the air and yelled, "They want my MARIJUANA MUG!!!" and the entire train broke out in gales of laughter (in German, of course!) The man in the seat across the aisle from me said, "I take this train every week, and I have never seen that happen before!" I guess I just got lucky! ;-)

Meanwhile!!! The apartment here is FANTASTIC! (Photos below!) It's HUGE. Top floor. Outdoor Balcony! GREAT neighborhood in Schonberg, "Old Berlin" (West) where Christopher Isherwood lived and wrote and set most of his novels ("Cabaret!") Bars, and Pubs, and Cabarets, and Bookshops!" One metro stop from the City Center (Mitte) and Museum Island!!!

A BEEEEEAAAAAAUUUUTTTTTIIIIIFFFFUUUUUL MORNING!!!!!

xoxoxo
JOSEF!!!

1st Few BERLIN Photos!

Getting Decent Shots was Difficult
(HIGH SPEED Train, and Window Glare!)

ADIEU AMSTERDAM!!! ;-(

Photo from my one last night walk through Amsterdam.
(More photos in the slide show below.)


My final day in yet another city that I have fallen in love with!
My third Capital City in as many weeks. Tomorrow morning I board a train for Berlin (another capital city!)
I wanted to make sure that all of my clothes were clean before departing Amsterdam,
so this morning I took all of my laundry to the "washerette" down the street from where I am staying. The language barrier posed a slight problem, but I just kept nodding my head "yes" and pointing to things. The helpful and friendly gentleman was minus a front tooth and "runs a tight ship" here in "the port of Amsterdam," with the quickest dryers anywhere. I was doubtful when he set it at 32 minutes. But, a half hour later, even my jeans and socks were dry (hummm....???). Here are a few photos from a two or three block radius of where I'm staying. My little temporary Holland-hood, so to speak.
Love, and Loving thoughts to All... ;-) Jo.

Final Day & Night in Amsterdam! ;-(

A Sunday afternoon in AMSTERDAM!

Buddha, only 45 euros! ($67.00 U.S. Dollars.)


RIJKSMUSEUM and Apple Blossoms!!! (side entrance)

AMSTERDAM on a Sunday.
Coffee (TWO---an Americano, followed by a large Latte!) in Museum Quarter. Headed into the Rijksmuseum which is the National Museum of the Netherlands. The main part of the museum was under renovation, so entrance was through the side but most of the permanent collection was on display. Several Rembrandt's, of course, including "The Night Watch!"
His largest, and probably most famous painting. Some of his beautiful portraits also on display. Work by: Vermeer, Jan Vos, Ferdinand Bol, Karel du Jardin, and many others. After finishing up at the museum I went down by Dam Square and did the "touristy" thing of taking a
Canal Cruise! It was actually very beautiful and interesting. Most of the major landmarks (and some minor ones!) were pointed out and explained. So, I was treated to some information and history I wouldn't have known otherwise; like, that the reason people started living in houseboats on the canals was because of a housing shortage in Amsterdam years ago. There are now over three thousand houseboats in Amsterdam (legal, and illegal- I didn't know ANYTHING was "illegal" in Amsterdam!!) I've posted some photos in a slide show below of some sights from the canal cruise and also a bunch of "street scene" shots from my long walk back home on a BEAUTIFUL Sunday afternoon! Stopped in a little market during my walk and bought a bag of "Canna Biscuits" (a.k.a. "Organic Hemp Cookies") I don't smoke Pot, but I will eat ANY kind of Cookie! I ate the entire bag in one-fell-swoop. Felt nothing. Haha. Got back to the apartment, played Jacques Brel, lay down on the most comfortable bed ever, and took a little (15 minute) nap. Out to the market. Bought a box of cereal, banana and soy milk for dinner. ;-)

SLIDE SHOW: Sunday in AMSTERDAM

Obviously HOLLAND!!! ;-)

A LONG WALK

I spent the beautiful day today at two different Flea Markets. One, along one of the canals, was focused mostly on food and flowers, with a bunch of antiques and used books mixed in for good measure. Produce, Breads and Baked Goods, mostly. The other, along another canal, focused mostly on used clothing and
old records. I like to eat, but given the choice, I prefer sifting though clothes and records over sampling seven/ grain/stone/ground/sunflower/seeded brood
(that's "bread" in Flemish...and delicious!)

