family.weekend

just came back from another weekend away from home. this time not too far, just slightly less than an hour drive away from home

i spot this creature just outside our bungalow this morning

the street sign of the park, business center is where most of the services are held...

spent some quiet moments at the market cafe

and indulged in these nice cake, far beyond the french standard but definitely way above the dutch ordinary version....

sunday celebration service in action, the presence of God is strong in these services....

This is my view and perspective from the translator table in the middle of the room

all in all a blessed weekend but i am really tired from a few weekends away and a full week of work, need to rest soon

have a good week ahead...

honfleur.wall.story

vernon

we drove to the other side river bank again in search for beautiful scene....

river seine

and the other side of the river where the town center is located

we met this french lady who know about photography and has good sense with camera and totally pleased with the outcome of this photo, bless her!

the old bridge cum old mill, totally scenic and surreal, the extra blue sky reflects in the river and sharply contrasting with the half brick and wooden mill

and can you imagine how it looks like in the past... i found an old post card.....

and of course this is how it looks like today even with the different aspects and perspective of the old bridge and its old mill of vernon

and tourelles castle standing silently along the seine river and besides the old mill as if they both existed for each other, witness each other's past glory and age together...

charming.rouen

you approaching rouen, you see this cathedral and you thought it is the famous nortre dame but later you discover it is not. you parked your car and explore the city

you spot these buildings with timber and concrete, you believe this is called germanic style but you are not sure.... the sun is soaring, you have to take out your jacket because it is too warm. you are hunting for food...
and suddenly you discover this square hiding behind some old buildings. you notice that it is not touristic and so you dicide to dine here at the terace but yet you choose a table under the shade
because it is too hot, you ordered a normandy style duck salad and a bottle of cider, what a way to start the holiday...

you come acoss the church built to remember joan de arch, who was burned live in this spot

you notice some ruins beside the church or some stones to recreate the atmosphere to remember the moment she was burnt live, at least this is the feeling you had

you continue to explore the city. you walk towards gros horloge, the street becomes busy and crowded

and suddenly you turn into a cobble street with almost nobody and enjoy a moment of silence

then you walk towards the bridge, a little outside of the city and you find the oasis at the seine river bank. it is very hot but walking along the bank you enjoy the breeze...

you pause and you take your time to enjoy the breeze, take in the scene, the river, poppy flowers, statues and buildings....

and you stop half way at the bridge to soak in the scenic river seine that branch into two

you want to walk to the other bridge so that you can get into the middle of the river but you realize time is not on your side because you have to get going to your next destination...

well, as the french says it... la prochaine fois...there is always next time...

i.was.in.france

last weekend and macarons are everywhere...

everywhere i go

i see these in patisseries...

more macaron

and more...

o! macaron! i am getting crazy!!

i.am.back

well, i am back from our mini road trip. there are many photos that i have no time to process and post. there are so many thoughts that need to organise but time is just not at my side at the moment. however, here are some highlights to share, more to come when i eventually have time to blog ... anyway, we are blessed with a LOT of sunshine and at the peak 32c...

meeting monet in his garden at giverny, where he got all his inspirations for his impressionist paintings.

enjoying my seafood dinner at honfleur

picturesque town vernon where we stayed for two nights

on our home bound trip, a stopover at amiens

stay tune for more...

mini.road.trip

the final long weekend, we are on a mini road trip this afternoon. south bound again and am excited for the nice weather waiting for us ...

see you in a few days..

country.road

take me home. to the place. i belong....

mr sunshine has decided to hide himself just as i have stored my winter boots/coats and most of my a/w clothing in my closet and take out my s/s clothings...

the traffic situation is also at its worst even during the may vacation period. i have to take different routes to get home each evening... this is one of my most favorite route during s/s...

the journey reminds me of psalm 23 ...

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures

he leads me beside quiet waters

he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever

what a pleasant home road!