September 09, 2010

Paris, London...and finally, HOME!!!



My daughter on Charlie

After finishing the project in France, I just needed a breather from computers.
Kind of took a while.
Being outside with the horses is still very much more tempting than sitting inside, so  I guess my blogging will be a bit sporadic until the weather gets worse, lol!

So what's happened?
We finished the project in France end of July.
To try and compensate for the fact that I was sitting still all day into the evening, and then topped it up with a three course dinner (I suppose you can guess the result) my collegue Louise from UK and I started walking to the office, something that took beween 45 mns to an hour, one way.
It was uphill on the way home, so a pit-stop for a beer was needed (we did walk, didn't we???)
On our way we saw many things:


The French school children take the "pedibus" and walk to school.
This is a collection point (isn't it cute!)

In absence of Dupond and Dupont you can always call the Brunos



French real estate agents have a completely different approach to marketing than their Norwegian collegues....

On the last day, the whole project team was invited to dinner on one of the river Seine boats.
It was the perfect wrap-up as we went past all of Paris' monuments while the night closed in, enjoying a nice dinner and the company of each other for the last time.

Pont Alexandre III


Passing Notre-Dame

Yes, it is amazing. And the very image of Paris.

Paris is a wonderful city.
I hardly got home to unpack my things when my daughter suggested we should go on a trip to London.
So we did, for four days! It was so nice, she is 15 now - and we had such a good time.


She is an avid Agatha Christie fan, so we just had to go and see "The Mousetrap", the theatre show that has been running continously since 1952, written by Christie.
It was very good, both fun and with a good portion of suspense.
In the end, we had to give a solemn vow not to tell our friends who the murderer was. So, sorry guys!

My daughter in action

Kensington Palace (where princess Diana lived)


It is not only Peter Pan who lives in Kensington Gardens.
I believe Hansel and Gretel lives here too.



Seven Dials

Neal's Yard


Shop in Covent Garden

London is such a charming city, and I would love to make a reapeat trip next summer.
We had a relaxing stay; took two guided tours (London Tower and Jack the Ripper Walk) and apart from that just did some exploring, and enjoyed some nice food in London's many restaurants.
We spent some hours at Foyle's, the reknown book shop, and bought a book each.
That was all our shopping...

But the very best thing?
And the very best place to be?

Home.

13 comments:

Stephanie - Siouxzeegirl Designs said...

You have been so busy!! Must be sooo glad to be home and I must admit to loving the trip wit your daughter. SO lovely to spend that time! They grow up way to fast :)

Wolfie said...

Congratulations on the completion of your project and welcome back!

RuckusButt said...

Stay outside, enjoy the light (already fading early here) and beautiful autumn! Fill your heart with family and horses and the wonders of nature...and then come back to us ;)

I too have been avoiding computers more than usual and catching up with my husband after his long absence. It's harvest time here so I am busy in the garden and just haven't felt like blogging. But I had to comment on you post...I am very glad to hear you are well and enjoying life.

Grey Horse Matters said...

Good to hear that your project in France is finished. It does look like a beautiful city and I'd love to visit there one day. London looks charming also, glad you and your daughter had a wonderful time. But you are right it's always good to be home. Have fun with your horses and daughter and enjoy the nice weather while you can. Nobody wants to sit inside in weather like this when we could be riding. Glad you're back.

Once Upon an Equine said...

Welcome home. Congrats on finishing your project. Beautiful pictures and looks like you and your daughter had a great time. That's so nice that a 15 year would suggest a mother/daughter trip like that. Great way to make memories.

The Equestrian Vagabond said...

So that's where you've been! I know what you mean - it's nice to be other places but it is also sooo nice to get home!
- The Equestrian Vagabond

Di said...

What a busy time you've had. Thanks for the pics! You're right, there's no place like home!!

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

Thanks for sharing all those pictures. A couple of lovely trips.

Shanster said...

You said a mouthful - welcome HOME!

allhorsestuff said...

What gorgeous adventures...you all needed that. Wow, so cool, stunning. The photo of the tower, at night, loved it!
Your girl is growing still quickly, so glad you do spend all this time together!

Got a big smile outta your comment on ~ blogging and bad weather...ha ha! Yup...that is the way it its with me too...no worries...it'll be here, when ever you sit down to it...have a feelin'.

Sol nice to here of the family times
and some horsin too...

KK

The Odyssey Farm said...

Welcome home, and congratulations on finishing your project. I'm sure your daughter is happy to have her riding partner home again! enjoy your rides while the light holds.

mugwump said...

I am so glad to see you back. Your absence eased my own guilt...

HorseOfCourse said...

Thanks for your comments all!

I have really missed the horses while being away, and I still feel I have some catching up to do.
We have been doing some conditioning work to start with, Fame and me, and it doesn't feel too bad.
It will be even more interesting as she gains some more strength after our summer vacation (and when I get rid of the surplus padding around my waist after France. Amazing how it gets stuck there nowadays???)