Today I am super excited to share photographs taken by my dear friend Diana.
I'm sure most of you remember the post I shared back in February about how Diana lost her husband, Buddy, of 42 years on December 23rd, 2022 to cancer.
To say the least, it's been incredibly challenging for her and her son, Nico, adjusting to the loss in their lives. But I wanted to let you know they are both doing well and moving forward. That's one of the many things I admire about Diana - her resiliency. She has always been able to take whatever life presents to her; embrace it and grow with a deeper understanding.
After all that Diana has been through these past seven months, I was so happy to hear that she had won a contest at work, in which she and several other ladies were flown to Paris, France (all expenses paid) for five days. She deserved to fly off to a magical place like Paris, where she could have time just for herself and have fun. I couldn't wait until Diana got back to the States so she could tell me all about it. A week after she returned home, we made a phone date one night, while sipping glasses of red wine and talking for HOURS. Without exaggeration, Diana and I can talk for 3-4 hours which feels more like 30 minutes.
One of the things Diana shared with me was how friendly the French were. This surprised me because I've heard from many people who visited France that the French could be very rude if you didn't speak the language and were not particularly fond of Americans. In a way, I understood because I've been to a few places in Europe and have witnessed (in restaurants) Americans who expected the same kind of service and food as it is in America, forgetting that they were in a foreign country and NOT America.
So without further ado, let's take a pictorial trip to Paris, France, where everything looks so deliciously fabulous and special...
Chateau de Vaux-Le-Vicomte - this castle is located in the middle of the country side in the village of Maincy...
Exteriors...
Interiors...
And of course, what does one do while in Paris? SHOP!
Here are some photos of Diana and her friends on the day they went shopping...
Galeries Lafayette is the largest upmarket dept. store chain in the world. Founded in 1894! (Diana is far right in the right-side photo below)...
Look at this gorgeous ceiling! And notice the legs in the ribbon...
Diana said that the French food and wine were incredible.
C'est délicieux!
And more food...
And what better way to conclude a post about Paris than a view of the Eiffel Tower...
Thank you for taking this tour of France, everyone! Hope you enjoyed. And thank you, Diana, for sharing your photos...💕
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Ron, Diana's photographs are stunning! Paris, France is a place I have always wanted to visit. I've been to other countries, but never France. And I NEED to get my ass there because I have a feeling I'm going to fall in love with it. All the romantic movies that I truly love take place in France. I too have heard that the French are not too fond of Americans. So, I'm happy to read that Diana found them friendly and welcoming.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading the post you shared back in February, and am so glad to know Diana and her son are doing well. I don't even know her yet, I'm beyond happy that she got to go to Paris and have time for herself and some fun!
The photos of castle are incredible! Looking at them, I felt as though I was stepping back in time.
Thank you for sharing, Ron. Lovely post!
Good morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteOMG, yes!!!! I have seen the movie 'French Kiss' and freaking LOVED it! In fact, I own the DVD and rewatch it every year. What a great film. Romantic AND funny!
I've never been to France either. But it's a place I've always been drawn to. Particularly the history.
I was soooooooooooooooo happy that Diana won this trip! She so deserved to get away and enjoy herself, AND have fun!
The photos of the castle are my favorites. Aren't they stunning!
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Candice. Have a great rest of your day and week!
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Magnifique, Ron! I can't tell how much I enjoyed this post and Diana's photographs because it's been years since I visited France. I took French in high school and when I was a senior, our class took a trip to Paris, France. What an experience! Especially being so young and experiencing another country. Since then, I've been back twice. I always found the French friendly as well. Like you said, Americans can be rather rude themselves, expecting things to be as they are here. God, how I love the food. And wine! That's what I enjoy about the French (and the Italians), they eat and drink with PASSION. LOL!
ReplyDeleteThese photographs are gorgeous! I've been to the Chateau de Vaux Le Vicomte the last time I visited. Seeing the photos brought back memories of just how exquisite it is.
I'm so glad your friend Diana won this trip. YAY! And that she was able to get away and enjoy herself in such a special place like France!
Merci beaucoup, Ron!
Morning, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed this post AND Diana's photographs. Aren't they gorgeous? She emailed them to me over a period of about a week and it was so hard to choose which ones I wanted to use because they were ALL so beautiful!''
"I visited France. I took French in high school and when I was a senior, our class took a trip to Paris, France. What an experience!"
Oh how AWESOME! And I bet it was an incredible experience! I think traveling is the most educational experiences to give yourself because you learn so much. And the experiences stay with you forever. I took Italian in high school. I took it for two years, but unfortunately forgot how to speak it because I didn't use it much after school.
"I've been to the Chateau de Vaux Le Vicomte the last time I visited. Seeing the photos brought back memories of just how exquisite it is."
You were there? How fabulous! Those are actually my favorite photos. The architecture (both inside and outside) is incredible. You can FEEL the history!
Me too. I was so happy for Diana. And she deserved it too!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. And thanks for sharing your experience!
Merci beaucoup!
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Ron, wanted to share that I too have seen "French Kiss" and really enjoyed it. Meg and Kevin had the perfect blend of repulsion and attraction as the characters. His French accent was so good too!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Daniel, they had the perfect blend! The scene in the airplane (when they first meet) is one of my faves. Yes....Kevin's accent was fantabulous!
ReplyDeleteRon, these photos are (in your favorite word) faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous! That ceiling in the department store looks like the ceiling in a cathedral. It's gorgeous! And those legs!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been to Italy, but not France. Hubby and I both have it on our bucket list of countries to visit. Ireland as well. Being that Europe is older than America, I am so drawn to it's rich history. And you're right, you can literally FEEL it in the architecture.
