Traveling Disers are lost and adrift somewhere?

[suzannen]

Well after the wildness of last night's revue, I think a nice trip to the Beaune country would be lovely. Will we be having a nice lunch to go with that wine?

And, Karen, still haven't gotten to see to Ave Q, but you'll love The Boy from Oz - Hugh Jackman is wonderful. One of my friends is a "Dresser" for the show and she says he is as nice as can be in real life.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

This is the part of France I think I would be most interested in.

A lunch at some inn or vineyard sounds great right about now.

 

[castlegazer]

OOoooooh, I have been locked out all day.

OK, so I will set us up for dinner instead of lunch in the region.

We will be eating in the town of Pauillac at the Relais and Chateaux rated Cordeillan Bages - the hotel has a 2 star Michellin Rated restaurant. At the heart of the most famous vineyards in the world, lies an old 17th century residence, also considered one of Pauillac's best "bourgeois vineyards". It's 25 rooms offer the most up-to-date comfort in the outbuildings of a beautiful "Chartreuse".

Thierry Marx's talented creations combine the best produce from the Medoc vineyards and estuary, including Pauillac Lamb, shad or game... According to the seasons. He makes it a point of honour to find the best possible combinations of creative cuisine with the most famous Bordeaux wines from his impressive cellar.

A Review: Château Cordeillan Bages: you will be enchanted by the elegant exterior of this XVIIth century château. Its bright, tastefully decorated rooms, and its lounges, adorned with bouquets and old paintings, are also a feast for the eyes. Dine in the garden and savour the exquisite «Agneau de Pauillac» accompanied by one of the thousand bordeaux awaiting you in the cellar. The château, which houses the Ecole de Bordeaux, also offers wine-tasting courses.
The property, which covers about 5 acres, adds to an ideal geographical situation in one of the most famous wine-growing regions of the world, the privilege of having neighbours such Latour, Lafite, Mouton-Rothschild, Pichon-Longueville, Lynch-Bages, Grand Puy Lacoste ....

 

[deadheadbelle]

Thanks castlegazer. I've been locked out too & I am starving.

 

[suzannen]

Originally posted by castlegazer
the privilege of having neighbours such Latour, Lafite, Mouton-Rothschild, Pichon-Longueville, Lynch-Bages, Grand Puy Lacoste ....
[/i]

I've been locked out too, but castlegazer's dinner venue looks lovely. And, the "neighbors" she has listed are some of my faves!

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Man it was tough traveling yesterday, good thing you made it back to the boat since it was docked in the French Riviera, We hopped next Door to Monoco.

Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. In 2001, a major construction project extended the pier used by cruise ships in the main harbor. The principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. The state retains monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.

And then we can head over to Monte Carlo for some fun.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Originally posted by TLinden16

P.S. Suzanne, I'm going to be in NYC this weekend. Going to see Ave. Q and The Boy From Oz.

Karen

PLEASE Blow a kiss or two to Hugh for me!





....have much to catch up on, sorry I haven't played in Paris with y'all.....had a really bad past life there......kind of lost my head!

 

[castlegazer]

Monaco has a colorful and fascinating history filled with barbarians, kings and even a movie star. It is a story of castles, epic battles and untold riches.

The Grimaldi ascent began one night in 1297, when Francois Grimaldi seized the fortress of Monaco form a rival Italian faction. Disguised as a monk, he successfully led a small army into the fortress reclaiming it in the name of the Pope. The legacy of his daring victory is recorded on Monaco's coat of arms, which bears two monks brandishing swords.

Over the next few centuries, Monaco prospered as an important port in major maritime trading routes and as a strategic naval base for European military powers that were constantly vying for control of The Rock.

In 1604, Lord Honore II came to the throne and launched Monaco into its "Great Century". Reflecting upon his accomplishments, he deigned himself worthy of a new title, Prince Honore II. Grimaldi rules have proudly held the title of Prince ever since.

The French revolution took a heavy toll on European royalty, including the Grimaldis. Monaco was annexed by France and members of the Monegasque royal family were imprisoned. The annexation was cut short with the abdication of Napoleon in 1814, however, and all rights of the Grimadis were restored.

In 1861, Monaco relinquished one-half of its territory to France in exchange for cash and independence. On the throne at this time was Prince Charles III. He realized that most of Monaco's natural resources had been lost with the land and something had to be done to reestablish an economic base in the Principality. He decided that the answer was tourism and gambling. In 1863, he established the Societe des Bains de Mer. The company consisted of a handful of hotels, a theater, and a casino, which would soon flourish and become the foundation of the magnificent district of Monte-Carlo.

