The Photo stitch application that I have on my computer is a WONDERFUL tool.

The Photo stitch application that I have on my computer is a WONDERFUL tool.  I took these three photos

and merged them in Photostitch and now look at the finished photo!

I just wish I could remember the exact spot in Tuscany WHERE I took these!

A Free Walking Tour of the Ancient Roman Palatine Hill, Rome, Italy

The Palatine Hill is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands above the Forum Romanum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other. According to Roman mythology, the Palatine Hill was the location of the Lupercal cave where Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were found by the she-wolf that kept them alive.

Many affluent Romans of the Republican period had their residences on the hill but it was during the Empire (27 BC-319AD) that the Palatine Hill came into is own as the emperors resided there in the Flavian Palace. This palace, which was extended and modified by several emperors, extends across the entirety of the Palatine Hill and looks out over the Circus Maximus on one side and the Roman Forum on the other, was the primary residence of the Emperors for over 300 years. The English word “Palace” comes from “Palatium” the Latin name for the area.
Built by the Emperor Domitian, who ruled from 81-96 AD, The Flavian Palace is made up of several sections. The best preserved are the Domus Flavia, which was the greeting, reception and public palace of the Emperors, and the Domus Augustana which was the actual home of the Emperors.
Domus Augustana should not be confused with the nearby House of Augustus, which is believed to be the actual home of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. All subsequent Roman emperors were called “Augustus”, a title that lasted for over 300 years, and thus the name is reflected in the designation of Domus Augustana.
The Domus Augustus was built down several stories into the hill on the south slope overlooking the Circus Maximus with a private balcony for which the Emperor could watch the chariot races. One of the benefits for its design is for the geothermal properties creating both, warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer months. Pools were located at the bottom of open-air stairwells to provided light to these lower levels. Currently you are unable to visit the lower levels.
The Palatine Hill Stadium formed part of Domus Augustana. The exact purpose of the Stadium is unknown, with some historians saying it was a private garden and others thinking it was a place for the emperors to exercise their horses.

The House of Livia, also known as Livia’s House or Livia’s Villa, was the home of the third wife of Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire and the mother of its second emperor, Tiberius.
Set on the Palatine Hill, Ancient Rome’s most desirable location, the House of Livia is currently being excavated by the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Roma and so is usually only accessible by prior appointment.
In January 2007 archeologists announced that they had probably found the legendary Lupercal cave beneath the remains of Augustus' residence on the Palatine, the Domus Livia. Archaeologists came across the 16-metre-deep cavity while working to restore the decaying palace. The first photos of the cave show a richly decorated vault encrusted with mosaics and seashells. The Lupercal is not currently open to tourists.

The House of Augustus, was the modest home of Ancient Rome’s first emperor Augustus and contains a vivid collection of frescos. Open to the public since 2008, the House of Augustus has been carefully restored and offers a fascinating insight into the life of Ancient Rome’s elite.

The Palatine Museum (Museo Palatino is located in between the two halves of the Flavian Palace, Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia and houses a collection of finds from the Palatine Hill, with artifacts dating back as far as the Middle Palaeolithic era, though the main exhibits at the Palatine Museum are that of Ancient Rome, particularly between the first and fourth centuries AD, when the Palatine Hill was the best address in the city and home to Rome’s emperors.

Forum Visitor Information
The Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum beneath it, is now a large open-air museum and can be visited on the same ticket as the Colosseum.

Location: Main entrance on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, but there’s another at Via San Gregorio 30.
How to Get There: Colosseo Metro stop, bus lines 60, 75, 85, 87, 95, or 175
Admission Fee: €11 (This is a ticket that covers the Forum, the Colosseum, & Palatine Hill, and it’s good for 48 hours.)
Hours: Daily, 09:00-19:00 (or one hour before dark)

Free Self Guided Diving Map of the Top Dordogne Medieval Villages

This route explores the department of Dordogne in the Aquitaine region of France.

The Driving Route will take you to some of the top medieval Bastide villages and Castles of the 100 Years War in the Dordogne Region of France

During the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) the Dordogne region was the theatre for numerous struggles of possession, influence and occasionally battles between the English and French monarchs and Dukes. As a result there are over 300 bastide towns and castles in the region.

