The Palais Garnier The Paris Opera House, or The Palais Garnier, is an elegant 1,979-seat opera house. Built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera, it is sometimes referred to as simply the Opéra, but today is mainly used for the ballet. The Palais Garnier is probably the most famous opera house in the world and is partly due to its use as the setting for Gaston Leroux's 1911 novel The Phantom of the Opera. Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 musical and several films of the novel have added to the popularity. Not even thinking of this building before going to France, it is the first building I would like to visit if I ever have the opportunity to return. It was closed when we were there, so I was not able to see the inside. It was the inspiration for the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. and lives up to its reputation as a building of exceptional opulence.
No Brand Required You don't have to be an auto expert to appreciate a beautiful car. You don't even have to know what year, size engine or even what manufacturer.. You just have to appreciate it for the hard work, time and vision that went into it. As I walk around car shows, I recognize many of the older cars, but occasionally I just like it for what it is and not even recognize if it's a Chevy, Ford or Chrysler. They are always easier to identify if their big logo is on the front, but with custom versions that have been de-badged, it can be hard to tell. So, I'll just say that this is a pretty, red hotrod. No brand required.
Honfleur, France Leaving the Normandy countryside in northwestern France, our tour group stopped at small fishing town on the Seine called Honfleur, close to the Pont de Normandie.. Full of the flavor of France, this town is a photographer's dream. Known for its old, beautiful picturesque port, the colors and shapes of small shops and cafes contrast against old historic churches and the many boats in the harbor. The weather was perfect the day we visited and we had time to wonder about. It was one of the few stops where we could relax and soak in the local ambiance, truly feeling like we were indeed in France.
