Ketchikan in Beautiful Weather

May 13, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

They said……..It rains a lot in Ketchikan take an umbrella. Well I had my jacket , my umbrella and didn’t need either one.

Our clocks went back an hour while we slept. And we woke to the noises of a port.

Clear blue skies, snow capped mountains, colourful houses, lots of timber and flowering trees.

We left the ship in our own time. We didn’t join any tours. Everything is close by so we planned our own activities with suggestions from Chat GPT.

The town is quite accessible with lovely walks along the board walk towards the park and creek.

The historic Creek St used to be the red light area. Apparently it was very popular in its day with the loggers and salmon fishermen. Now it is lovely to wander ……..but full of tourist shops. Selling salmon, caviar, beanies, trinkets, stickers. All types of tourist memorabilia. I resisted.

Totems are a big part of the indigenous culture here. The Totem Heritage Centre is up the hill behind the town – through the park area an easy walk up via the creek is best. It leads to the Salmon Hatchery, then on to the Totem centre.

Several totems are in the park near the centre.

The Centre is small but has some good displays and excellent explanations about the totems , their history and how they tell a story.

Walking along the creek we could hear cheering. Turns out the Lumberjack show is a hit. We booked our own tickets and went to the 11.30 show.

Our MC was a lady called Barney Birch: Queen of the timber carnival. She was chatty, engaging and ran a great show.

There were two teams. Team US v Team Canada – with 2 axe men each.

It was fast moving, funny and lot is involved.

There were lots of different ‘competitions’. Axe work, log rolling, chain saw, high ropes. Etc. there was cheering and sawing and in the end team Canada won. I’d like to see how one of our Australian axe men would go!

It was an open air seated area. But the seats were heated. And there were heaters overhead. We were fine – it wasn’t too cold at all. But in winter ……..

Lunch was calling. We could have reboarded and eaten on the deck. But we saw Annabel’s and decided on a bowl of seafood chowder. The restaurant was very old and had lots to look at.

Annabelle’s with our ship in the background

Back on board we read, chatted and went to a session for people doing the land package after the cruise. There were a lot of us!

At 6.30 it was trivia night at the piano bar. A great place to meet new friends. Tonight it was Anne and her group – all from Zimbabwe but now scattered around the world. Lots of fun which was good because we were hopeless at 70 and 80’s hits. I must have busy with babies and missed these hits!

Dinner in the main restaurant was great. We had a lovely waiter from Indonesia. All the staff are from the Philippines or Indonesia. They are good at their jobs and so friendly.

The salmon was good too!

And so was the sunset.

Now we’re sitting in a karaoke bar. Oh dear. I’m tempted to sing one of my choir songs. There are some brave souls ! Not able to hold a note. Singing songs we don’t know!

What song would you sing?

Day 2 : all at Sea

May 12, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

Today was a ‘sea day’ so we slept in and had breakfast delivered to our room.

We did our exercises and then had our yoghurt, fruit, tea and a croissant for Steve.

Then the gym! It’s a popular place. I was into my routine when I thought……. Beware the germs ! 🦠 I looked around but people were dutifully wiping down the machine after use. I only wanted 4 machines so wiped before and after use!

We came out of the inner passage this morning so there is a little more movement in the ship. It made me hold onto the walking machine. I wouldn’t look good flat out on the floor.

It’s interesting to see the ‘types’ in the gym. There’s the serious wirey ladies ‘going for it’. There’s younger runner. The overweight middle age man trying hard ( good for him) and me! Not sure where I fit.

A quick turn a round and off to a cooking demo. Led by a host who carved up the dance floor last night in the Rolling Stone bar. There were so many people there I couldn’t find a seat. I stayed awhile then decided I know how to cook salmon.

I did a lap of the deck to get my steps up then went up the room to meet Steve who had been to an information talk about the ports we’ll be visiting.

We went to the Lido deck just one floor above us – very handy on a cruise to be ‘close’ to the action without the noise.

We had lunch with a great couple from Long island NY . Patty and Tom. They were great company and like Donna and Seth from yesterday are doing the land package.

We’re meeting them tonight for a drink at the piano bar.

Following lunch Steve went to a talk on the port we are visiting and I went to Mahjong. Those who know me , know I play this game. We have a very loose way of playing. Kind of Chinese Australian. We don’t score we play games from a book and we have our own rules.