I found a nice black and white wool "star hat" that I bought for five euros. After an entire afternoon of Flea Market hopping. I slipped into the Rembrandt Corner Cafe' and had a cappaccino,
followed by a mocha latte.
I sat by the window looking out on the canal and
jotted some stuff down in my journal and made a few scribblings with colored pencils.Then I headed back
to the apartment where I showered and shaved and readied myself to head into Dam Square for dinner. From the tram I spotted an Indian restaurant. The
place was packed and I took the crowd to be a good sign. So, I headed in and had a delicious dinner of samosas and curried potatoes. I then walked down to Central Station and bought my train ticket to Berlin.
I depart Amsterdam on Tuesday morning ;-(
but wanted to buy my ticket in advance, and at night,
to avoid the lines.

Last night I took a long, beautiful walk all along the canals. I avoided the center of town, and wandered through quiet sections of the city where there was barely a soul around, except for a bicycle whizzing by every once in a while. Peaceful; with the windows of row houses lit-up and every so often catching a
glimpse of someone stirring inside. Houseboats on
the canals, dark, except for the occasional flicker of light from a t.v. screen coming through. I walked and walked and walked, and if I felt TOO lost, I would find someone and ask to be pointed in the "right direction." I kept reflecting on how Grateful I am to be having the opportunity of being here. No words, really. But, a deep feeling of Gratitude. Grateful. Grateful. Grateful. Grateful.
my love, and my thoughts,
jo.

AMSTERDAM (Day Two!)

(window kiss with reflection)

Ahhh!!! i LOOOOOOOOOVE it here!!!
A slide show and journal entry below.
My Heart My Heart My Heart........jo.

AMSTERDAM: PHOTOS & JOURNAL (Day 2)

AMSTERDAM day two!

Today I visited the REMBRANDT HOUSE which was nothing short of amazing (like pretty much everyting on this trip!) The entire HOUSE is a museum. Walking through the rooms in which Rembrandt lived and worked and PAINTED was spine tingling. Photo taking was prohibited. I wanted to sneak some shots, but they had little cameras clinging to the ceiling corners watching me ;-/ . Up the stairs three floors and into his Huge studio with northern exposed windows looking out over the streets and canals. The etching room. The kitchen. The living room / bedroom. The room in which he conducted his art dealings, representing himself and his students. Paintings and etchings displayed throughout. As well as tools used; and collected articles of nature; sea shells, turtle shells, bones, skulls, antlers, tusks, etc. I fell in love for fifteen minutes with a tall HANDSOME gentleman with closely cropped steely salt & pepper hair and a black leather jacket who "cruised me" (checked me out!) several times. Then he paid for his postcards and exited, but not before turning around, and through the glass, looking back at me again. Darn! I could have put my post cards down and said something, but of course I didn't, and will never see him again. It's a very romantic thought however, to think of meeting "the love of your life" while visiting a foreign country and in an art museum; The Rembrandt House no less!!!
(Ah! How do you say "C'est La Vie" in Flemish?)

Then it was onto a giant Flea Market located right along the same canal. Spent about an hour traipsing and sifting through. Bought a used Jacques Brel CD!
xoxo - Jo!

AMSTERDAM (PHOTOS- 1st Day)

Here are some photos from the first full day.
They do little justice to the profound experiences
of my visits to Van Gogh and Anne Frank.
(Click to enlarge and open in another window
for more options.) If SLIDE SHOW stops working
you just need to refresh the page.
Some more "Night Photos below."
I Love You All.
Jo.

Amsterdam (First Full Day!)

An AMAZING first full day in Amsterdam.
Morning was spent at The Van Gogh Museum.
Afternoon was spent at The Anne Frank House.
What can I possibly say?

AMSTERDAM & a FULL MOON to Welcome Me!

