Monday, March 24, 2008

Back to the U.S.A.




Hello Everyone!

Flat Stanley said he had a WONDERFUL time traveling around Paris and hopes he can come back again, one day! He is off, and headed back to sunny California now. I hope he has a safe trip back to you! I truly enjoyed having Flat Stanley as a guest here and I am sure he will have lots to tell you when he gets home. Take care and thanks again for sending Flat Stanley to visit... Take care! Leesa

Happy Easter!



Easter in France is a time of chocolate! Chocolate is EVERYWHERE!

Some houses in the Paris suburbs...





Here are some types styles of houses you may find,

Yellow Forsythias





"After a long, drab winter, most gardeners anxiously await the arrival of spring. One sure sign that spring has truly arrived is the bright yellow flowers of the forsythia. Named after William Forsyth, an 18th century Scottish horticulturist, the forsythia is a deciduous shrub that is native to China, Korea and Europe." Richard Jauron, Horticulture Specialist at the Iowa State University Extension

Pretty Spring Flowers!








Hyacinths,tulips,daffodils,and narcisses are different types of spring flowers you can find here in France. Some flowers that are very popular are also the poppy, pansy, and primrose. Flowers are in bloom everywhere. It's very beautiful and colorful!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

St. Germain des Pres/Latin Quarter






Here are some sights in the famous Latin Quarter, including the Shakespeare bookstore and the fountain on the Place de St. Michel.

Notre Dame






Once again, here is the famous church, Notre Dame.

Hotel de Ville, Paris





This is the big Town Hall in Paris, located on the rue Rivoli. There are often different expositions held in front of this Town Hall.

A lovely view of the Seine...





The Palace of Jusitce....

With a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower in the background!



The Palm Fountain in the Place du Chatelet

The metro stop at Chatelet, located on this grand plaza with the famous fountain pictured below!




Some history about the fountain in the Place du Chatelet (Chatelet Plaza):
The square owes its name to an ancient fortress, the Grand Châtelet, built for defending the Pont au Change bridge which it overlooked, but it was then destroyed under the rule of Napoleon I. The square's present aspect, however, is due to Napoleon III. In the centre, there is La Fontaine du Palmier ("The Palm-Tree Fountain") and a column. The fountain is decorated with sphinxes and statues, The column and base of the fountain date back to 1808, while the sphinxes and statues were added later, in 1958.