Prince Rainier III ascended to the throne in 1949 and later caught the world's attention with his storybook marriage to actress Grace Kelly. Today, Monaco still stands as a proud monarchy with H.S.H. Rainier III as its head of state. In 1997, the Grimaldi family celebrated the 700th anniversary of its reign in Monaco.

In 1997, the Principality of Monaco celebrated the 700 year reign of the Grimaldi dynasty. It all began on January 8, 1297 when the Guelf François Grimaldi dressed as a Franciscan monk, seized the fortress protecting the famous rock of Monaco and the port of Hercules.

Surmounting the trials and tribulations of history and throughout the dark periods of foreign domination, the Principality has managed to affirm its identity and preserve its independence throughout the centuries due to the wise guidance of its Princes.


The Grimaldi dynasty has bequeathed Lords and then Princes to the Principality, illustrious in their many domains, who wrote the most enticing pages in the history of Monaco. To cite but a few: Rainier I, General Admiral of France; Honore II, the first Prince of Monaco at the origins of the most important treaties with France; Louis I, Ambassador to the Holy See under Louis XIV; Antoine I, grand patron of the arts; Charles III, founder of Monte-Carlo; Albert I, renowned as the father of oceanography; Louis II, the soldier Prince.

According to the decree of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III, the 700th year celebration was "the living expression of the national unity of the nation", and demonstrated once again the indisputable ties between the reigning family and the Monégasques "whose rich and authentic history will allow the new generation to find a newborn faith for the future". The organizational committee of the 700th anniversary was presided by His Serene Highness Crown Prince Albert.

 

[castlegazer]

oo, this tour sounds like fun!

H.S.H. The Prince of Monaco’s Collection of Cars
Terrasses de Fontvieille | Fontvieille
The visitor will be able to admire some one hundred vintage and veteran motorcars made by some of Europe’s most prestigious firms. From the 1903 De Dion Bouton to the 1986 Lamborghini Countach, as well as the 1929 Bugatti, the Croisière Jaune Citroem Torepdo and the 1952 Rolls Royce, each of these glittering automobiles is perfectly maintained and they tell the story of the XX century motoring history.

Prince’s Palace (Sate Apartments) (www.palais.mc )
Place du Palais | Monaco-Ville
The guardian of a centuries-old tradition, this uniquely located Palace was built on the site of a fortress built by the Genoese in 1215. A visit takes one on a journey through history from the time of the Guelfes and the Gibelins to the Napoleonic period. The outstanding features of the Palace that can be admired such as the Italian-style Gallery running alongside the South facade; the State Apartments; and the sumptuous frescoes by XVI century Genoese artists, the Louis XV Salon, the Salon Bleu, the Throne Room, containing a large Renaissance fireplace, where historic festivals and ceremonies have been held since the XVI century.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Princess Grace Rose Garden
Fontvieille | Fontvieille

On a nearby slope to the Fontvieille Park is the Princess Grace Rose Garden, inaugurated on June 18, 1984 by the Sovereign Prince and his family. It is a quiet spot fragrant with the scent of some 4,000 rose trees, more than 150 varieties of which are the work of leading European and American specialists.

The Princes Palace is the private residence of the ruling Prince but the State Apartments are open for public visits part of the year.

The original fortress and ramparts were built by the Genoese in 1215 and throughout the centuries was transformed into one of the most luxurious residences in the style of Louis XIV. Prince Honore II was responsible for re-assembling the rich collections of art, which had been auctioned off during the French Revolution when the Palace was turned into a hospital for the Italian Army.

However Prince Rainier III is credited restoring the Palace to its former glory and the magnificent state in which it can be seen today.

Beginning at the top of the Hercule Gallery and descending on to the main courtyard is a spectacular double-revolution Carrera marble staircase dating from the 13th century and inspired by a similar staircase at the Chateau of Fontainebleau.

Adorning the gallery walls are frescoes of mythological figures attributed to Francesco Mazzuchelli dating from the 16th century and the Genovese artist Orazio Ferrari in the 17th century. The frescoes in the Palatine chapel in north end of the main courtyard depict the history of Saint Devote, the patron Saint of the Principality. The chapel, built in 1665, is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.

In order to enter the state apartments it is necessary to pass through the Mirror Gallery, which is used for visiting royalty and heads of state.