Amsterdam. A FULL MOON to welcome me!
The train ride from Brussels was BEAUTIFUL!
Sheep and goats and geese and horses everywhere along
the Dutch countryside. The apartment that I have rented here is
GREAT! It's HUGE Studio in a great area. Except that it REEKS
of Marijuana! Haha! Appropriately so, I guess, seeing how this IS
Amsterdam! I have just come from a great coffee (cafe'!!!) shop
right around the corner. One quickly learns the difference between a
"Coffee Shop" & a "Cafe." "Coffee Shops" sell MARIJUANA.
ALL Kinds, along with Mushrooms! It's all legal here. They are
"Marijuana Cafes!" And, "Cafes" sell Coffee (the stuff you drink!)
Now, the "Coffee shop" that I just mentioned coming from,
is what is here considered a "Cafe'!" Yep, I started my
day the usual way (for me!) with a good ol' mug of COFFEE!!!
I'm off to see VAN GOGH, ANNE FRANK & REMBRANDT!!!

I was able to snap a few photos before I was informed that
there is NO PHOTO TAKING allowed in "The Red Light District!"
One of the "Ladies of the Night" was shaking her finger at me through
the window, but I took a few photos anyway. Later I read online that
photo taking in this area is prohibited.


It's ALL CANALS! ;-)


I happened upon this place during my walk around town last night.
Close to the red light district. I was intrigued by the name so
decided to head inside for a visit. Lo and behold it is a gay bar.
And, something right out of the Jacques Brel song "Amsterdam."
ROUGH and TUMBLE types, swigging the hard stuff. Decrepit
and dirty and full of character. Better watch your back in here!

AMSTERDAM!

I knew I had arrived in Holland, when from the train window
I spotted my first Netherland's Windmill! (Just beyond the
rooftops)

Dutch Sheep!

Dutch Ponies!

Beautiful Brussels Belgium

Two Belgian Pigeons, February 19, 2008.


An old Belgian woman dressed all in black,
with her walker, leaving Grand Place along
a cobblestone street.


Me in front of "Manneken Pis." A Belgian Legend.
Practically their "Patron Saint!" A sculpture commissioned
in 1619 of little Belgium boy "taking a piss." In the fountain
here, water flows from his dinky. He has 750 special
costumes and is dressed-up in them for certain days
of the year. He is actually dressed more days, than not,
but today was a "not dressed" day. I saw a number of his
costumes in the museum where they had hundreds on
display. He even has an "Elvis Presley, white jump-suit!"
I tried to take a photo of it, but was told not to.
Shortly after this photo was taken I was practically
TRAMPLED by a large group of Japanese tourists who were
RUNNING down the street screaming "Manneken Pis!!!"
I was told by a Belgium native that the Japanese are especially
WILD for "Manneken Pis." They proved it to me themselves today!
There are some photos of these excitable "M. P. fans" in the
slide show below.

BRUSSELS: Random Shots!

i LOVE Brussels !!!

I am in love with Brussels! And, I love this Hostel! It's a small place located on a tiny side street right off of the main square. Super quiet and very low key. The room is great. There is a huge window with heavy dark blue drapes. I had a great night's rest in the gigantic soft, white bed with cushy pillows. Bathroom is spotlessly clean with a perfect, private shower. The place is owned by two gay guys. The one guy, who seems to be the "head honcho" is very helpful. Last night I needed a "flatter" pillow and he willingly left one in my room. His name is actually (I kid you not) "Gay." haha...!!! When I introduced myself and said, "Hello, I'm Joseph." He offered his hand and replied, "I'm Gay." It was all I could do to keep from saying "Well, I am too!" But, I refrained and offered only, "Nice to meet you." (I did find this place, after all, listed on a Euro Gay Website - I didn't know however that the "Gay" was a reference to the owner's name!! haha!!)

I just came from the free complimentary breakfast in the "breakfast room" downstairs. Great coffee in a bottomless cup! O.J. And, a HUGE all-you-can-eat basket of danish, croissants, muffins, toast...etc!! All of this included in the 50 euros a night cost!
Fantastic!

I'm off to the BREL museum...etc...etc...etc!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE to You All!!!

Jojo!

BRUSSELS, Belgium!!!