Today I met Roxie from Nth Carolina and she was funny ! Judy from NY who was so patient but obviously a very good player – by the rules type and Jane from Canberra Aus. Who really wanted to stick with Aussie type of play!

We had a few games. It was fun & full of laughter and Roxie and Judy were so patient with us!

We met back in our room for a cuppa and a rest before heading to the piano bar.

A lovely girl from Perth Aus was the pianist playing hits before the trivia – 50 and 70’s music! It was so much fun. We didn’t disgrace ourselves but didn’t win!

It lead to chatting to a big group of friends from Australia. From Innisfail north Queensland.

What a fun group. There are 6 couples celebrating several birthdays but really celebrating friendship. It reminded me of our Sri Lanka group of friends.

We walked to dinner with them and they went off to their big table with promises to catch up ! They are also doing the land part after the cruise.

We met up with Patty and Tom and shared a few stories before heading to the comedian show. Which was great fun.

There isn’t the ‘big musicals’ like on the Princess or Celebrity cruises but it doesn’t bother us. We’re enjoying dipping in and out of the shows.

Tomorrow is a port day. Ketchikan. We’re going to a lumberjack show – a bit like the Ekka in Brisbane probably.

We’ll wander the town and leave again at around 2.30.

I’m relaxing into this cruise!!! And NO I didn’t go anywhere near the 15 drinks I’m allowed! Neither did Steve. We decided we’re too old.

Cruise Begins

May 11, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 9 Comments

Our hotel in Vancouver was great. Just 2 blocks from the waterfront which meant we could walk our bags down this morning to check in on the ship.

I also loved the hotel room. Or suite. It had a sitting room. Was super quiet. Comfortable bed, good bathroom, temperature just right and room for stretches in the morning!

Arriving at the cruise terminal at Canada Place was straightforward. Lots of staff were lined up along the walkways offering smiles and help. First up luggage drop. Then to check in and onto immigration. No problem – well for a heart stopping moment I was taken from the counter into a room. I thought ‘oh no’ is something wrong with my esta form ? We sat down and waited and the officer click – clacked on the keyboard then announced all ready to go. Meanwhile they didn’t finger print Steve?

We were on board having coffee at 12 after arriving at 11. I had fun covertly looking at our fellow travellers. I wonder we will pal up with? Lots were travelling with friends , we didn’t spy any children and the age group is varied.

Lunch was from the Lido restaurant where it’s a kind of buffet but all screened off so no one touches food or utensils. It’s all plated and served. A good idea after Covid! We took it out to the pool deck.

I had a good Cobb salad – no alcohol just yet! Others were getting stuck into it. We have the ‘have it all ‘ package’ which includes 15 drinks a day. I’m sure that won’t get used!!!! I’ll report back later!!!

Our cabin or stateroom is a good size. Lots of storage and a good sized balcony. We’ll be very happy here for a week.

I had to explore, so off we went. First to the muster station which is mandatory. They check up. The announcement was made….. “You must do it! If you haven’t ………you know who you are and we know who you are. We’ll have to call your name out!” 🤪

Our own personal tour of the ship followed our check in. The fitness centre is good. The restaurants look good. It’s a much smaller and less showy ship to the previous cruise we did back about 7 years ago in the Princess Royal. Which despite its size I just loved. Perhaps being with Steve’s sister and the family made it special. This could be quiet by comparison.

I took a book from the library, was offered a medi spa treatment that would have me looking 50!!! As if! Looked at the pool and hydro pool but not sure I’ll want to plunge. Checked out the bars, the casino – not for us, the art room and the deck for walking.

All unpacked now , we are heading to deck 9 for the sail away at 4pm. I’ll report back in …….

Later……..We ordered a drink from the bar and ended up sharing a table and lots of chat with Seth and Donna from California. A lovely fun couple on their honeymoon! Donna’s husband died a few years ago and she met Seth who had been an old school friend of her husbands. So romantic. They both worked at Disneyland- at different times. Donna was in costume for quite awhile! It was great chatting to them we’ll catch up later.

After freshening up which meant off with the fleece and on with the scarf and we were ready for a drink in the piano bar.

Our dinner in the special Pinnacle restaurant wasn’t until 8. So late for us. it’s an extra charge – but we hit it as part of our ’package’.