The dramatic effect of the succeeding mirrors forms an image of a long succession of rooms, an imitation of Versailles. After the Mirror Room or Galerie des Glaces, one enters the Red Room furnished in the style of Louis XV with paintings by Flemish painter Jan Breughel and Mignard and Charles Le Brun.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

I found a little place for lunch :

Restaurant Le Panorama and its terrasse : Under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Bruno Le Bolch, Le Panorama offers guests at Hotel Royal Riviera the finest Mediterranean produce in a refined and elegant atmosphere overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
Guests may also dine in the restaurant's outdoor space, Panorama Terrasse, overlooking the Mediterranean sea and the hotel's pool and garden.

 

[suzannen]

Monaco looks beautiful and Ed, that restaurant looks gorgeous. Hope their food lives up to that scenery.

I always loved Grace Kelly!

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Monte Carlo for dinner and Entertainment toninght

Famous the world over, its fabulous history was linked from the very beginning with that of the Belle Epoque. Its foundations were laid in 1861, in the reign of Charles III, on the isolated plateau of the Spélugues which was to become, five years later, the new town of Monte Carlo. Today it is the main building, the work of the architect Charles Garnier, surmounted by two pinnacles over a glass roof, with a neo-classical facade, opening on the Monte Carlo side on to a vast staircase leading to the entrance hall which lies in front of the Opera hall.

The main building is connected on its left (when seen from the front) to a series of other buildings which house the gaming rooms which are open every day (except 1st May) from midday onwards.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Another day we wake up somewhere else

Good Morning and welcome to Corsica

Corsica is only 180 km away from the french Riviera, but the 2 areas are like night and day.

Riviera is as urbanized as Corsica is wild. Greeks were used to naming it "kalliste", the island of beauty. Today, Corsica is still one of the most charming places of the Mediterranean.

 

[ibouncetoo]

I wonder if we'll run into the "Corsican Brothers" ??????

Must brush up on my Spanish......
......donde esta el quarto de bano?
......espere la luz verde, entonces empuje la puerta, sauvamente.
......yo tengo un dolor de me estomigo


hmmmmmm having trouble remembering how to SPELL in Spanish!






Think I'll go see if Blockbuster has the Gene Wilder/Donald Sutherland movie.....that one cracked me up!

 

[castlegazer]

Corsica, known as 'L'Ile de Beauté' (island of beauty) or a Mountain in Sea, is the most moutainous island of the Mediterranean. It's the third largest island in the Mediterranean, measures 183 km in length and 85 km in width (coast line 1000 km) and is closer to the Italian continent than the French continent (170 km) and almost nose to nose (12 km) to its Italian cousin Sardinia.
Geologists’ agree that the Corsican-Sardinian micro-continent 30 million year ago was part of the French continent (close to the Provence region). This island is a land of incredible landscapes and has a wild, almost pristine environment. The National parks of Corsica protect over a third of the island. Geological upheaval and glaciation over the centuries has created rugged mountain ranges (more than 100 peaks over 2000 m high) and alpine areas, dramatic rocky inlets such as those near Piana, tafoni (cavities) and ornamental rocks. In this abundance of nature water is never far away, with its thermal springs, spectacular waterfalls, natural pools and glacier lakes.
Allmost all of Corsica is covered by mountains with the highest summits NW of Corte (Monte Cinto 2710m). Flatter parts are along the E and S coast.
Corsica is the greenest mediterranean island with more than 2800 trees, plants and flowers of which 120 unique. About 20% of the island is covered by the 'maquis', the typical Corsican vegetation of low bushes. The woods are characterized by the typical Corsican pine-trees (Laricio), chestnut trees and holm oaks. Corsica is famous for the wild pigs which are used to people.
The climate is mediterranean (in the summer warm and dry, avg. 25°C), with N Corsica slightly warmer. Corsica knows various winds depending on type and direction: Tramontane (N, cold, winter), Libeccio (SW, in summer hot and dry, in winter rainy), Grecale (NE, rainy), Mistral / Maestrale (NW, cold, rare), Mezzogiorno (cool breeze, spring), Sirocco (SE, dry and dusty, often followed by thunderstorms). Especially end of summer there there are sometimes thunderstorms! The rain period is from october till december.
Corsica is divided into 2 administrative regions (Departements): la Haute-Corse (with cities of Bastia, Calvi, Corte) and la Corse-du-Sud (Ajaccio, Sartène, Bonifacio)

 

[castlegazer]

REGIONS:
Ajaccio
Pastel-shaded Ajaccio is Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace, the largest town on Corsica and the capital of Corse-du-Sud. In its livelier moments it's slightly reminiscent of Nice on the Côte d'Azur.