I am here in this INCREDIBLE city!
Absolutely Gorgeous!!! Medieval Architecture from the eighteenth century! An AMAZING town square! Like stepping back in time. I was taken out to dinner and given the "grand tour" by a native here, Olivier. He showed me everything and told me what I might be interested in seeing and visiting tomorrow. First on the list is the JACQUES BREL Museum! Then the museum in the town square that focuses on the history of Brussels. And, a number of other places and sights. There are Belgian Chocolates, Waffles, and Beers EVERYWHERE!!! Paris has crepes on the streets, Brussels has waffles! Although, the very first thing I saw coming up from the subway was a McDonalds! (ugh!) FEAR the Golden Arches! I quickly diverted my vision and landed upon a Pizza Hut! HELP!!! Finally, third time lucky, I fixed my gaze upon a large Gothic looking structure whose conspicuous sign read "Stella Artois!" (whew!) Walking from the train station to the hostel was not a problem except for the fact that I thought the wheels on my suitcase were gonna pop-off because not only are the streets cobblestone, but the SIDEWALKS are ALSO cobblestone! It was like a Samsonite luggage commercial. You know the one where they have the gorilla jumping around on the luggage to show how tough it is? This could have been the suitcase bouncing for blocks down the cobblestone sidewalks (except it's a High Sierra suitcase, and not Samsonite.) I made it to my room, wheels intact, rested on the Huge Soft Bed, showered, and went out to explore!

Jacques Brel - Jacky

My Belgian Hero JACQUES "Jackie" BREL!!!

The FRENCH die for LOVE!

Signs of Spring!

Pompidou Kite.
As a kid, for Easter, I'd always get a Kite. ;-)

BRANCUSI Museum and Misc.!

THE LOUVRE...and the walk back home.

Upside down.


Servin' up the HOMOS here (according to the sign .)

LE LOUVRE - CREPES - BREAKDANCERS

IF The Slide Show has timed out and stopped working you may need to "refresh" the page!" RUN the mouse over Photo to display text. CLICK to Enlarge.

SEINE - d'ORSAY - ARC de TRIOMPHE

Here's a little Slide Show! Very "user friendly!"
You can slow it down, pause, or speed up by using
the little buttons in the lower left hand corner.
Also, various options: 1.) Move the mouse over the photo to display text. 2.) Click on photo to enlarge
and open in separate window. 3.) Closing out of photo window will keep you logged into the blog main page!
I'm experimenting with Slide Show as a matter of convenience. Single photos take forever to upload!
*********************************************
Today I am off to The Louvre!
I went to the Louvre last week, but the structure is SO
GIGANTIC and off-putting -to my tiny human scale-
I glanced at the glass pyramids at the main entrance, turned on my heels and walked away!
As physically intimidating as this museum seems,
it's name spells "U R LOVE" If you rearrage the letters!"
So, with that in mind, how could I stay away!?
*********************************************
Tomorrow I board a train to Brussels, Belgium!!!!!!!!!!!
I am booked in a hostel for two nights right in the center of town.
Au revoir, Gay Paree! Je vous aime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Getting Right Back On The Horse!"

I'm here at the Pompidou today!
I wanted to be able to really take in the
Museum sans the side effects of mugging.
I've got my laptop with me, and took this
photo while sitting in the cafe' on the second level.
An AMAZING Place!!!! Another BEAUTIFUL day!
Upon leaving here, I'll be going to the BRANCUSI
Museum (free!) right outside the Pompidou!
Love you all!!! xoxo, Jojo!

Mugged in Paris; and I don't even smoke!

Pompidou (daytime.)


Entrance to Pompidou (night) taken from inside Pompidou window.

So, yesterday. Valentine's Day. Beautiful, as described and am floating around on "cloud 9" in a state of bliss. After an early evening nap I decide to head to the Pompidou because it is open until 9:00 pm. You may know, the building itself is spectacular. It is freakishly wonderful and unique. I took several photos of the outside a few days ago while I was just walking by (none here yet, but there will be soon) and at night it is lit up and looks great so I decided that I should have a few "night photos" as well and would take a few before entering. I walk to the outermost corner of the "square" which lays out in front of the Museum. It's a very large concrete area that inclines away from the building and runs the entire width of the structure. I go to the outermost corner because I want to get as much of the building in the photo as possible. Well, as I approach the outermost area it is deserted and very dimly lit. In my "blissful floating state" I fail to notice a large Arab looking guy leaning against a low concrete wall. With camera in hand I excitedly gear up to take a photo, when the "Arabian Hulk" lunges toward me, grabs me by around the neck and starts yelling something in French. In my horror I start to yell, to scream, LOUDLY, bloodcurdling screams that bounce and echo off of the huge concrete yard and building. He's got me by the throat (or coat collar) and no one does a thing. I am screaming like a madman, and not a soul even moves or blinks an eye. Finally, after not relenting with my yelling, he shoves me away and mumbles something under his breath. I begin to move away, and as I glance back toward him, he starts running toward me AGAIN! He grabs me and starts yelling about wanting a CIGARETTE! I swear to God, he's yelling about a cigarette, grabbing me by the collar and SCREAMING at me to give him a cigarette (in French, of course.) This time, I look him straight in the eye and with all I can muster start screaming right into his face. It's now become a SCREAMING MATCH, and I am not about to be one-upped. You can probably beat the sh*t outta me, but don't even try to out-yell me. He shoves me away again. And mumbles something while sauntering back to his "Pompidou mugging perch." Finally he gives up on me. I make my way down the concrete yard and into the Pompidou to enjoy a wonderful evening of art! Do I STILL consider it my "best Valentine's Day ever???" (Another unexpected surprise! Hahaha!!!)