Our waiter was lovely if a little hard to understand. An accent that was hard to work out. Unfortunately, the cast for food was ridiculous. We were still waiting for mains an hour later and were on our own in one section of the restaurant. when it came Steve’s rib eye was so rare it was mooing!

The manager realising a problem came over to apologise and has arranged champagne for us at the main restaurant tomorrow.

It was late but I needed a walk so was heading for the deck when we head music from the Rolling Stones bar. In we went and I danced. I clicked up another 1,000 steps!

Now to bed.

After a little mischief on the way to the cabin.

Granville island was Gorgeous.

May 10, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

Who doesn’t love a city market? To me it profiles a city. Some cities have markets you remember. They may basically have the same things. Fruit, veg, meats etc etc. they have eating places and sitting places and they have personalities.

Some of the markets I’ve visited around the world have big doses of the above ……. Spain has Boqueria, Melbourne has Queen Victoria market ( not a great name!) France has great village markets -Cotignac is one I loved. Kyoto has the Nishiki And now Granville island. ( tell me in comments your favourite markets)

What did I like ? The island is easy to move around. It’s colourful, is almost car free! The food stalls are inviting – there’s not a huge number of them but what there is, is great. The eating places are great. We had pancakes for breakfast.

But I loved the ‘vibe’ of walking around outside the markets and visiting the art and craft shops.

The sun was out. The island had a good feeling, – around the island people were on pedal bikes, kayaks little aqua boats scooting up and down the river. There were busking strumming away. One was really good. Another not so good! And the bossa- nova guy was enough to make me want to dance in the street.

I went into one craft shop leaving Steve sitting in the sun and came back to find he had a new best friend. An Aussie from Newcastle. His wife and friends arrived and we found they’d just come off a Holland- American cruise and loved it. They gave us a few handy hints about excursions, eating on board etc.

We spent a few hours looking at glass blowing , then wood whittling, painters, silk weaving , soap makers, jewellers beating silver, a hat maker. So many lovely artisans.

Feeling hungry we decided lunch would be our main meal today so went into a seafood place by the river. It was big, but was run with precision. We scored a table by the window, so had the theatre of the river to entertain us.

Gordon, our waiter was kind & helpful, and became our new best friend. Perhaps in the hope of a good tip.

Steve decided to gift me a beautiful necklace for Mother’s Day. We’d met a lady earlier who had the most beautiful silver mesh jewellery. She was wearing a piece I loved.

I thought about it over lunch and maybe having wine made the decision to say ‘yes’ to the necklace a little easier. So, back we went and bought it.

Hard to see the detail but it’s beautiful. Mesh with 5 pearls.

The little boats we’d seen scooting around the river looked fun so we hopped on one and headed down the river.

Our view for lunch. Note the fun little boat!

We got off at the old Olympic village area.

The dome is the now the science centre and an area for sport.

People were out in force walking, sitting eating ice cream , riding bikes , sitting on rocks looking over the river. It was beautiful.

Final transportation for the day – a train back to the hotel arriving in time for a ‘wee’ rest then Steve headed downstairs for a happy hour drink at the hotel and to watch hockey. I waited a while and went down to find he’d make another two friends who will be on our ship tomorrow. They had to go and another couple started chatting. Marnie and Mike from Florida are also cruising. But on Monday on a different ship. They were fun to talk to and Marnie introduced me to a new cocktail. It called The Last Word (Something I like to have with Steve. ……)😘. It’s made with equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. Rather nice.

We said our goodbyes and I headed back to the room and Steve went to buy some cheese and crackers. He came back exhausted. He walked and walked and found himself in a rather dangerous homeless area. There’s quite a bit a homeless people here. It’s so sad. the milk and iced tea were kept in locked fridges!

Tomorrow is cruise day. It’s going to be interesting.

Give your best cruise hints please !

Day 2 A trip to Gibsons.

May 9, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

After a very early night only interrupted by feet cramps! We left by 8.30 for the bus to Horseshoe Bay.

I love a local bus. We went through the streets of Vancouver across to Stanley Park and West Vancouver then onto the ferry terminal.

It’s obviously a good place to visit there were lots of cars lined up to get on the 9.50 ferry. We were with the walk aboard people.

It’s a beautiful ride across passing islands and hoping to see a whale! No such luck.