Bastide towns are fortified towns that were built in the 13th century, by both the English and the French, to encourage settlement of areas before the Hundred Years War to lay claim to the surrounding countryside over their enemies. As a result, the towns were created with defense in mind and have a fortified perimeter, a geometric patterned streets around the central market square with narrow alleys between the houses all for aid of defense of the town from attacking forces.

This Self Guided Drive takes in some of the most famous Bastide towns and Castles in the Dordogne. The starting point of this drive is Sarlat (Sarlat-la-Caneda), and continues to Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and finally Beynac-et-Cazenac. Straight driving this route will take about 45min.

Sarlat-la-Caneda possesses one of the highest concentrations of Medieval, Renaissance and 17th century buildings in France, thanks predominately to a conservation law passed in 1964. The town is also famous for one of the best markets in all of France, which takes place every Saturday where the produce of the season is for sale, horses, poultry, foie gras, nuts, truffles and so much more. Another highlight of the town is the Cathedrale Saint Sacerdos. The church was originally part of a 9th century Benedictine abby but over the centuries has been expanded, renovated and rebuilt in a mixture of styles to create a unique structure that not quite Gothic, Renaissance nor Neo-Classical but a mixture of all. During the Hundred Years War the town was loyal to the French crown, which shows in its wealth and quality of its buildings from that time.

Take the D46 southwards and cross the river at Vitrac, to Domme

Domme is a fortified Bastide town that sits upon a rocky hill-top beside the Dordogne River. It saw its hands change side many times during the Hundred Years War, but it still retains many of it defensive structures. To understand these elaborate defenses all you need to do is to take a look at the impressive fortified stone tower gates, Porte des Tours, which guard the main entrance into the town, to see the lengths rulers needed to take to protect their holdings.

Leave going west through Domme on the D46, cross the river and turn left onto D703 to La Roque-Gageac

La Roque-Gageac is an interesting and unique village as it only has one road. The golden-stone houses seem to be built out of the steep cliffs on one side of the road and are reflected in the placid river on the other. The town was built as a port and way-point on the Domme River.

Continue on the D703 and turn left onto D57 direction Catelnaud-la-Chapelle/ Chateau de Castelnaud

Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a town built around the Château de Castelnaud. Chateau de Castelnaud is a 13th century castle, once owned by Richard the Lionheart, who spent much on his life in this area of France protecting his land holdings, inherited from his mother, in the Aquitaine region. The Chateau is a medieval fortress overlooking the Dordogne River. It was erected to face its rival across the river, the Château de Beynac.
During the Hundred Years' War, Chateau Castelnaud owed their allegiance to the English Kings. Today the Château is a museum of medieval warfare, featuring reconstructions of siege engines, amour and weaponry.

Retrace D57 to D703 turn left direction Beynac-et-Cezenac/ Chateau de Beynac

Beynac-et-Cazenac is a fortified village surrounding a precipice upon which is situated the Chateau de Beynac. The castle was built from the 12th century onwards. On one side there is a sheer cliff face which was sufficient to discourage any assault from that side, the remaining defenses were built up on the plateau: and include double crenellated walls, double moats, and double barbican. At the time of the Hundred Years' War, the fortress at Beynac was in French hands. Currently the Chateau is being restored to recreate this medieval time with its great halls, torches and period furniture.

Straight driving this route will only take about 45min but allow yourself the entire day to stop and admire what the towns and castles have to offer you.


Here is the route as shown on Google Maps

The best kept secret in France- the Aquitaine Region in the South West corner of France

Not too long ago, one of our clients made the comment that the Aquitaine is one of the best kept secrets of France. Only for some though, for centuries the Europeans have been visiting this region and it has only been lately that North Americans are beginning to discover it.

The Aquitaine Region has had a turbulent history leaving the region a rich architectural and cultural heritage. From the Médoc to the Pyrenees, the southwest region of France boasts one of the most diverse landscapes in Europe. The Atlantic and the Pyrenees form natural borders for this interesting region, while the rest is made up of the rivers and valleys of the Dordogne. These natural borders have allowed the region to retain its traditional qualities. It is far from provincial here though, for the region boasts its own style and sophistication.

The Aquitaine is the south of France at its best. A region full of beauty, wide open spaces, sports and activities, heritage, interesting towns and cities, sumptuous wines and gastronomy, events and festivals and much more welcome the visitor.

