Lille, France church now tourist office

You are free to go upstairs to see the stained glass windows. 

You can see areas that are forgotten and unused.

Lots of hidden places to explore.

Looking up at the vaulted ceiling.

These stained glass windows were in a storage room now.

I only saw one other person up there in a large room that was very nondescript. I think the young man was there to use the free WI FI. 

Glad I took the time to explore. I was rewarded!

Lille, France

Near my hotel on the way to the park was this monument in the traffic circle. 

This is an exterior view of the 'monastery hotel'.

Just a block away was the cross street with this name:

This is where their tourist office is located- In an old church with a war memorial outside.

In my neighborhood

I chose Lille France to hang my hat because it offered me a great rate as a launch pad for the rest of my trip. This patisserie was next door to my hotel. The lady spoke no English but she graciously served me and helped me with using Euros.

I had a baguette sliced with cheese melted inside. I took it with me as I went exploring.

Cool park bench design!

Fun to watch the children with their families and friends.

Keep the kiddos safe!

You say good bye and I say hello

Departing England and heading to France:

I HAD to do the Harry Potter thing!

My last view of England before heading under the channel in the Chunnel. That was for you, Dad. 

Arrived in Lille, France about 10:00 pm. Had my map but took a taxi. Time enough to learn how to use their subways.

Window shopping

You can tell it is spring!

I saw these here!

You can see the buildings across the street in the window's reflection. But otherwise I admit, it is a strange photo.

Final Fortnum and Masons

They stack nicely!

Picnic anyone?

Just for fun!

Fortnum and Masons

Window shopping

Staircase beckons

Treats! I love the term- tuck jar.

See what is inside!

Candid shots in London

Snapped this as we crossed the Thames to go to our London Eye ride.

Beautiful being up there at sunset.

During the 30 minute ride the lights of the city came on. Fabulous!

Fun one!

All about books in London

The pub after we had our master class on non fiction. Leader Michelle Markel is in the front row in the cobalt blue top.

People who create for children are some of the coolest people!

In search of Karen Blumenthal's book on Steve Jobs led me to this book seller in Piccadilly.  

And yes, I was able to get her book in a UK edition. They are the queen's bookseller, thank-you! 

English countryside round up

One more of me at the Royal Crescent.

Ah. Blenheim in the town of Woodstock.

As peaceful as it looks!

This struck me funny.

I said "What hammer am I going to use to break this glass to get to the hammer to break the glass window in an emergency?"  No wonder the motto: Stay Calm and Carry On!

First cottage we saw. Were not many on the route we traveled.

Another look at Swindon

The intersection where we looked the wrong way but happily the motorist took pity on two jet lagged Americans. 

Same street. You can see an example of the homes near our hotel.

I loved this metal work on a building near the train station.

The 'famous' but not at all hard to find-mints!