We connected to the bus for the 10 min drive to Gibsons we didn’t have small change and the tap on feature was broken so the driver just welcomed us.

Ready for coffee we headed to Mollys Reach.

Who has heard of the new to Netflix show called ‘Murder in a Small Town ? It’s set here in Gibsons. Going back further there was a show called Beachcombers. I hadn’t heard of it but it too is set in Gibsons. That’s how photogenic the place is.

Mollys Reach is a cafe by the marina and it features in both shows. In Murder … it is where Karl ( attractive laid back but clever cop) meets Cassandra ( attractive single lady – who happens to be the town librarian).

We had a reasonable coffee served by a lady with very orange hair. She doesn’t feature in the tv show.

We dropped down to the gravel path that runs along the seafront past all the boats and birds and walked from Lower Gibsons to Gibsons.

We called into the public market. A lively spot with a great seafood market, deli, coffee, and saw a kids cooking class in progress.

Walking up the stairs we passed a fish tank indicating there was an aquarium upstairs!

I also spotted several tables of mahjong players. Being a keen player myself I walked to the nearest table as they finished a game. I got talking to a very friendly lady called Lisa who was so welcoming. She told me about the style of mahjong they play – American which is quite different to the style of play in Brisbane. Ours if ‘friendly’. Neither American or Chinese!

She introduced the game to the locals in 2018 when she moved there from the US. She’s from Denmark originally and now lives with her husband in this beautiful part of Canada.

She gave classes to locals , charging $5. All the money went into buying sets and game sheets. There are now over 200 enthusiastic players. They can be found in this Community area above the food markets.

The market is in a coop building so they fund everything themselves.

A beautiful wooden tree with names of community contributors.

Lisa told us to visit the Museum nearby which we were going to do. She’s on the board there and they just opened a new exhibition about the Japanese Canadians who were interned during WW2.

Across we went to the lovely small museum and spent some to there hearing and reading about the Japanese people who lost everything they had built or owned to be put into horrible conditions for the length of the war and came back to nothing.

A very well researched and documented exhibition.

A holiday to a new place is not complete with a visit to the town library. They are such friendly welcoming places. I didn’t spot many Australian authors though!

The local library. I looked Cassandra from the tv series. But she’s not on duty!

Onto the upper part of Gibsons to visit Taphouse Brewery. There was a great deck with lovely views.

Little bird houses all along the street.

Prices here in Canada are pretty similar to Australia. And the $ matches. Do not like visiting the USA! Our dollar there is not worth much.

We walked a little more and made it to the bus stop for the connection to the ferry.

Ferry is a great relaxing way to travel.

Back to the hotel by 6 for a little rest then out into the evening light. I felt like Japanese so we found one down on the waterfront and had a small meal each.

We sat planning our day tomorrow. Off to Granville island for the markets and the art and crafts

Up Up and Away

May 8, 2026 / brisbanefrannie / 8 Comments

Our trip to Alaska is a long time coming. We were meant to go back in 2018. But we had a beautiful wedding to attend in Santa Barbara. Our son Rob married Jordan.

So our trip was shelved until now. An Alaskan cruise has been popular with almost everyone we’ve spoken to.

Plans were made and today we left for around 3 weeks. We’re going via Auckland on Air NZ – a new airline for us. Kia Ora! So far, so good.

We’re about to land in Auckland for around 2.5 hours.

We have 3 days in Vancouver then board the ship – the Westerdam a Holland- American ship. 7 days cruising up into Alaska then 8 days on land visiting Alyeska, Anchorage, Denali National park and flying out of Fairbanks.

Let me know if you’ve done a cruise like this ……

The transit in Auckland went well then it was ‘chocks away’ at 8 pm for the 12.5 hrs to Vancouver. Air Nz was great premium economy was good but Steve in particular missed the flat bed.

I bonded with my immediate neighbours because I lost a pearl earring and two people behind were up with torches and moving things around. They were so kind and helpful.

We arrived to blue skies and very friendly people. Into the city to a Marriott hotel a block from Gastown.

We got into the room but decided to move! After sitting for so long we needed to stretch our legs. We walked along the waterfront, part the cruise terminal where we’ll be boarding the ship.

We were last here about 30 years ago. Steve had some business and we were on our way to Calgary to visit our friends Lynne & Tom who now live in Brisbane.