P.S.- Except for a little raw throat from all that screaming I am unharmed, and he didn't get one red cent (euro), nor a cigarette outta me. Of course he's strangling the ONE person in Paris who doesn't smoke! If I had only known how to say "Sorry, I don't smoke" in French I could of saved him the energy.


Here is a photo of "the cigarette mugger." I took this though the window when I got inside.
You can see his shadowy figure leaning against the cement wall under the street lamp. (Not a good picture of him, makes his butt look big.)

V-day in "The City of LOOOOOOOOVE!!"

I hope everyone had a LOVE-filled Valentine's Day.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Just when I thought my trip couldn't get any better...
Paris, sends me a Valentine. Paco. "Paco of Paris."
Perfect in every sense. Smart, sweet, and one of
the most beautiful people I have ever seen. Ever.
Six foot two and eyes of ... well... brown.
(Never mind the eyes, look at those lips.)
A smile that melts and a body better than, well, pretty much anyone.
Twenty-five never looked, nor acted, so "good."
Another gift that just "fell into my lap"...(...*ahem*...)
I was not looking for him. He found me!
Valentine's Day 2008 in Paris, France, I fell in Love (for about hour or so.)
And, while I may never see him again. I will never forget.

Happy Valentine's Day! Merci, Paris (...and, Paco.)


My "Perfect Paco of Paris"

beautiful & delicous

Crossiant Amande!

it's about 10:00 am. i am in paris. and, where exactly am i right now? starbucks! ugh. i know.
i boycott starbucks in ny. i got up this morning, and for some reason the wi-fi in my apt. wasn't working. i needed to get online to book my accomodations for brussels (monday-wed) and amsterdam (a full week: wed-wed.) i found a bed & breakfast in amsterdam with a PRIVATE bathroom AND kitchen (it's basically another apartment) for 35 euros a night!!! (that's 51.00 u.s.d.) i am tempted to stay in a "swanky hotel" in brussels because it's just for 2 nights...hehehe.

(Shifting to using upper-case here...the coffee is kicking-in.)
I posted here last night. A bunch of new photos. Speaking of which; the photo taking is a bit out-of-control. I have about 500 photos already, just of Paris! Most of which will end up being deleted after "editing." It's so ridiculously beautiful here, one wants to snap a photograph at every turn. I purposely left my camera at the apt. last night when I ventured out. I had dinner in a great place in Le Marais, "Kofi, of Le Marais." A vegetarian salad with haricot vert, apples, sweet pickles, corn, lettuces, tangerines, chick peas, etc. I know it sounds disgusting!!! But, it was good.

Speaking of food. The pizza here is terrible. The worst. And, scarce at that (with good reason.)
I don't really like crepes (creperies and crepe stands are on the street, everywhere) and the city is not extremely "Vegetarian friendly" (I have not seen a single Health Food Store). But, what I HAVE discovered, and what makes up for all of these culinary faux pas is the Crossiant Amande! An Almond Crossiant. Warm and gooey and fresh and delicious! It is my breakfast every morning.

Nina Simone, is crooning "Sugar in my Bowl" over the speakers here. I'm buzzed into conscience-ness by this cafe' venti. Beautiful morning. Yesterday was spent at d'Orsay, Champs d'Elyeese, Arch de Triumph (my spelling is terrribe, even in English) and I was in line to go into Saint Chappell, but a fight broke out in front of me, so I left. I'm heading to The Pompidou today.

