To The Moon Alice: 'July 2009

I interrupt 'Le Tour' to bring you the July edition of 'To The Moon Alice'.

As usual the Full Moon is having it's fun causing havoc in the universe. The July moon is also known as the 'Thunder Moon' or the 'Hay Moon'. I think it should also be called the 'Let's see how many hours you can work in one day' Moon.

Basilica di Sant'Antonio – Padua, Italia

[Taken by me during my 1996 vacation in Italy]

On my last trip to Italy I spent a few days in Venice and was blessed to be given a local tour by a friend who lives in Padua. This photo was taken from his terrace which overlooks the rooftop of Saint Antonio Basilica [Patron Saint for Lost Causes]. How lucky for me to be there during a Full Moon. You know I could not get to see inside the basilica as I was not dressed appropriately! [fair enough]. Even the Saint for Lost Causes couldn't intervene here!

And lyrics contributed by sweet Jacqueline [from Home]

Mr. Moonlight come again please,

Here I am on my knees,

Begging if you please,

And the night you don't come my way,

I pray and pray more each day,

'Cause we love you,

Mr, Moonlight.

The Beatles

We'll be back to 'Le Tour' soon!

LE TOUR 2009: Cote D’Azur

[Stage 2] The French Riviera

STILL WITH US? Fabulous …

Leaving Monaco we travel into France and tour along the French Riviera. Stage 2 of the ‘official tour’ takes in Nice and Grasse before moving inland, therefore sadly, bypassing Cannes and St Tropez. But hey, this is my tour … so I say LET’S GO!!

The French Riviera is the playground of the rich and famous, perfectly suited to host the Cannes Film Festival where ‘anyone who is anyone’ comes to see, and be seen. I have seen Cannes and Nice, yet only briefly. Like Monaco, it was a whirlwind event, yet I still managed to sun myself a lovely shade of raspberry. I also discovered that Australian white sand beats Riviera rocks hands down [tough on tootsies] and ... no matter how hard you try, it is near impossible to sink in the Mediterranean sea!

What do YOU think of when thinking of the Cote D’Azur ? What images come to mind?

Today’s post is a mind-map of the ideas & imagery this region provokes.

BLACK & White Stripes

ON … awnings, deckchairs & fresh summer attire!!

MODELS

& starlets

& the ubiquitous paparazzi that follow

AZURE oceans

Style & Beauty

[B&W archival images – LIFE.com]

[Posters Art.com & others google image search]

Where does your mind wander ?

And now it’s time to go ...

Back To The Boys

[after all the poor little petals are working hard to bring us this tour]

Standings After Stage 2

[source: archive image & standings]

Still enjoying ‘Le Tour’ ?

Stage 3 leads us into Provence with Stage 4 a rest day [or at least a non-travel day in Montpellier. Feel free to venture out and sightsee solo].

I however, have a previous commitment with a Full Moon. I’ll be posting my regular ‘To The Moon Alice’ post, which celebrates the wonders of this Luna event. Then hopefully we’ll be back to ‘Le Tour’ later in the week. Don’t worry, I won’t miss bringing you Provence!!

And … just in case you missed a Stage, below are links to previous posts in this series.

‘Le Tour’ Post Archives:

04-07-2009: [L'histoire] And So It Begins

05-07-2009: [Stage 1] Monaco Style & Grace

06-07-2009: [Stage 2] The French Riviera

LE TOUR 2009: Monaco Style & Grace

[Stage 1] Le Grand Depart

Stage 1 of ‘Le Tour de France’ commenced in Monaco this year. Home of the late ‘Princess Grace’, the Monte Carlo Grand Prix and beautiful cliff-side vistas. This tiny principality evokes images of style and grandeur, casinos, million dollar yachts and million dollar views!

Here is a kaleidoscope of images I have collected for you to enjoy. A few ‘Postcards’ representing Monaco!

I was fortunate enough to spend a day in Monaco back in 1993. Not time enough to truly take in this tiny, yet pretty principality. I remember two things only; going to the casino [non eventful], and taking a stroll through the side streets leading to the harbour. We came across a ‘hole in the wall’ cafe and stopped for refreshment of the body and spirit!! I always prefer these travel moments, more than the normal touristy agenda.

IMAGES: [these are not my travel pics, just some lovely images I found on google. The black & whites are from LIFE Magazine Archival Images]

and

back to the boys on tour

after all it is their show

Standings After Stage 1

[source: archive image & standings]

If you enjoyed this stage, I hope you come back for more. The next stage takes us to the French Rivieria and along to Brignoles in southern France. And just in case you want more, below are links to previous posts in this series.

‘Le Tour’ Post Archives:

04-07-2009: [L'histoire] And So It Begins

05-07-2009: [Stage 1] Monaco Style & Grace