It’s a beautiful city with a waterfront that always shines especially when the sun is out. It was busy with tourists and locals – many sitting having a beer in the sunshine. We found a good spot for a beer before moving back to Gastown for dinner.

Now we are in the hotel. Showered and wondering if we can go to bed at 8.15!

Easter Sun Shines in Montreal

April 22, 2019April 22, 2019 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Happy Easter all!

Last night we had a fun night at Modavi in old Montreal. The food was good, the wine delicious, the live music great (after we asked to be moved away from it) and the waiter friendly though somewhat disappointed in my tip. I thought it generous – he obviously didn’t!

What do you tip when eating out? It’s stand practice here to start with 15% and work up! In Australia, where the wages are higher, tipping happens, often generously if the service is great, but not to the amounts that are expected here!

We woke to Easter Sunday bells ringing from Notre Dame Cathedral and sunshine outside our windows. What a gift.

We headed off to explore other areas of Montreal. We took an Uber to Fairmont Bagels. THE place to get your perfect bagel. It’s in Mile End, an arty, hip area to visit in Montreal.

We joined the queue and ordered our bagels and a tub of cream cheese, then we walked two blocks to Cafe Olympia where we joined another queue for coffee, then sat outside in the SUN and spread cream cheese on our bagels and enjoyed with hot coffee. It was so good.

We joined other church goers and went to the “modest suburban” church opposite for a part of their Easter Mass – in Polish.

Then we walked towards Mont Royal. The day was fine , the sun shining and lots of others had the same idea. It was like a pilgrimage to the top. And up we went – taking the path less travelled as son Rob likes a challenge- not to mention a short cut. And it was beautiful.

We made it to the top, stripping off layers as we walked – and the view was great!

It was wonderful being with Rob and Jordan and to be celebrating Easter. It’s also almost one year since their wedding in Santa Barbara. How time flies.

We headed back down the mountain and once again took a cross country route.

We crossed a running stream – the snow us melting.

Fortunately I have a strong son who helped me on the steep parts.

We made it ! and walked through the street looking for a lunch place.

We passed a squirrel and the Grey Nuns House which is now part of Concordia University.

Lunch was a well deserved beer and a salad and Poutine!

Another Church stop

Some sculptures – we still were walking !

Back to old Montreal past Notre Dame and back to our apartment.

A short rest, legs up ! We walked many kilometres!

Then to a wonderful restaurant down behind the Cathedral. Jordan picked it on recommendation from friends. It was behind an unmarked door.

And it was good. Very good.

http://www.gardemanger.ca

Delicious food and wine & great company are the best ingredients. And the waiter was happy at the end of the meal!

We walked back through the streets and enjoyed the cities initiative on bringing history alive. Images projected onto walls each one telling a story. Absolutely beautiful.

Back past Notre-Dame to our home away from home.

Tomorrow the kids leave us. Back to work in New York and we get a car and head for Woodstock in Vermont.

Family Time in Montreal

April 21, 2019April 22, 2019 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Fortunately the weather Gods are with us and Rob & Jordan are on their way from New York.

It will be fine timing but we’ll make our 11am walking your. Luckily it starts just 2 minutes away outside Notre-Dame Cathedral.

We got George as our guide. He’s local, older and very knowledgeable about the area.

We started inside the Cathedral which we hadn’t entered as yet.

It’s beautiful.

It’s gothic on the outside and French inside with its blue ceilings with stars. It was originally built in 1672 it became too small so was enlarged and rebuilt in 1830’s.

George gave a very good tour of the Cathedral and included that it’s famous for Pierre Trudeau’s funeral and Celine Dion’s wedding!

The tour continued through the streets of the old town past some of the buildings Steve and I had seen on our own walk yesterday. I had time to notice a few of the smaller finer details. The chattering ladies sculpture, the iron crosses and the flags, Montreal, Quebec and Canada.

We finished the tour near the Marché and decided it was lunch time. Poutine was selected as it is local, warm and filling!

By now it was not raining and not quite as cool – after eating and a very good hot chocolate and coffee mochas from Cacao70. Apparently the best in the city!

So we continued exploring before heading back to the apartment for a little rest!

It’s now almost 8.30 which means time to go out for dinner.