Whatever your interest, the Acquitaine has diverse activities, whether your interests are as an historian exploring the famous prehistoric caves of Lascaux, or medieval towns from the 100 Years War. The charming towns of Sarlat and Domme possess the highest concentration of medieval, Renaissance and 17th century facades of any town in France. Protected by law, the buildings form an open-air museum. As well, Sarlat, is famous for having one of the best markets in France.

The Caves de Lascaux can be found in this region, the most famous of the prehistoric sites.

Gastomics discover wonderful wineries and sophisticated bistros. Food lovers will enjoy the culinary specialties of the region – fois gras, truffles, fresh salads dressed with walnut oil and duck prepared a dozen ways. Wine connoisseurs have reached heaven. The vine has always taken pride of place creating a breathless landscape from Bordeau to Bergerac.

For the sport person, the French call their southwestern coast the Cote d’Agent because of the pristine beaches. Gleaming white beaches stretch for miles, perfect for surfing. As well, the finest golf courses are found in this region, having more than 50 to choose from. Pilgrim paths to Santigo de Compostela dating from the Middle Ages include age-old towns, villages and magnificent landscapes for you to hike and explore.

What is There to See in the Dordogne region of France

The South West corner of France in the Aquitaine encompasses the regions of the Dordogne, Lot and the Midi Pyrenees. Long fought over between the France and the English in the 100 years war the region is full of small, fortified, walled hill top towns and enchanting castles. Home to the wines of Bordeaux, Foie Gras and Truffles the region has become known as one of the cradles of French gastronomy. Adding to this appeal are fruit orchards bursting into bloom in the springtime and autumn sets the wooded landscape ablaze with colour, scattered with prehistoric sites and the Rivers of the Dordogne and Lot flowing through this landscape make a beautiful holiday destination any time of year.

LANDSCAPE
In this well- loved part of France, the river nourishes the region in every way; lush green pastures support numerous traditional farms and bountiful vineyards, while the beautiful scenery it has carved through the limestone plateau is pocketed with thousands of caves and grottoes.
The stretch of the river Dordogne downstream from Souillac to Limeuil is the most beautiful, further downstream the area flattens out into the vineyards of Bergerac. Smaller rivers such as Vezere run into the Dordogne and they, too, have very attractive small valleys. The countryside along the river Lot is more rugged upstream from Cahours, while to the west of the city the valley widens to accommodate vineyards

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
History begins with prehistoric man who established himself in the Vezere valley around Les Eyzies where today you can visit the best examples in the world of cave paintings and artifacts. Many of the grottoes and caves are open to the public.
The Middle Ages saw this region under English rule and as centre-stage for the Hundred Years War 1337-1453, fought between the English and the French for control of this part of France. The legacy that survives is a wonderful collection of fortified castles perched on hilltops such as Beynac, once held by Richard the Lionheart, and Castelnaud, which watch over each other across the valley to this day. There are marvelous, walled fortified ‘bastide’ towns with arcaded squares which cling precariously to the rocky outcrops and are amongst the ‘plus beaux villages du France’,
The traditional architecture of the Perigord is a constant delight: honey- coloured stone, mellow red-tiled
roofs, some still with the traditional stone ‘lauze’ tiles and on the grander buildings many ‘pigeonnier’- pigeon towers and turrets.

FOOD AND WINE
As elsewhere in France, there is plentiful food and drink for the connoisseur in the Dordogne and the region has established a reputation for being one of the cradles of French gastronomy. Here you will find some of the richest and best pates, sometimes with truffles, the famous “confit” (meat cooked in its own fat, usually goose or duck), foie gras, traditional lamb dishes, game in season, marvelous mushrooms, notably “cepes”, black cherry clafoutis, gateaux aux noir and delicious walnut treats, the walnuts themselves and all manner of fruit; cherries, plums, peaches, pears, apricots etc.
The best local wines come from around Bergerac and Chaors in the valley of the Lot. The local sweet dessert wine is from Mantbazillac, south of Bergerac. The Bordeaux vineyards are within drivable distance though allow for a whole day. There are also local “eaux du vie” made from walnuts, hazelnuts, and plums.


