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Obviously, I haven't forgotten you, but it's true that going to live on the other side of the world, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is quite an adventure in itself. I've been here for four months and believe me I'm not bored. It already took me a good 3 months to settle in, administrative procedures of all kinds, and yes, because although New Caledonia is a French island, I'm starting from scratch! Which includes a new social security number, a new health insurance, a new bank account, a new phone number, in addition to finding a flat, buying furniture and everything else, and of course trying to get electricity , water and the internet… I say try because in a very procedural and old-fashioned system (physical appointments and original documents), it took forever… But there you go, everything is slowly falling into place, and I live in a charming place 2 steps from the ocean, the dream!! (All photos are mine ©Blog About L. I Laëtitia Nguyen) Here, I find a lot of my quality of life when I lived in Australia, weather, relaxation, wild nature. Besides, my friends from Australia also came to visit me 😊. People are relaxed, play sports and enjoy nature a lot. It’s a haven of peace (when there are no riots), I’m delighted to be here. Then, my sister came to visit me for 6 weeks, therefore we took the opportunity to visit the surrounding islands and swim with turtles, rays and colourful fishes! And taking the boat 30 minutes and finding yourself on deserted or almost deserted islands is truly paradise on earth!! On the other hand, it only took me a few days to find my favourite places for coffee and cocktails! 😊 It is good to maintain some habits… And I end with the beauty of the sunsets. You know how much I’m inspired by them and here I am in heaven, alive paintings, so many colour hues… Every evening is different and special, and even more so depending on the location and viewpoint. Obviously, I’ll tell you more in future articles, but you already have a nice overview. More photos and videos on my Instagram and Facebook @blogaboutl. Previous articles: My Solo Wedding in Santorini In short, everything is going well for me, I continue to work on my artistic projects, some of which will see the light of day this year, I can't wait to be able to share them with you! Stay tuned! Love & Joy, L.
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After the first article about my US trip Part 1, follow me so I can tell you the rest of this journey. As a reminder, all photos are mine ©Laëtitia Nguyen If you remember, I stopped in Ventura California on the west coast, and from there I was able to reach Los Angeles not far away. LOS ANGELES As I’ve already visited this city several times, I had nothing specific in mind, going with the flow, the opportunities, and desires of the moment, and I must say that I’m absolutely delighted, because I thus witnessed privileged moments like the sunset at the Griffith Observatory or a red carpet with Martin Scorsese for his latest film… I also took the opportunity to relax on Venice beach and get lost in the canals. I also visited a fire station; you may have noticed in US Trip Part 1 there were already photos of fire trucks. Well for those who don't know, my dad is a retired firefighter, and I grew up in a fire station, so when I travel, I always try to get a few photos... My stay in Los Angeles also allowed me to see several friends, and I was able to attend the Sunday service at my spiritual center Agape in Beverly Hills, you’ve certainly read the article on it. I then took the Surfeliner Amtrak train which runs along the ocean to go further south to San Diego. It was my dream to be able to do that and although I wasn't sitting on the right side to take photos/videos, I have wonderful memories of it. Definitely something to experience again!  SAN DIEGO Lots of things to see in San Diego, and although I stayed there for 3 days, I only got a glimpse of this city. Whether it's Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre (490 ha) cultural park with gardens, museums and numerous buildings with varied and incredible architecture, or Seaport Village, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, there is something for every mood. You know how much I love the sea and boats, so the harbor promenade caught my full attention with the Maritime Museum, but also the USS Midway Museum located on the aircraft carrier of the same name. San Diego is also called the Navy City, because of its impressive military base, one of the largest in the US Navy. Besides, we easily come across uniforms while walking or on public transport, it’s very surprising! Above all, I appreciated the feeling of sweet life there, which is also reflected in the colors, a real pleasure to photograph this city... This time, no choice but the plane to get to the incredible American capital. WASHINGTON DC My biggest surprise!! And my first time too. I fell in love with this city, a mix of Paris and London. I actually stayed there longer because I loved it so much. Among the parks, the monuments, the museums, there’s no way to get bored, and it’s so incredible to be able to see the White House once in your life! But I was mainly going there to see the spectacular Hope Diamond, another dream realized during this trip. I’ll dedicate a specific article to this diamond but also to this city because it’s a real gem! 😉 And back to NYC with a 5h night bus ride... NEW YORK The temperatures have changed, the trees are changing color, we are getting dressed and the Rockefeller ice rink is already in place for the end of year celebrations... Final goodbye. I promise I’ll come back as soon as I can!! You probably noticed in the photos, apart from one rainy day in Washington, I had magnificent weather and I was able to fully enjoy my trip! Above all, it was an exceptional human adventure. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who made this trip an unforgettable memory!!! And I’ll come back to this in detail because many of these people deserve an article of their own!  Reread Previous Articles:
And I invite you to discover more photos and videos on Instagram and Facebook. Have a fantastic week!! Love & Joy, L. I hope you followed me on Instagram and Facebook to see where I was and what I was doing. If not, here is a summary in pictures of my fabulous trip! Without a doubt, it was an incredible adventure mixed with many challenges (canceled/postponed flights, delays, change of plan, destination, accommodation, etc.) but outweighed by incredible miracles. Obviously, some of these places/experiences will be the subject of more specific articles, but for the moment, I’ll only share my itinerary. As a reminder, all photos are mine ©Laëtitia Nguyen. NEW YORK CITY If you’ve followed me for a long time, you know that this is not my first time in this city. 3 hours of time difference with France, and 3 days to adapt as best I can, fortunately Central Park is my precious refuge after the tumult of the city, shopping and museums. SAN FRANCISCO (CA) 6 hours by plane, therefore the equivalent of France-NYC - 16 hours by plane already for me in 4 days - and let’s add 3 more hours of time difference. The excitement keeps me awake! I love San Francisco, the last time I was there was 10 years ago, so I was more than happy to spend 2 days here, especially since completely by chance, The Blue Angels (Flight Demonstration Squadron from the US Navy) were giving a show! SANTA CRUZ (CA) Having lived in Brisbane, Australia, for 7 years, I really missed the beach, the surfers, and its very special atmosphere, not to mention the Pacific Ocean. So going down the entire west coast, from San Francisco to San Diego was on the agenda, and all by public transport (train and bus)! Believe me, I’ve developed new travel skills. First stop: Santa Cruz, the town of Jack O’Neill, the inventor of the surf shop. PISMO BEACH (CA) I liked this place so much that I stayed there longer. It’s been a long time since I felt this inspired as a photographer, I think the last time was when I was living in Crete (2018-2019). Landscapes like in Australia, fine sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, varied and numerous wildlife. A place where I landed by chance and certainly a great discovery… VENTURA (CA) A very large city with different atmospheres depending on the location. It feels like you're traveling in just a few minutes, it's very surprising and I really liked it. A very well-maintained historic pedestrian area with its amazing shops, the wild beach and the surfers’ beach… Definitely a place I could see myself living… OJAI (CA) So charming! It reminded me so much of certain areas of Brisbane (Australia). A small town of hippie chic artists. Music everywhere, cute restaurants, a large park… We feel that the word community has meaning here. To tell the truth, we don't really know where we are anymore when we enter this city... I loved it!! Little secret, this is where the Brothers Koren, my music coaches live 😉 Previous articles:
Have a fantastic week!! Love & Joy, L.  While in France we’ve just suffered a big heat wave, I say suffer because it was very difficult to sleep and work from home without air conditioning and fan - besides my American friends don’t understand that we don’t have air conditioning here. In these cases, nothing better than going to visit museums and precisely that reminded me of this exhibition that I did while it was 40°C in Madrid! Last month I spent time once again in Madrid, a city that you know has been dear to me since 2018, since I had lived in this capital for the freezing of my eggs. It's one of the few cities where I feel at home, and there's nothing rational about it, it's just the way I meet the people there, the way I move around in this city, or how I always discover secret passages and incredible places. I don't know, I feel attached and connected to everything in a very deep way. This time, I'm taking you to the Royal Collections Gallery, a new museum in the Spanish capital which opened its doors this summer. And after my Barbie article, talking about princess carriages seems very appropriate! Remember my article on the Royal Mews of London, I know you enjoyed the wonderful photos and this time again you’ll be amazed. "In motion" is the name of this temporary exhibition which presents coaches and vehicles from Spain's national heritage. The royal family has always had a great need for means of transport to get around, including after 1561, when King Philip II settled the court permanently in Madrid, since he liked to hunt and enjoy the many other palaces in the Kingdom. Obviously, everyone followed him on his travels, which required a lot of logistics and vehicles. Thus, the evolution of these means of transport was in line with the needs of these kings and French craftsmen were among those most in demand. They are also the ones who invented the Berlin carriage, with 2 supporting axles allowing better stability and comfort. The example below dates from 1790-1800 & 1799. Obviously, faced with the strong demand from the monarchs of the time, the Spaniards also specialised in the field. It must also be said that in the 16th and 17th century, the kingdoms were very extensive, the monarchs had to move frequently and over long distances to be able to rule and meet their subjects. It was also a way to show off their power and wealth, which played a major political role at that time. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many technical innovations, particularly from England, improved safety and comfort. And always this taste for detail and refinement... Another form of transport, the ancestor of the convertible with a sunroof, mainly used for walking in parks on sunny days: the Landau. But the interiors competed just as much in luxury and precious materials. Many professions had to be invented to create these magnificent carriages, creating many jobs and thus contributing to the economy of the countries. Not to mention all the other associated craftsmanship and jobs... Litter, Sedan chair, sleigh, baby carriage, many invented vehicles, especially for people who couldn’t ride a horse such as women and children or to move more easily in town or on snow. Art is a fabulous testimony to history and here to the different means of transport through time. Read my previous articles:
Have a fantastic week!! Love & Joy, L. Six years ago, I left Australia, this beautiful country where I lived for 7 years, and where I’ve collected so many great memories. I have widely shared my photos and my adventures (list of the articles at the end), but believe me I still have a lot to tell you. This time I wanted to talk about another island in the Great Barrier Reef: Hamilton Island! (As always, all photos are mine!) With 1,200 inhabitants, this is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays (archipelago of islands), the infrastructures are therefore more developed, unlike very small islands such as Heron Island (read article again). It’s located 887 km (551 mi) north of Brisbane and 512 km (318 mi) south of Cairns. Also easy to access because it has an airport, this island is very popular all year round. That’s also how I got there, and we already have a good feeling of vacation!! And then I take possession of my apartments, an apartment in this case and I discover a breathtaking view... Heaven on earth exists, and right now, I’d like to live here forever. Follow me! I take you for a little walk, especially since the island is perfect for that, since private cars are not allowed on the island! As a result, it’s very calm, you can hear the surrounding nature, the vegetation is very present. Sometimes we come across small golf carts, which can circulate. Be clear, Hamilton is a rich island where you can find luxury residences and yachts. But also, beautiful shops and restaurants, mainly centralised around the marina. Besides, let's have lunch at the beach after this pretty walk, we’ll have the opportunity to take a nap afterwards and swim. Relaxing and enjoying is the goal of successful holidays, isn't it? Either way, it's mine! For those who don’t like lazing on a white sandy beach, the island is famous for its many trails, so you can walk through its forest and discover many species of trees and shrubs, but also birds. You’ll see in the pics, a kookaburra and a white parrot, emblematic of the island. Obviously, all these efforts are not in vain when you discover the incredible view from the top. You can also venture out and enjoy a completely deserted cove. To be honest, I’ve only met a few people, which really gives us the impression of being alone with nature, a real moment of serenity. Another activity and one of my favourites: the boat! From Hamilton you can easily visit the Great Barrier Reef but above all you have access to Whitehaven beach, one of the most famous beaches in Australia, and also Hill Inlet (read my article again). Diving, snorkelling, and fishing, here we go… Impossible to get bored on this island. With such busy days, we have to end up the day with some drinks! But this time let's take the free island bus to take us to the heights of the island, which gives the opportunity to have another viewpoint. Atmosphere assured with an improvised bar and many people who come here to meet and especially for the sunset! Honestly a great idea, and definitely something to replicate elsewhere. And no, I don't mind travelling alone, or eating out alone (or with a bird). Being single, and in my case married to myself - although my Solo Wedding in Santorini came a few years after that trip - doesn't mean moping around at home! I talked about it in my article Single. Well, I must admit that Hamilton was a little more complicated than my other trips, because the restaurants did not accept one person per table. Incredible but true. Fortunately, some places made an exception, and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. And yes, I always make myself pretty when I invite me to the restaurant! Previous posts:
Enjoy life and all it has to offer! As I constantly tell you: life is a gift, and we must honour it!! Have a fantastic week everyone! Love & Joy, L. Already 5 years since this blog was created to share my life, my dreams, my inspiration. An adventure that made me discover so many incredible people, but also encouraged me to find you the best exhibitions, and interesting, unusual topics. I learned to open up more and share my life more genuinely. But also, to stretch my potential and my creativity! My book is proof of that! It was hard to choose, but here are my 10 favourite blog posts:
Reread my Valentine's Day articles or those that correspond very well to this day:
“I love pink and Barbie! », this sentence coming from my book and in which a whole chapter is devoted to it, represents quite well my mood for Valentine's Day, which inspired me the following photo. And to celebrate my blog's anniversary and Valentine's Day, 2 of my books will be given away to show you all the love and gratitude I have for you. Giveaway contest on Facebook and Instagram (@blogaboutl), you can still participate! For my part, this year I asked my sister to be my Valentine, on the program a date with several naked men… on the big screen hahaha And yes, Magic Mike Last Dance in theaters now, and that’s the perfect opportunity, especially since the film takes place at the London show, which I attended and which I talk about in my Article My Birthday in London!! Believe me despite the zero degrees outside, we're going to be hot in the room! Trailer at the end of this article… It doesn't matter if you're single, in a relationship, if you have plans or not, let's celebrate love in all its forms, our family, our friends, our pets! And if you're brave enough, tell yourself “I love you” in the mirror 😉 Very Happy Valentine's Day!! Lots of Love & Joy, L. Last year at this time I was in Paris for a long stay, I’ve already shared many moments with you, including another cemetery, Montparnasse. But this one is very personal… And there you wonder what a Parisian cemetery has to do with me. After the breakup and before my Solo Wedding in Santorini, I spent a week in Vietnam, I talk about this trip in my book. Reconnecting with my roots and learning more about my history is important to me. We can’t know ourselves and project ourselves into the future without being aware of our past. "Nguyễn" my family name, which is of Vietnamese origin, is the name of a dynasty that reigned in Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The last emperor Bảo Đại had to abdicate in 1945 against the communists and the Vietminh party. Born Prince Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thụy in the city of Hue in 1913, he went into exile in France in the 1950s - and now you are beginning to understand - died in the Val-de-Grâce military hospital in Paris in 1997, and he’s buried in the Passy cemetery in Paris! I’ll tell you more about the history of this dynasty in a future article. In the meantime, I must say that he has chosen a beautiful place, on the hill, overlooking the Seine and Chaillot Palace. And above all, a view on the Eiffel Tower!! There are many cemeteries in Paris, and as many legends are buried there. That of Passy is certainly no exception to the rule. Édouard Manet, Tristan Bernard, Claude Debussy, Fernandel, the Givenchy family, Pasteur… It's not always easy to find specific tombs in this maze, but sometimes it's more fun to discover them by chance... In winter, the place is solemn, peaceful but not morbid, especially when the blue sky is there. It's like going to a museum, you find art, architecture, and history. All these great names, characters and for sure incredible adventures that could be told by these deceased... I hope you enjoyed this little walk. Read my previous posts:
Next post: January 28. Have a great week everyone! Love & Joy, L. You know how much I love water and boats, and going through my photo archive this week, I came across those taken during a memorable sailing trip. It was in 2010, suffice to say that it goes back and yet I remember it as if it were yesterday. I had just lived a year in Morocco, and I was about to move to the other side of the planet in Australia! Also, when one of my best friends asked me to join him in the Mediterranean, I booked my flight in a few minutes. Departure: Cagliari in Sardinia!! Colombine - that was the name of my friend's sailboat - was going to make us sail from Italy to Corsica... Well, for me, because my friend would continue his journey. And when I say "we", I'm talking about 4 people, 2 girls and 2 boys, with the only common denominator being the captain. Yes, we didn’t know each other and we were going to spend 10 days on a few square metres of space 24/7. That would have made a good TV-reality show lol And no, I wasn't worried, because I embarked with a calm sea and a magnificent blue sky, nothing could have altered my good mood and my thirst for discovery! With a limited space, it was a small sailboat, no doubt that promiscuity was a challenge, but you discover people more quickly too. Fortunately, they were great and no incidents to deplore. Obviously, it’d not have been fun without a major issue: no bathroom and even no toilets! There was a technical problem and it couldn’t be repaired immediately. We were in October and the sea was far too cold for me. I was washing myself with micellar water, I had long hair at the time and I didn't take a shower for 10 days, imagine! For the toilets, it was quite an exercise to do that overboard, especially when the sea was rough. Which shows that we get used to everything, we are far more capable to do without modern comfort than we think. Fortunately, we had enough chocolate, saucisson and other food to make us forget these inconveniences. We went along the coast without ever stopping in a port. It was beautiful, wild and us with it! We had a very good weather most of the trip but 2 days of big storms too, including seasickness. We explored the land according to our desires, we only met a few people, some of them welcomed us (even rescued I’d say) on their luxurious spacious sailboat and let us use their toilets, a blessing lol The immensity of nature to regenerate me, me a sign of water (Cancer), a magnificent moment of meditation to rediscover myself, stop time and enjoy the moment. The Strait of Bonifacio is a 11km (6.8mi) international strait that separates Sardinia from the French island of Corsica, and I had the honour of steering this part. For those who know about sea navigation, this area is known to be dangerous to sail because of the rocks and strong currents. Luckily, the sea was very calm that day and I had an incredible pleasure, a memory that will remain etched in my memory. I still feel the breeze on my face, the sun above me and Bonifacio looming in the distance... Arriving by sea is absolutely magical, a feeling that I relived in Santorini, after my Solo Wedding during my Honeymoon. Some islands are nothing but beauty and splendour… Bonifacio, a fortified town in the southernmost of Corsica, rests on a limestone cliff of 1,600m long by 100m wide. Inhabited since the Neolithic, it crossed all the times not without difficulty, numerous massacres and battles annihilated it on several occasions. It took its current name in 832, thanks to Boniface II of Tuscany, who rebuilt and fortified it. Later, the Genoese added a citadel. A strategic military place due to its commercial port and its geographical location, it has been disputed, destroyed and repopulated. Today, it has about 3,200 inhabitants. We laughed, we cried, we changed the world, we also decided on my new haircut: short this time! The kind of friends who stay in our lives forever despite the distance and the years without seeing each other. A magnificent nautical adventure, human and personal, confronted with nature and the elements, technical hazards, to finally realise that we are one with the universe...😉 Have a fantastic week everyone! Love & Joy, L. While this week I attended online a very interesting class about the history of Mary Magdalene, I remembered that last year at this time I had just returned from Paris and was preparing to go to the south of France to discover the Sainte-Baume Cave where Mary Magdalene spent the last years of her life. So, the idea of telling you about the famous Parisian church was obvious! Located in the 8th, not far from Place Vendôme, located at one end of Rue Royale, with Place de la Concorde on the other side, as a tourist, impossible to miss it! Commissioned by Napoleon I, it was however not finished until 1842 (85 years later) because of the political troubles at this period. From Greek neoclassical style, this Catholic church surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns, measures 354ft (108m) long and 141ft (43m) wide, and its height is 98ft (30m).  Courtesy of Pixabay I didn't take pictures of the exterior because the facade has been under renovation for many years, and it’s hidden by large panels. However, I got revenge inside and all the following photos are mine. The work of the craftsmen here is impressive, gilding, wood and marble, you don't know where to look, everything is so sumptuous. Obviously, our attention is on the Choir created by Charles Marochetti and the Rapture of Saint Mary Magdalene. An exceptional work that required 12 years of work on the part of the sculptor. So much detail, you could spend hours looking at it all. Above all, a lot of tenderness and poetry in this piece, so real, that one would expect the characters to wake up at any moment. Behind the Choir, the Lameire mosaic, highlighting the Resurrection of Christ and his first disciples, including Mary Magdalene of course. And above the painted fresco by Ziegler telling the story of Christianity. We see Mary Magdalene supported by 3 angels just like in the Choir, but also many outstanding characters: Saint Louis, Clovis, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, Louis XIII with Richelieu, Napoleon but also Raphaël, Michel-Ange and Dante to represent the Renaissance. And even more sculptures, all as incredible as each other... Including the carved bronze front door! I end with an element that you’ve certainly noticed in the previous photos, the great organ! Restored several times, it was originally built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1846. n the Corinthian style to harmonise with the rest of the architecture, the woodwork by unknown author is a work of art in itself! Many personalities have had their funerals organised in this magnificent church: Chopin, Offenbach, Mistinguett, Coco Chanel, Joséphine Baker, Tino Rossi, Dalida, Marlène Dietrich, Henri Salvador, Johnny Hallyday and this year the Bogdanoff brothers to name but a few... No article next week, I’m working intensely on the publication of my book in French: Mon Mariage Solo à Santorin! Check out some of my previous posts:
Have a great week everyone!! Love & Joy, L. While we’re still enjoying the beautiful summer days, at the sea, in the mountains or in the city, I wanted to share with you a very exotic and relaxing place in the heart of Paris. In 2020, I chose to spend my second honeymoon in the French capital. A romantic destination that also works for self-married people and singles. The important thing is to be in good company, and I admit that I love being with myself! One of the many benefits of my Solo Wedding in Santorini, self-love makes us accept ourselves as we are. And I liked it so much that I spent the summer in Paris again last year, I like this time of year when the city is quieter, almost at rest with its inhabitants who have left on holiday. It's as if I had it all to myself, a romantic tête-à-tête. Precisely, I take you daydreaming in the magnificent Buttes-Chaumont park… It was inaugurated in 1867 under Napoleon III, a great period of construction decided by the emperor and entrusted to Baron Haussmann, remember my article on the Garnier Opera House. Napoleon III was seduced by London parks – I understand that, check my article My Birthday in London – and wanted to reproduce this model in the French capital. With nearly 25 hectares of greenery (61 acres), this public garden located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the largest parks in the city. Unlike most green spaces which are flat, the Buttes-Chaumont, as their name suggests, overlook Paris, thus offering an exceptional view. Built on a former gypsum quarry, the engineer Adolphe Alphand was inspired by its 40-metre drop to create an English garden reminiscent of the mountain and its environment: waterfalls, cliffs, cave rocks, torrents, belvederes… This makes it a place conducive to discovery and strolling. With 820m (2,690ft) long and 450m (1,476ft) wide, and a periphery of 2.5km (8,200ft), the multiple paths and bridges are an invitation to adventure. There’s thus a suspended footbridge of 65m (213ft) which makes it possible to reach the belvedere located on a 30m-high 98ft) steep island. And guess who built it in 1867? Gustave Eiffel. The neoclassical style temple, crowning the belvedere, is a creation of the architect Gabriel Davioud. And after all this walk, there's nothing like enjoying its 12ha (29ac) of lawns in the shade of its 6ha (15ac) of woodland to rest and reconnect with Mother Nature. A natural paradise built by man around a lake, home to incredible flora and fauna. Moreover, the Buttes-Chaumont include the widest variety of forest species among Parisian public parks. All you have to do is breathe and relax... And I put some of my videos at the end.  Have a Great week everyone! Love & Joy, L.
As I explained in my previous article Happy Me, beach & sea are my elements! Besides, the places where I lived the longest were paradises for that: Indonesia, Morocco, Australia, Greece. Unlike London or Madrid, where I only stayed a few months. For the 3rd year in a row, I won’t be enjoying the beach, I need a distraction-free environment to be able to concentrate on my book “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”, which is soon to be released! Dreams require making choices, and I admit that I see this only as a parenthesis in my life, because I intend to return to live near the ocean or the sea. And then I’ve enjoyed a lot in recent years, I have no complaints, here is a summary of my favourite beaches! (All photos are mine)  Crete - 2018 I Laëtitia Nguyen How not to talk about Santorini, my passion island, my lover, the one who witnessed the most important event of my life: My Solo Wedding in Santorini!! Santorini and its black sand beaches – it’s a volcanic island - with a multitude of bars and restaurants lined up all along. I even took my guests there the day after my wedding, catch of the day and idleness. No surprise that I stayed there for several months for an improvised honeymoon! Everything is unique on this enchanting island… Feel free to read my articles: All the articles about my Solo Wedding in Santorini: HERE. In 2018, when I had just created my blog, I stayed in Crete for a long time. I was writing and working for the blog in the morning from 7 a.m. to noon, then I was spending the afternoon at the beach or visiting, the boat often being an option! I've shared a lot about this island, the largest in the Aegean Sea, a beautiful and heavenly place. I loved living in Crete, the proof is, it's there that I wrote my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini". A great source of inspiration and serenity for me on this island… Check out my previous posts: The Pacific Ocean, with of course Australia! I lived there for 7 years, which gave me plenty of opportunities to visit. I still have a lot to show you although I’ve already shared some incredible destinations: Also Fiji, what an unforgettable memory, and definitely a place I’d love to return to. But first on my list are Vanuatu, the Cook Islands and Hawaii! California, I have not yet done an article on this and I should. Very beautiful beaches as far as the eye can see, and if everyone thinks of Baywatch, the beautiful lifeguards, and surfers, I must admit that the mounted police attracted my attention a lot! Obviously, I rather tend to choose my destinations according to the beaches, hence: Las Palmas (Canary Islands), Thailand, Vietnam, or even Madagascar, one of my most beautiful trips. See again: If I don't see the sea, I can still go to the magnificent lakes of my native region: And especially at my birthday, I was offered a voucher for a luxury spa! The reservation is for August, I can't wait to go!! Have a magnificent week! Love & Joy, L.  Annecy - 2022 I  It's been a long time since I took you to an exotic destination, and with summer coming, I wanted to make you dream a little, a lot... madly. This week I'm showing you one of my favourite places on our beautiful planet: Heron Island in Queensland, Australia. And as a reminder, all the photos are mine, and it was very difficult to select them, each one so beautiful than the other! Located on the Great Barrier Reef, in the northeast of Australia, on the Tropic of Capricorn, this small island of 16 hectares is a real paradise. It can be reached by boat, which means 2 hours of seasickness for my sister who was accompanying me, or by helicopter, but this time this mode of transport did not fit into my budget. If you have a feeling of deja vu, it’s because I’ve already shown you several of these photos in my articles. But really, I never get tired of it! There’s only one hotel on the island, the Heron Island Resort, which makes it a very privileged area and when I say hotel, it’s actually small wood cabins scattered in the vegetation. So relaxing and rejuvenating to be immersed in such an environment. And my sister is touring you 😉 Obviously, we didn’t come all this way not to swim. Pool or beach, the dilemma of the day… Although you can go around it quickly, only 800m long (2,600 ft) and 300m (980 ft) wide, its charm and its particularity lie in its fauna and flora. In summer, nearly 200,000 birds inhabit the island. We observe them everywhere and especially we hear them! Well, be clear here, some songs are more melodious than others… And no, contrary to its name no heron on the island, the English explorer, Lieutenant Charles Bampfield Yule, who discovered it in 1843 would have confused egrets with herons. To be honest I'm very bad at bird species so I don't blame him, and then in the end, it sounds good Heron Island! And then, there are sea turtles too!! But maybe you remember, I told you about it in my article My Favourite Animals. And yes, it’s an island where Green sea turtles and Loggerhead turtles (or Caretta Caretta) come to nest. I had the pleasure of witnessing the nesting and hatching period, so magical! No photos of the mothers, they come to lay eggs during the night, so we observe them from a distance in the dark so as not to disturb them. However, I have some memories of baby turtles trying to reach the sea... At low tide, walking on the island is just as surprising, there’s plenty of time to admire this rich fauna and flora. This is also a perfect opportunity to visit the University of Queensland research station, one of the most important in the world for research on the coral reef. I knew that I had not chosen the right course of study, spending my days in a bikini on a tropical beach watching fishes, wonderful… There are of course a lot of sea excursions organised to admire the Great Barrier Reef, I don't take underwater photos, I prefer not to have any distractions in case a shark decides to take me for its snack hahaha. From the beach too, you can see rays, sharks and all kinds of fish. Magical! Heron Island is one of the places I’d revisit with pleasure, and a memorable memory with my sister. Besides, she would have loved to get married there, finally she got married in a magnificent castle in France, it was very good too! Finally, this place was heavenly for my creativity. And some of my favourite photos: My Previous Articles about Australia:
No article next week, multiple projects are taking shape and I'll tell you about it next time. Have a fantastic week everyone ! Love & Joy, L.  You know how much I love art, and being able to spend the past 2 months in Paris has given me countless opportunities to satisfy my curiosity. And there’s a place that I adore and that I never tire of visiting, the Petit Palais. Inaugurated in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, in the same way as the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III, it became from 1901 the Museum of Fine Arts of the city of Paris. Located next to the Seine, and between the Champs Elysées and the Jardin des Tuileries, this is the perfect place to take a break during a long walk, to protect yourself from the rain or the heat wave, depending on the season. In addition to its absolutely magnificent architecture, what I like about this museum is the variety of its collections, whether they are eras, artists or genres: sculptures, paintings, furniture and objects… Sculptures First of all, the sculpture gallery, located immediately to the left of the main entrance, welcomes the visitor in a masterful way. Whether in plaster or bronze, they all testify to the creativity and inventiveness of the artists: Ernest Barrias, Charles Valton, Auguste Bartholdi, Paul Roussel (former student of Barrias), Alexandre Falguière, Jules Desbois... Some of these plaster statues were the models of bronze sculptures, many of which were melted down during the Second World War, such as the dancer Sacha-Lyo by Serge Youriévich. You’ll notice the height of the ceilings with their splendid paintings. But many sculptures are scattered throughout the museum, with among others a large space dedicated to the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. There’s also a bronze by Renoir, but also marbles: Rodin with "Amour et Psyché" or Auguste Clésinger's "Bacchante". What beauty and poetry in this museum… Paintings Flemish, French, Italian painters, and from all eras, this is what makes the richness of this museum, we go through history through these artistic discoveries. Rubens, Poussin, Sisley, Pissarro, Géricault, Cézanne, Delacroix, Monet and many others… To name but a few. And then some figures that we recognise on the paintings, such as Sarah Bernhardt, the great French actress of the 19th century-early 20th century, painted by Georges Clairin in 1876. Furniture If the city of Paris has acquired many pieces from this museum, in particular the sculptures, it should be noted that generous donors have enriched the collection. Thus, most of the furniture, objects and decoration come from private collections bequeathed over time. Greek Antiquities The following photos will certainly remind you of my articles Cretan Pottery or Rainy Day in Athens. Greece, my adopted country since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, and I admit I love learning more about its history and culture. Here too a very beautiful collection, rich and varied. Icons Since 2017, a new room has exhibited an incredible collection of Eastern Christian arts (Russia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece...), from two private collections and bequeathed to the museum. Its café nestled in the middle of the garden is my favourite place! So calm and peaceful to forget for a moment that we are in the heart of Paris. The chirping of the birds, the vegetation and the gardens are conducive to daydreaming, and when the sun is out, it's like being transported to some exotic destination, or even to another era! This Petit Palais has everything of a great museum, but with fewer people, I strongly encourage you to visit it. Note that the permanent collection is free for all! The Museum also regularly hosts magnificent temporary exhibitions (with fee). My Favourite Articles about Paris:
No article next week, I'm working on the publication of my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini, or how I saved my life. " Next post: March 26, 2022 Have a fantastic week everyone!! Love & Joy, L. As I mentioned in my last article Happy New Year 2022, I’m back in Paris for several weeks, which will give me the opportunity to show you even more of this magnificent capital, and this time in winter. So, get your coat and your boots, and follow me!  Obviously the first place I went to, my favourite park in the capital: the Luxembourg Gardens. The seagulls have invaded the flowerbeds (without flowers) and it’s very surprising and exotic to hear them in the middle of the city. The bare trees make the atmosphere very mysterious and bring out the many statues in the park even more, which almost seem to be alive! But the Tuileries gardens near the Louvre Museum are also very pleasant. What I love about this time of year is that it’s even more peaceful and the perfect place to sunbathe when the sun is out. The French capital has no less than 200 religious buildings, so visiting them can be a wonderful way to walk around the city. And I’ve just discovered the Saint-Augustin Church this week that I didn’t know. In a very different, but equally solemn style, the Parisian cemeteries have many famous people buried and searching for their graves is fascinating. So, I added that to my list, and I’ve already visited part of the Montparnasse cemetery. I haven't had time to go to the museum or see an exhibition yet, I've given priority to reunions with friends and good meals! However, you can imagine that I already have several visits in mind…  Check out my previous posts: No article next week, lots of plans but follow me on Instagram to find out what I'm doing during my stay. Next Article: January 29, 2022 Have a great week everyone! Love & Joy, L. I hope you enjoyed my last article Travel Memories to get some air and dream of far-off horizons. This week, I look back on a special December in my life, while I was writing my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini"! I am therefore taking you to Crete, which I’ve talked about a lot previously - reread the Crete Series - to share with you an intimate and personal moment of my life. And if you were already following me on my social media back then, this article will bring back some memories.  I arrived in October 2018, when my story was going viral in the international press & on the internet, and when I was invited on TV - check out Media. I had already spent several months on this island at the beginning of summer, and I thought it was the perfect place to write my book, in the solitude and quiet of winter, when most of the businesses and hotels were closed. A friend of mine introduced me to the owner of the building where he lived. A flat was available for the winter season, that was ideal! So, for 7 months, I lived in a very small flat in Kokkini Hani, not far from the capital Heraklion: The furniture was traditional but charming and functional. Simple fixtures, just a stovetop, mini fridge, no oven or microwave, no TV, little shower pressure, and random and temperamental hot water / internet / electricity. Despite that, it was my home, and after spending over a year in hotel rooms or on a sofa (reread Spring in Madrid), I was happy to be able to unpack my bags for a while. Even more so to fulfil one of my dreams and do what I love most in the world: writing. Obviously, as a talented interior designer (yes, another of my gifts), I bought some linen, decoration, rearranged the space to feel in perfect harmony, my little haven of peace ... So, this environment was perfect for my artistic creativity, I wrote my book in 6 months, continued to feed my blog every week. When the internet was unavailable, I was going to a café 5 minutes walk from my house, some of my favourite posts were created there: I also grew my Instagram presence around this time and started thinking about what videos I could create. Above all, I did a lot of artistic photos which I share with you from time to time, on my social media & on the blog, as in the article: The 4 Elements. What I liked in December was being able to admire from my window, the snow on the peaks (the island is mountainous) and the New Year's fireworks! It rained a lot