Tonight it’s Modavi. http://modavie.com/en/

Montreal. In the Rain

April 21, 2019April 22, 2019 / brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

After travelling a few days and staying in an apartment it’s nice to have breakfast ‘at home’

I scrambled some eggs and it was lovely!

We set off walking around our area Old Montreal East.

Follow along with us.

Note the temperature. It’s not warm! I think we’re not seeing Montreal at its best. It’s s bit grey and damp but we are making the list of it.

We walked to the Bonsecours markets which is in a magnificent building

Inside it is now home to little shops selling all products from local manufacturers. Clothes, artefacts and food. And maple syrup of course.

We enjoyed a coffee at Cafe Sea Arts before heading next door to Musée Marguerite-Bourgeoys. Unfortunately it was still closed so we headed up the hill and visited one of the historic homes Château Ramezay. It’s a beautiful home built by the first Governor of Montreal. Fortunately it was saved and exists today as a museum. It’s set out well in the elegant rooms of the house and has some very good multimedia interactive displays with stories from people who lived in the house over the years.

Back outside we stood and watched the long Good Friday procession of at least 500 people led by a young man carrying a simple large cross. They were on their way to Notre-Dame. In silence.

As it was raining we decided to do a bus tour of Montreal. Not on the big red bus! But on a Grey line tour bus.

Before it started we visited Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. It’s beautiful. And who should arrive but the walking pilgrims. They had walked across the city from Notre-Dame to here. We sat and listened to the music.

It was a good decision.

Then it was time to join the tour.

It took us around the main sights of this lovely city. The main boulevards, the Stadium from the 1976 Olympics, the Grand Prix race track, the charming houses with their external stairs. They must be hard in snow! But they saved room in the houses.

We drove up Mont Royal past Justin Trudeau’s house in the hill – when he’s in town. Also past Céline Dion’s house.

We were entertained not only by our guide, a lovely lady named Marie Clare, but also by one of our fellow travellers – a young man who had much to say – asked and answered questions, commented on everything and spoke to everyone around him. He was harmless, likeable and on the spectrum.

We drove on through the rain and were grateful we were dry.

Unusual apartments of world renown

A rain soaked St Joseph’s Oratory getting ready for Easter celebrations

We finished back where we started and headed for the underground city. There are 20 kilometres of underground tunnels that connect the city and shield the locals from the harsh weather in winter. They are like shopping malls with all the shops, restaurants, Church, Theatres, a wax work museum….. with access to office blocks, apartments, metro stations. Everything you need to keep out of the weather. Brilliant! And it worked for us today.

Part of the 20 km underground city

We somehow got a taxi back to our apartment where we had R & R until an early dinner at Brassiere 701. A very smart place to eat.

We were meant to be eating at Moldavi with Rob & Jordan but their flight from NY got cancelled due to bad weather!

So we are eating without them and hoping they make it tomorrow.

We have a walking tour booked for 11am so fingers xxxx

Montreal – in the Rain

April 20, 2019April 20, 2019 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

Our trip from Quebec to Montreal was great. We took the train. No airport queues and security.

It was very relaxed and lovely viewing the snow covered countryside. There’s still so much snow around.

A cemetery viewed from the train.

We arrived at midday and got into our apartment with no problems. It’s huge!

For the moment there’s just two of us so we are rattling around! It’s an old warehouse space with high ceilings and creaking timber floors. You can hear the upstairs neighbourss moving around. I hope they aren’t party people!

We left our bags and went walking. I think we’re a little too early for spring. It’s grey and cold and rain is threatening.

City Hall

There is a lot of building going on – platforms outside restaurants and bars being constructed in anticipation of the warmer weather.

We went to Notre-Dame Cathedral – a 2 min walk away. Unfortunately their evening light show Aura is not on for the next few days due to Easter celebrations. And the red tour bus starts at the end of the month!

So we ate lunch at a French style bistro – soup for me and a croque monsieur for Steve – and then walked.

We covered a lot of streets, popping into shops and galleries as they took our fancy. Two streets down in Rue St Paul there are many galleries.

By late afternoon it was cold and damp so we headed up our warm apartment and relaxed.

In fact we relaxed so much we bought wine and then slid across the road to a great little pizza place for a take away. They had the best crushed cauliflower gluten free base for me.

It was time for a night in and we really enjoyed it.

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