You shouldn't expect more of Ajaccio than it can deliver. It's a provincial place with a limited bag of tricks with which to seduce outsiders, and it also has a melancholic (or as the French might say, triste) side. When it comes to celebrating its famous son, Ajaccio is also the king of kitsch; but despite all this, the place is not without its cosmopolitan charms.

Bastia
Bustling, Italianate Bastia is Corsica's main business centre and the capital of the island's northern département. It was founded in 1372, and the town's name is taken from the bastiglia (fortress) that was built to protect its Genoese governors.

Many of the passengers arriving by sea in the busy port of Bastia are heading elsewhere; but travellers are starting to linger, savouring the narrow streets and odd byways of the city, and they're rarely disappointed.


Bonifacio
The fortressed pearl of the far south, Bonifacio is reputed to have been a port of call for Odysseus. It sits, Gibraltar-like, looking out over just 12km (7.5mi) of turquoise water across to the Italian island of Sardinia. The town consists of two main sections: a marina and a Genoese-built citadel.

The citadel's ancient walls and buildings sit 70m (230ft) above the sea and are constructed so as to appear a continuation of the sheer, chalky cliffs on which they're perched.

Cap corse
Cap Corse, on the northernmost tip of the island, is a land of fishing villages and maquis-covered hills, enclosed by a string of Genoese towers.

The cape is dotted with small communities perched precariously in the hills. The western coast, wilder in appearance than the eastern, is undoubtably the more spectacular scenically: the long, narrow, finger-shaped peninsula affords spectacular views of the sea.


Corte
Lying smack in the middle of Corsica, Corte is a potent symbol of Corsican independence. It was the 18th-century capital of Pascal Paoli's short-lived Corsican state and remains the cultural and spiritual heart of the island. A university town, Corte's youthful population makes it the island's youngest, liveliest and least touristy destination. The town is dominated by a partly derelict citadel, the only such fortress in the interior of the island, which towers above the town from a rocky promontory. Also of note is the Genoese-built National Palace, the Musée de la Corse and, of course, the Univerità di Corsica Pasquale Paoli.

Corte is an excellent base for walking. Some of the choicest trails begin about 16km (10mi) south-west of Corte at Bergeries de Grotelle; trails from here lead to a number of glacial lakes. Around Corte the Valée de la Restonica is a highlight: a series of natural gorges and basins offer beautiful swimming spots and there is great hiking. Buses run to a range of destinations, and there are plenty of trains going to Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, Île Rousse and Vizzavona.

 

[castlegazer]

OK, here's one for you ED:

The GR20

Also called Fra I Monti , the GR20 goes from Calenzana, near Calvi to end at Conca in the neighbourhood of Porto Vecchio, going through the Natural Country Park. .

So there are 200 km - entirely marked out - of absolute beauty but which are not devoid of difficulty that the practiced rambler could do in a period of about 15 days, not counting the rest periods in the small private hotels or in the numerous refuges, which are nowadays well equiped and which line the course; and also not counting the periods where you go and stock up in the following places:

The Bavella Pass
The Verde Pass
Ghisoni
Vizzavona (Station)
Vergio
Asco
Considering the particularly sporting character of this ramble " through the mountains" we will say never enough to the rambler to not go alone, to equip himself, to gather information with precision and to arm himself with the Lecture-Guide "Paths of Corsica- GR20".

But the ramblers which are less practiced do not have to be upset! The teams of the National Country Park which ensure the laying-out and the upkeep of the GR20 also have thought about them, by offering them, through its " Country Paths" very beautiful hikes: Alta Rocca, Boziu, Fium'orbo, Niolu, Taravo, Venachese..

 

[castlegazer]

Apparently we are not eating on this island - I am having a lot of trouble coming up with info - so you all can cry and moan to Ed to feed you - Not me! At least I am trying to find something.

 

[deadheadbelle]

You got it sista!

ED, HOW DARE YOU BRING US TO THIS GOD FORSAKEN PLACE THAT DOESN'T HAVE ANY GOOD PLACE TO EAT!?!?!?

How was that?

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Uhm thats why we have a ship with our own private Chef! So when we visit remote places he can cook for us.

Do you think I hired him for his looks?