THE HIGHLIGHTS OF CITIES AND TOWNS OF THE REGION:
Bordeaux is the fifth largest city in France and has been focused on the wine trade for centuries. In the 18th century the old town of Bordeaux went through a re-development to give the waterfront a classical look. Built during this time is the Grande Theater, with its classical lines, grand staircase and acoustical sound has it considered to be one of the finest in France. The old quarter is also where the fashionable boutiques and cafes of Bordeaux are to be found; as well the Maison du Vin, which gives information on winery tours.

St- Emilion to the wine enthusiast is the mark of a fine red wine, but it is also a medieval village in the middle of the wine growing region where there are many private wineries, which invite you to go for a tour and “le gustation” ( a wine tasting) in their cellars.

Rocamadour was built into the side of the cliffs in the 12th and 13th centuries hanging high over the Alzou canyon . During this time these churches and shrines were one of the most popular places of pilgrimage, where over the last nine hundred years countless pilgrims have ‘climbed’ the 216 steps of the Great Staircase to the holy city on their knees, to pay homage at the mystical shrines housed in the middle of seven outer chapels. The site is still a holy shrine but is also a popular tourist destination and is France’s second most-visited tourist attraction, after Mont St Michel

Condom is the center for Armagnac trade. Armagnac is one of the world’s most expensive brandies of which only a small portion ever leaves the country. It is for sale at many small independent producers in the town.
St-Cirq-Lapopie. Considered one of France’s prettiest villages it has a 15th century church and wooden framed houses built into the cliffs above the river Lot.

Cahors is almost surrounded by the river Lot the town’s landmark sight is the Pont Valentre. This fortified six arched bridge was built in the 14th century, took over 70 years to complete.

Sarlat-la-Caneda possesses one of the highest concentrations of medieval, Renaissance and 17th century buildings in France, thanks predominately to a conservation law passed in 1964. Sarlat is the regional capital and has a wealth of tradition and history, faithfully restored to its seventeenth century magnificence, with, medieval houses and winding streets lit by gas lamps. The town is also famous for one of the best markets in France. It takes place every Saturday where the produce of the season is for sale, horses, poultry, foie gras, nuts, truffles, and much more

The ancient capital of Perigueux is another highlight, rich in monuments, with both Roman and Medieval remains and rich in gastronomy with foie gras and truffels being the local specialties. The town is made up of 3 distinct areas. The Cite, the old Roman town, Le Puy St Front, the medieval quarter surrounding the cathedral and the new modern area. The roman ruins hold a 85ft tower an amphitheatre and the remains of a temple to Vestuna. The medieval quarter began to prosper in the 12th century when Perigueux became a stop for pilgrims travelling the route to Santago de Compostella. The cathedral is a unique design of 5 white domed roofs and is built on a plan of a Greek Cross, an unusual design in France.

Monpazier is possibly one of the finest preserved bastide towns in the area. Founded by Edward I, in 1285 king of England and duke of Aquitaine to claim the area. The town is constructed on a north south axis with east west transverse streets dividing the town into blocks for easy defense. The Place des Cornieres, the town main square, mirrors the towns layout has a covered market with antique weights and measures

Grotte de Lascaux, the world-famous cave art of Lascaux, was created by prehistoric man around 25,000BC, can be found here. Discovered by accident in 1940, it holds prehistoric cave paintings of bulls, deer and other symbols, which cover the ceiling and walls of the cave. The original cave is closed to the public for conservation reasons, but the full sized replica is well worth a visit.

Amongst the most visited is the amazing Crystal Cathedral cave at Proumeyssac (where you can be lowered down into the depth in a basket, if you’re feeling brave,) and the Padirac caves, where you are taken by gondola, along an underground river, amongst glistening stalactites and stalagmites

The History behind wearing the Poppy on Remembrance Day

The tradition of wearing a poppy on Remembrance Day stems directly from the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrea.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrea was a Canadian physician, whom at the time was located at, what is now, the Common Wealth War Graves Essex Farm situated just north of Ypres (Iepre in Flemish), Belgium during the First World War

the field dressing station at Essex Farm

On the 22nd April 1915 the Germans launched the 2nd Battle of Ypres with a gas attack. This was the first time that gas had been used as a weapon.
During the battle McCrae was running a Field Dressing Station on the main road between Ieper and Boezinge. The local farm had been nicknamed Essex Farm and it was this name that was eventually to be given to the cemetery, which had grown up alongside the Dressing Station.
As the battle reached its height with the secondary attacks against the Canadian positions, the Field Dressing Station ended up even closer to the front line.
On the 3rd May 1915 McCrae composed one of the most famous and popular poems to come from the war, in response to the death of his friend the day before.