LOVE... & HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!! XOXO - Jojo!

RODIN! - EIFFEL! - and back to MONTMARTRE!

Got lost again yesterday morning; and in
my maze of confusion, I found this "photo."
(Or, this "photo" found me!)



Another amazing day yesterday! PERFECT weather....AGAIN!!!

I can say in complete earnestness that The Rodin Museum alone, is worth a trip to Paris.
One of the best "museum experiences" I have ever had. The work...and the setting...and the combination of the work and the setting, makes for a profoundly rich experience. The museum is housed in the mansion that acted as Rodin's studio, so, not only is the building impressive in-and-of-itself, but, this is where these sculptures were CREATED. The Spirit is tangible.
Beautiful grounds with his works adorning, throughout. Sadly, all of Camille Claudel's work was on loan in Spain. By the way, if you haven't seen the film "Camille Claudel" I would highly recommend it! I really loved it. Gerard Depardieu is Rodin, and Isabel Adjani is Claudel.

I am fading and need to get to sleep.
I "touched on" the Montmartre Museum
with some photo descriptions below.
The Eiffel Tower made me "weak in the knees."
I was totally unprepared to be so stunned.

Good Night! & LOVE, as ever, Jojo!

PHOTOS: Rodin! - back to Montmarte! - Eiffel!

(You know what this is!)


"I think, therefore I............................think."
(I THINK that's what Descartes MEANT to say.)
'Cause, I AM without thinking. ;-) (P.S.- My face
is a bag of wrinkles here. I look a-hundred-and-ten.")


Written in stone (then cast in bronze.)


( . )


One of three Van Gogh's at The Rodin Museum.
(And, a scary bald art enthusiast.)


a Montmartre Street. Maison Rose Restaurant on the corner.


a Montmartre Street.


The Museum Montmartre. The fascinating history. LaTrec,
Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, Modigliani, and so many others,
all living and working here at THE SAME TIME! Cabaret
was born in Montmartre at Le Chat Noir. The museum is
housed in the oldest house in Montmartre, and The Lapin
Agile, the cabaret where Picasso and fellow artists hung out,
can be seen from the back windows.


I went BACK to the place where Vincent and
Theo Van Gogh lived (1886-1889) 54 rue Lepic.
THIS time I remembered my camera! The door
was OPEN...but I didn't go in.


Yup! There really ARE Accordion players
in the street and subway! I've seen a bunch.


Walking over the Seine (on a bridge...not on water)
approaching Effiel. Excited!!!


It goes UP!


On the ground ("inside it.") It's one of those experiences
where one is way more impressed (by it's grandiosity) than
one had imagined being. The thing is MASSIVE!!!


Me on the TOP of the Eiffel Tower!
There are Paris and The Seine below.
On the way up, in the glass elevator, I had forgotten my
slight fear of heights, I couldn't decide whether I should
pass-out or throw-up. I ended up doing neither (thank God.)


Heading "home" with my bag of French Fires.
A deserted Metro Station at Midnight.

ANOTHER MYSTIC Moment!

Plaque reads:

"On the steps of this house was born on the 19 December 1915,
in the greatest poverty, Edith Piaf,
whose voice would later move the world."

I felt it fitting that since I had visited Edith Piaf at her final
resting place, I should visit the site of her birth (since I am
here in Paris.) I located my metro route on the map and set
off to Belleville to see where "The Little Sparrow's" journey began.

Belleville, gave me the impression that it probably hadn't changed
much since 1915 when Piaf first came into being here. It seems a bit
down-trodden and depressed, (or at least the sections that
I saw; there may be beautiful, thriving areas as well, but they
weren't in view on my isolated tour) the same way it's depicted
when written about in regard to the Piaf legend.

For some reason, while visiting her grave site I hadn't noticed the dates marked on her tombstone. But, yesterday while reading the plaque I realized that Edith Piaf was born on December 19, 1915. The same day on which my Mother would be born, exactly 15 years later; December 19, 1930. If you take stock it coincidence, you can chalk-it-up to that. I'll choose to look upon it otherwise.
---------------
Then it was onto Musee National Picasso. Located in a stately mansion in the Marais district.
Picasso is...well...Picasso!!
(Some photos below.)