that winter, more than usual apparently, I kept telling myself that this was the perfect time to stay home and write ... Well, I only had the heater for a few hours a day, so I wrote a lot under my duvet, fortunately I had bought a heated mattress topper, a blessing! I spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve on my own by choice, I wanted the experience of loneliness to the end, and I loved it! It is only when you come face to face with yourself that you realise how great company you can be ... No Christmas tree but a little bit of decoration though, no crèche this time but I had a sheep 😊 My family and friends had sent me lots of gifts, including a unicorn (reread my article Unicorns to find out my passion for this animal). I prepared a feast with lots of local and French specialties. And even too good since I lost a tooth, which led me to find an emergency dentist on December 26th. What can you do? I like challenges! My café/bar had also transformed for the occasion, and I even took a short trip to Heraklion to really get in the mood. Christmas 2018 is really an excellent memory 😊 You’ll find even more details about what I just said in my second book now in writing. The first book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini" is still pending publication, but I have a feeling that 2022 will be its year 😉! Read excerpts from my book: HERE  Reread my previous Christmas articles:  Start sending me your Christmas decoration photos, like every year, I’ll publish them in my article on December 25!! Have a brilliant week! Love & Joy, L.  After taking you on a trip to Australia with my last article Hill Inlet, I'm going to keep this category this week, as it's time to start taking stock of the past year ... Although I didn’t take a plane in 2021, thanks to my incredible archives, I was able to show you 17 of my adventures including one about my Solo Wedding in Santorini:  Click on it to access: And your favourite article this year was: In the Air 4 (Dubai - UAE)  Thank you for your comments on the blog & social media 😊 Here are the top 3 of your favourite photos on Instagram in 2021: And I take the train tomorrow for the south of France with some new adventures to tell you soon ... Have a fantastic week! Love & Joy, L.  Hill Inlet (Australia) - Oct 2013 I Laëtitia Nguyen As the cold takes hold in Europe and winter is just around the corner - I can already see snow from my window in the Alps – I’ve chosen to warm up with a destination that is simply my favourite place in the world. Having lived almost a decade in Australia has given me the chance to visit amazing places and for me who loves the beach, the sea, and the sun, it has been a real blessing. No surprise that I stayed in Greece after my Solo Wedding in Santorini… But without further ado, let's take a look at the map to see where exactly Hill Inlet is located: This inlet is located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach - one of Australia's most famous beaches - on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. This archipelago - mostly uninhabited - lies in the Coral Sea, between the northeast coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Obviously, to get there, the boat is essential, whether it’s a big yacht, a sailboat or a small motorboat, the important thing is to arrive at the destination. I’ve had the chance to go there a few times and each time it has been an extraordinary adventure both from a human point of view and by the beauty of nature ... (FYI all photos are mine, without filter or retouching) Covering an area of nearly 109 km2, the island enjoys a tropical climate. It was populated by the Ngaro aborigines for 8,000 years before being expelled under British colonisation. The name Whitsunday was chosen by James Cook when he discovered the island in 1770. To access the best viewpoint of the island, you’re going through the forest, a nice walk that allows you to learn more about the many wild species of the island: birds, plants, varans, rays and reef sharks. I never tire of this extraordinary view with multiple shades of blue and crystal clear waters. Beauty in its purest and natural state, no filter or retouching, here any photo is a postcard... And even going back to sea level, one continues to be amazed and enveloped by this wild nature, so vibrant and yet peaceful. Thank you to keep preserving this amazing place! And of course, you noticed this magnificent white sand, as far as the eye can see ... So thin, it sings when one stepped on. You can leave me here anytime; this is my heaven on earth! My Previous Articles:
Have an amazing week! Love & Joy, L. After my article last week on the Air Festival , I wanted to share these other photos with you. I’ve already mentioned this city before, reread Christmas in Dubai and the Desert, but this time, I'm going to show it a bit differently. As a reminder, Dubai is in the Middle East, in the United Arab Emirates, in the Arabian Peninsula, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Before my Solo Wedding in Santorini, I lived in Australia, and I regularly transited through Dubai to visit my family in France. The UAE is a federal state created in 1971, with 7 emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. The city of Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. With more than 3.1 million inhabitants, it’s the most populous city in the UAE out of the 9,700,000 in the country (of which 90% are immigrants). But Dubai is also the country's first port and the economic capital, while Abu Dhabi is the federal capital. Focused on luxury tourism, Dubai is particularly famous for these extraordinary constructions such as the towers: Burj Khalifa and Burj Al-Arab which I spoke about extensively in my article Christmas in Dubai. And seen from the sky, one can only admire, with Burj Khalifa a bit in the fog, yet it easily stands out from other skyscrapers ... Another architectural feat, Palm Jumeirah! An artificial archipelago in the Persian Gulf in the shape of a palm tree, made up of a trunk 1.25 mi (2 km) long on which the monorail circulates, and 16 palms which house a thousand luxury private villas. This magnificent palm tree is surrounded by a 6.84 mi (11 km) long crescent, where you can find palaces and luxury hotels such as the famous Atlantis hotel (re-read Christmas in Dubai)! But Palm Jumeirah was to be the smallest palm of an initial project of 3 palms along the coast. In the same spirit, we also find another incredible archipelago, the world, which as its name suggests represents a map of the world. Unfortunately, no photo of the whole set, much too large, and visible from the International Space Station! All these islets require a lot of sand, dredged from the bottom of the Persian Gulf and fitted out with dikes and canals to counter the swell while allowing the renewal of the water, and thus avoid the proliferation of mosquitoes and algae. Some projects have been started and never completed; others continue despite successive crises. We haven’t finished discovering the landscape of these unique archipelagos ... But back to the city, from the air, we realise the colossal construction that this city has required. Although some writings reveal that Dubai already existed in the 11th century, it was not until the 18th century that it was considered a city. And thanks to the very important pearl trade at that time, its notoriety developed widely. Then, with the discovery of oil in the 60s, the city changed dramatically, and from the 90s, incredible infrastructures and skyscrapers sprang from the ground to give the city we know today ... And by the way, what I haven't mentioned but which you may have noticed in the photos is my mode of transportation: a seaplane!  A city always on the move and in constant search for novelty, an incredible new space has recently opened its doors: Deep Dive Dubai. This is the deepest diving pool in the world, 197 ft (60m)!! Designed as a submerged city, you can visit it and have fun while being under water ... Until we visit it, we’ll watch the video at the end of the article 😊 And to reread my previous articles:
Have a fantastic week! Love & Joy, L. After a long stay in the capital, as I mentioned it last week in my article A Glimpse of Paris, I was happy to reconnect with nature, and more precisely in the mountains, in the French Alps, where I grew up (reread Childhood). I even had more fun as an airshow was organised at the Alpe d'Huez, and you know how much I love everything that flies! Reread my previous articles:
A magnificent day in a sumptuous setting and the sunshine, life is good! As a child, with my family, we used to go often to this kind of event, during them, I had my first ride in a hot air balloon and in a helicopter. It actually reminds me that after my Solo Wedding in Santorini, during my Honeymoon, I flew by helicopter over the island at sunset, such a magical moment! Plane is different, thanks to school I had flying lessons when I was 8. And today I no longer count my miles as a passenger! But before I take you into the air, let's take a look at the ground. All kinds of stands, a flight simulator on Mirage 2000, in air combat mode over Dubai for me, adrenaline guaranteed, and I won’t see my photos of Dubai in the same way anymore (reread Christmas in Dubai). But above all there’s a model of the Alpha jet of the Patrouille de France, the Air Force’s aerobatic display team... Throughout the day, breathtaking demonstrations on different types of aircraft, recent and old, and an unfailing admiration for these pilots ... And yes, the runway is a leap into the void! So incredible and magnificent, aerobatics…One or many planes ... It makes me want to try, next first time on my list for sure! But also, a helicopter rescue demonstration, it wasn’t the first time I saw one and yet it’s always impressive ... I skydived before, however I’ve never tried paragliding, and this lively performance excited my curiosity! And of course, the Patrouille de France (PAF)! Created in 1931, this is the oldest aerobatic display team in the world. Composed of 9 pilots including a replacement (8 airplanes). And a whole team behind them. Being able to see one of their shows is a beautiful opportunity. Even better when you can meet them afterwards and talk to them ... Their work, talent and kindness are a real source of inspiration. Although I lived in 7 countries in the world, I’m French, born and raised, and watching the PAF always gives me chills! Thank you to all, the pilots, the teams, the organisers… No matter how old we were, everyone had sparks in their eyes! For a day I thought I was a pilot, a wonderful memory and a good way to keep my mind in the clouds & keep dreaming...😊 Have a wonderful week everyone! Love & Joy, L. Many of you asked me what I did during my last trip in Paris, and although I shared a lot on my social media, I don't blame you for being curious! So, here it is, I’ve chosen to give you a glimpse and of course many of my visits and experiences will be the topic of specific articles ... To be honest, I never tire of talking and commenting on this magnificent French capital which amazes me every time.  Here’s a summary I made in Paris: And yes, I wore a Chaumet tiara, well let's be more specific, a metal replica, it’s still magnificent and obviously I couldn’t resist the temptation to try on a few diamonds (Chaumet)… You know how much I love jewellery, reread My Wedding Ring. For those who are familiar with the place, you recognised La Samaritaine in the background, after 15 years of closure and an incredible renovation, this department store has reopened its doors to the public and I had the immense privilege of discover it in a unique way. Of course, an article will be dedicated to it ... Museums... Here are the ones I visited this time:
And also churches... I also had the opportunity to see 2 magnificent exhibitions organised in collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels:
In addition, I went to admire the incredible Van Cleef & Arpels Private Collection, Place Vendôme (photos not allowed). I’d like to warmly thank Van Cleef & Arpels for their hospitality and kindness, and I look forward to seeing you again! I also let myself go with the wind, walking through the streets and parks of Paris ... Besides seeing my friends, I made many new ones. Especially Thibaut, an incredible artist who did my portrait based on the photos of My Solo Wedding in Santorini!  Because Paris is all of that, luxury, art, architecture, history, beauty & new friendships ... And also, some pleasure! 😊 After my article on art with the Louvre, I wanted to choose another universe that I love, you know how much I love theme parks! Reread: Last year, family & fiends took me to Gallic territory to celebrate my birthday and I had a great time despite the cool and capricious weather for a month of July ...  From the height of his 7m (23ft), weighing no less than 4 tons, Asterix observes the arrival of visitors, perched at a height of 30m (98ft)! It was one of his dads, Albert Uderzo, who had the idea of a theme park in 1981. However, it will take 8 years of reflection, preparation including 2 years of construction, before his dream was born in 1989. Since 2002, the park belongs to the Compagnie des Alpes, a French company that manages several ski resorts including Méribel, where I grew up, but also other tourist attractions such as Futuroscope, Walibi and the Grévin Museum. Today, Parc Astérix is in 3rd place (number of visitors) in France, behind Disneyland Paris, the Disney Studios and ahead of Futuroscope. Rich in sumptuous decor and full of humour, you immediately feel immersed in Gaulish country and in a good mood ... Obviously, none of this would exist without the boundless imagination of the French comic book creators, René Goscinny, screenwriter and Albert Uderzo, designer. Friends for many years, they chose to create historical characters, Asterix, Obelix and all the indomitable Gauls were born in 1959. Gauls who resist the Roman Empire thanks to a magic potion made by their druid Getafix. Albert Uderzo continues the series alone after the death of his friend in 1977, then since 2013 Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad are in charge of perpetuating this great adventure. Albert Uderzo died in 2020 at the age of 92. And a fabulous story with 38 books, translated into 111 languages and dialects! And nothing is funnier than looking for all these characters across the park ... Look, it looks like Queen Laeti is visiting. Asterix and Cleopatra is one of my favourite books and here it is widely represented with a whole universe dedicated to it: But my favourite area, Greece of course! Since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, you know I’m kind of half-Greek now 😊 Of course, what I also like about this park are the rollercoasters! And knowing that I tested many of them around the world, I can tell you with certainty that this park is full of great surprises. Oz Iris at 40m (131ft) high and more than 90km/h, the Tonnerre de Zeus, certainly one of the most impressive that I’ve seen because it’s an entirely wooden construction, 84km/h and above all a vertiginous drop of 29m (95ft). And I've heard that the Tonnerre 2 Zeus is currently in progress ... Goudurix, my favourite, 7 times upside down at 92km/h and up to 36m (118ft) in height, or 12 floors of a building! But also, the Trace du Hourra, the Cheval de Troie and the last one, Pegase Express, rich in new technology, it combines thrills with great fear… but I won't tell you more… Be prepared to be thrilled! But we also have the right to do more relaxing rides ... And after such a day, the souvenir shop is essential ... Anyway, wonderful memories and an unforgettable Gallic adventure! As a reminder, during the summer vacation (July-August), I only publish 2 articles per month. But find my daily photos of Paris on Instagram ... Next Article: August 14, 2021! Love & Joy, L. I promised you several articles on the Louvre Museum, so here is the 2nd opus. Passionate about art, the Louvre Museum is an incredible place to satisfy my curiosity as its treasures are countless. We’ve just celebrated Bastille Day in France, and for the occasion I wanted to honour French painting. And to start, I chose " La Liberté guidant le people " (Liberty leading the people) by Eugène Delacroix. Although this painting refers to the riots of July 1830 which led to the abdication of Charles X, and not to the French Revolution & the Storming of the Bastille, that we celebrate every July 14, this painting remains an important symbol of the French Republic. We see the tricolour flag as well as Liberty wearing the Phrygian cap. Delacroix is one of my favourite painters and this incredible artwork (260 x 325cm) is exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris among other of his masterpieces ... I’m planning an article which will be entirely dedicated to him, so much there is to say about this extraordinary artist. Another painting that attracts many visitors: The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault. Another French romantic painter, this spectacular work from 1819 (491 x 716cm) also tells a historical event: the wreck of the frigate Méduse of the French colonial navy. She stranded in 1816 off the coast of Mauritania on her way to Senegal to transport equipment and personnel. On a makeshift raft, 147 people tried to survive for several days, cannibalism included. Only 10 people ultimately escaped death. The painter has researched extensively and even met survivors to create this disturbing and magnificent work that cemented his reputation. Still in the historical context, a once again very