'In Flanders Fields'

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Essex Farm Cemetery monument to John McCrea

John McCrea died suddenly on January 28th 1918 in France in a British Field Army Hospital from a self-diagnosed case of pneumonia, brought on from chronic asthma and the lingering effects of the German gas attack. He is buried in the Wimereux Communal Cemetery, just south of Calais on the coast of France

In 1918 Moina Michael, an American war secretary with the YMCA, was deeply moved by McCrae's work and it was she who first wore a poppy as act of keeping the faith. Others that she had bought she sold to friends, giving the money to Servicemen in need.
In 1920 Madame Guerin from the French YMCA, inspired by this idea, suggested that artificial poppies should be made and sold to help ex-Servicemen and their dependants.
The idea of mass producing poppies and selling them as a charity was put to Field Marshal Earl Haig in 1921 and he agreed with the idea. Thus the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Day was brought into being and so too for the veterans groups throughout the Commonwealth.

What is the best way for getting around Paris?

The best way to get around Paris and the ile de France is still to take public transport. Paris has a very extensive bus, Metro and RER network.

The metro has a total of 14 different lines with 372 stations. The system has been set up that there is a metro station within 500m regardless of where you are in Paris, and sometimes multiple stations within a few hundred meters. Each metro line is identified by a number, colour and a final destination, so you are able determine which direction you are traveling. Most service runs from 5:30am and the last train leaves between 12:35 and 1am.
A green ticket is valid for use within Paris cost €1.60 or €11.40 for a book of 10 tickets and is valid for a 2 hour period regardless of the number of transfers you make, but you cannot change from the metro to a bus or the RER.

The extensive bus network is also a great way to travel within Paris, though it sometimes can be overlooked by the visitor. Often the bus travels to your destination with one bus versus changing metro trains multiple times. Tickets for the bus can be purchased on the bus from the driver, or you can use the same green ticket that you would use from the metro. Maps of the bus route can be obtained from the Tourist Office or most metro stations.

The RER is the local trains, which serve the immediate outskirts of Paris. In some cases you are able to travel within Paris with a green metro/bus ticket but if you wish to travel outside Paris on the RER you will need a special orange RER ticket. You can purchase these tickets at any RER station before you board the train.

One important factor to note is that to exit any of the RER and metro stations you must use your ticket. If you are caught without a valid green ticket for the metro or a valid orange ticket for the RER you will be unable to exit the station and you can be fine heavily.

If you are staying in Paris for longer you can get a 7 day Metro Pass. You will have to have a passport sized photo in order to be secured to the pass at certain Metro stations only

A new alternative means of transport is the Velib
On July 15, 2007, the city of Paris debuted a new self-service "bicycle transit system" called Velib’ which means “free bike” in French. Parisians and visitors alike are able to pick up and drop off bicycles throughout the city at 750 locations—offering a total of 10,648 bikes. By the end of the year 2007, there will be a Velib’ station approximately every 900 feet for a total of 1,451 locations and 20,600 bikes.
To gain a Velib though you will need a credit card to purchase a velib card at any of the stands. You can then select a one-day card for 1 euro, a weekly card for 5 euros or an annual one for 29 euros.
The card will then allow you to access the bicycles. On any card you are allowed to ride for the first half-hour for free. An additional half-hour is charged a supplement of 1 euro, 2 euros for another 30-minutes and 4 euros for every addition half-hour after that. Example: a 25 minute trip = 0 euros, a 50 minute trip = 1 euro, an hour and 15-minute ride = 3 euros.
Each Velib’ parking station will be equipped with muni-meters to purchase the velib passes and to pay any additional charges once the bike is dropped off. The Velib’ meters will also provide information on other station locations.
For more information about the specific locations of the Velib’ stations visit: http://www.velib.paris.fr/les_stations/trouver_une_station (French language only)