famous painting: The Coronation of Napoleon. Painting from 1807 by Jacques-Louis David, one cannot miss this neoclassical work of 621 × 969 cm! Obviously representing the coronation of Napoleon I and Empress Joséphine in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1804 and not at Reims Cathedral like the previous Kings of France. No less than 191 people are faithfully reproduced in this artwork. The artist realised an almost identical second painting, which is now on display at the Palace of Versailles. Jacques-Louis David, a very influential painter, has been the master of two generations of artists. I’d like to conlude with Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres and another important event in French history: Joan of Arc at the coronation of King Charles VII, in the Cathedral of Reims (1429). Ingres, disciple of Jacques-Louis David of course! I’ve previously talked about Reims and its history:  I hope that with this article you discovered or rediscovered some gems of French painting. For those who wanted to see the Mona Lisa, I invite you to reread my Article Louvre Museum. But also:  No article next week I’ll be settling in Paris for the summer! Which presages many new adventures and exhibitions to tell you. But you can still re-read all the articles about my Solo Wedding in Santorini: LINK. Obviously, I’ll stay active on my social media: Next article: July 31, 2021! Love & Joy, L. While I’ve just renewed my vows and celebrated the 4th Anniversary of my Solo Wedding in Santorini (read the Article again), here I am celebrating another anniversary, just as unique and special: the freezing of my eggs 3 years ago!! I’ve explained extensively why and how it all happened in my Article Gift from Science, I invite you to re-read it: And for those who follow me for a long time, you know that I made this wish come true in the magnificent Spanish capital: Madrid. That’s the reason why I’ve chosen to show you more this city that I adore, and where I lived for several months for the success of my cryopreservation.  If there's one place I've spent a lot of time, it's the Retiro Park, located in the heart of Madrid and very popular with locals, especially on sunny days. First, with its large rectangular ornamental lake adorned with an imposing bronze equestrian statue from 1904, the place is romantic and relaxing for a rowboat ride. Or the many gardens, perennials, French flowerbeds or the rose garden that I told you all about in my article: Rainy Day in Madrid. In the first heat, taking refuge under the 15,000 trees in the park is a real breath of fresh air. Moreover, built between 1630 and 1640, it was for a long time the royal secondary residence. Today there are 2 palaces, the Crystal Palace built for the colonial exhibition of 1887 and the Velazquez Palace, both rich in know-how and architecture that serve as an exhibition hall. And with the many fountains and statues present in this park, it’s a really pleasant and peaceful place. Another area where I walked daily, the Royal Palace. In its surroundings, you’ll obviously find the Almudena Cathedral, to which I devoted an entire article, many gardens including the Plaza de Oriente located between the Palace and the Royal Theatre. Old or modern buildings, strolling through Madrid is always fascinating and you sometimes come across architectural surprises such as the Temple of Amun. Temple built in Debod in Egypt and dating from the 2nd century. It was donated by Egypt to Spain in 1960, as part of the safeguard of the monuments, which were to be flooded by the waters of the Aswan dam. Another very famous place, the Plaza Mayor, which is always crowded. From 1590 to 1854, it changed and transformed many times to finally retain the style that we know today, with an equestrian statue of Philip III dating from the 17th century. This square measures 423ft (129m) by 308ft (94m) and is pedestrian only, which is in fact a privileged place for meetings, it’s also surrounded by many restaurants. Strolling the surrounding streets immerses you in the historic atmosphere of this vibrant capital! And at the end of the day, nothing better than going for a few tapas at the San Miguel Market. In these sumptuous covered market from 1916, a heritage of Spanish know-how for iron architecture (like the Crystal Palace), you can taste all kinds of specialties and delicate meals prepared by the greatest Spanish chefs, but also international and Michelin-starred chefs. For more than a decade, this space has been considered the first gastronomic market in Madrid. No wonder then to find caviar as much as traditional paella ... Bon appétit ! This city with its many famous museums is exciting for lovers of history and art. I’ve already introduced several of them with some very fascinating exhibitions: I hope you enjoyed this walk as much as I enjoyed sharing my memories with you ... Have an amazing week everyone! Love & Joy, L. While some are starting to reschedule trips, me for example! I thought that a summary of my articles on the subject would be welcome. Indeed, in 3 years, I’ve already shared many of my magnificent travels. Maybe this gives you some ideas for your next vacation 😉 Obviously, I start with my country of heart, Greece, which witnessed my self-marriage, but also the birth of my book My Solo Wedding in Santorini: Santorini Pyrgos (Santorini) Honeymoon (Santorini) Rainy day in Athens Series Crete For lovers of cities, museums and architecture: But also: The other country that is dear to me because I lived there for 7 wonderful years, Australia: Australia Melbourne Cup Christmas in Brisbane Moreton Island Palm Cove North Stradbroke Island In the Air 3 (Sydney) And then the exotic destinations, you know how much I love the sea and the ocean: Las Palmas (Canaries) Madagascar Fiji Other amazing places: Without forgetting where I grew up, the French Alps: Childhood. And at the end of the article, my last video: Go with the Flow. Where I explain that I lived in 7 different countries in the world and that none of them was part of a plan ... Because that's how I see my life, seize the moment, live the moment and let the universe guide me to discover all the beauty and magic of our beautiful planet! Don't forget to think of me on May 27, it’ll be the 4th anniversary of my solo wedding 😉 Have a wonderful week everyone! Love & Joy, L. Last time I took you to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, to Fiji. On this Ascension long weekend, it seemed appropriate to show you another jewel of Christian architecture, and what is an unrecognised basilica and yet highly prestigious in many ways. You know how much I love to share with you my interest in architecture, art, and history ... The Basilica of Sainte Clotilde of Reims, bears the name of Queen Clotilde, Queen of the Franks and wife of King Clovis, whom she converted to Christianity. Clovis, remember that is the name of the champagne at my Solo Wedding in Santorini (reread the article). This magnificent basilica, in Greek cross shape, surmounted by a dome, was built between 1896 and 1905, by Alphonse Gosset, architect from Reims, with a national and even international reputation since he participated in competitions abroad (like one for New York). Neo-Byzantine in style, he was inspired in particular by the model of Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul (Turkey) that I had the chance to visit. This very fashionable style in the 19th century, also reached its peak with the construction of the incredible Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. Much more modest in size than St Remi Basilica or Reims Cathedral, and of course Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, it’s no less majestic from floor to ceiling. Whether it’s the tiling with fleur-de-lys and doves, or the stained-glass windows depicting Joan of Arc and the baptism of Clovis. Or the incredible ceiling under the dome which symbolises the celestial vault. You will not remain indifferent ... What I love most about this basilica is its baptistery. Isolated next to the entrance, circular in shape and carefully decorated, it was used for baptism. Moreover, the Basilica of St. Clotilde was originally erected to celebrate the 1,400 years of the baptism of Clovis, a baptism which took place at the Basilica of St Remi, remember my article. But what makes all the richness of this basilica are the relics kept in its crypt! It represents 1,600 Saints of France with 403 reliquaries and 2,100 relics. Photos weren't allowed, but the video at the end of the article gives you a guided tour (but it's in French, anyway images speak for themselves). My previous articles on Reims and its region: Here again my video with the Cathedral of Reims in the background! Read also:
Have a luminous week everyone! Love & Joy, L. |
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