The interior shots of that castle are mindblowing. The details are incredible. Reminds me of the time period (18th century) in the movie, "Amadeus". I love that period!
And oh, to have the opportunity to shop in Paris!!!! I mean, not that I could afford any of it. LOL! But just the simple act of shopping would make me feel RICH and FRENCH! And OMG, the photos of the food and wine are like works of art. The presentation is what makes them even more appetizing.
So glad Diana was given this opportunity. Bless her! And thank YOU for sharing with us, sir. What a joy! xo
Hey there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't that ceiling phenomenal?!?! And you are spot on, it DOES look like the ceiling in a cathedral!
Meeeeeeee too! I've always wanted to visit France. And also Ireland. And also Scotland. True, being that Europe is older than us, they have all that rich old history!
"The interior/exterior shots of that castle are mind-blowing. The details are incredible. Reminds me of the time period (18th century) in the movie, "Amadeus". I love that period!"
OMG, do you know what's funny? When I first saw those photographs, I thought the same thing! I immediately thought of the movie 'Amadeus', which I loved, btw. Same time period.
"And OMG, the photos of the food and wine are like works of art. The presentation is what makes them even more appetizing."
TOTALLY agree! The presentation is what makes the food and wine look all the more deeeeeeeelicious. It was that way in Japan too. The restaurants do such beautiful presentations that you don't even want to eat it because you'll disturb it. LOL!!
Me as well, I was BEYOND happy for Diana!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific Tuesday and rest of your week!
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Ron, thank you for not only sharing these beautiful photos, but also the links to the various locations. Later tonight, when I have more time, I will investigate them in more detail. I love reading about places I've never been.
ReplyDeleteAs others here have said, my favorites are the ones of the castle. God, they are magnificent and so GRAND!
France, as well as Spain and Austria are on my list of places to visit. I love Europe.
Congrats to Diana for winning the trip at work! So happy for her! And I wish her and her son all the best.
Greetings, Abby!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome. I too enjoy investigating places I've never been, which is why I like to share the location links. Over the past week, I visited them all myself and found them fascinating. Particularly the one about the history and construction of the Eiffel Tower.
I'm with you, the ones of the castle are my favorites.
Austria is a country I'm attracted to as well. So many talented music composers were born there. I've only been to Amsterdam and Brussels. I was there one summer, doing some musical theater.
Thanks for your congrats and well wishes to Diana! I'm so happy that she had this opportunity.
And thanks for stopping by! Have a great rest of your week!
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Thank you so much for sharing Diana's trip with us! I'm so happy for her!!
ReplyDeleteShe takes beautiful photographs. Every single one appeared to have been professionally photographed. I felt like I was right there with her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Give your friend a hug from me. 😘💕
Hellooooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being happy for her because she so deserved this fun trip. I was so excited when I heard she had won the contest!!!
" Every single one appeared to have been professionally photographed. I felt like I was right there with her."
Yes, I thought the same thing! In fact, I texted her this morning to let her know I published her photographs today and was so proud to share them on my blog because they are A-MAZING!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Tuesday, and have a great rest of your week!
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Well, first of all, I’m SO glad to hear that Diana and Nico are doing well. What a well deserved trip for her. Was she worried about leaving Nico and being so far away? That’s part of the reason my husband and I have never ventured to Europe. I took French for 7 years and have always wanted to see Paris! I’m glad I can live vicariously through these lovely pictures . . .
ReplyDeleteThat chateau is tremendous! The tall statues along* the fence are so unusual. I wonder if they represent the original owners? The gardens are beautiful, but you can’t eat those interiors. I wonder how the customer service is at Le Bon Marche?LOL! But my fave picture might be the first with the flowers along that cotton candy striped awning. So very Paris!
I love that you shared these photos with us, Ron! I’m still planning to share my son’s photos of Japan one of these days. Cheers! XO
Okay Ron, I want to LIVE in that castle! Do you believe in reincarnation? I do. And I believe that I lived during that time period when architecture looked like that. Anytime I see a photo or a movie/documentary on the 18th Century, I know that I lived them because I can feel it in my soul. You think I'm crazy, right?
ReplyDeleteThese photos are so stunning! I scrolled up and down this post several times to revisit them because I felt like I couldn't get enough of them. The ones of the castle are breathtaking.
The pictures of the food are gorgeous too. Yummy! How wonderful that your friend Diana had this opportunity. And I bet she had such a great time. Those shopping stores are like, WOW! The legs in the ribbon is so cool!
Oh, I wish I could have been there with your friend. France is at the top of my list for visits. Before the pandemic, I was organizing a trip to Paris for my best friend and myself. We both have always loved all things French (such as CHANEL!!!) LOL!
Thank you dear man, for sharing this with us. Not only did I enjoyed it. But I GUSHED over it! And I'm going to email this post to my bestie. She's going to love it!
Have a wonderful week! xoxo
Hola, Denise!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I KNEW, KNEW, KNEW you would love this post because I know how much you love Chanel!!!!
And yes, I DO, DO, DO believe in reincarnation. So no, I don't think you're crazy at all. In fact, don't you remember the post I shared a while back about my experience in Japan and how I felt like I had lived there before? Yup! I TOTALLY believe in reincarnation!
The ones of the castle are my faves as well. That castle looks as though it was a film locations for some 18th Century movie, doesn't it? I could just see people walking through the grounds in 18th century clothing.
Isn't that ceiling phenomenal? Such amazing detail in the architecture!
Me too, I am so happy that Diana had this opportunity. She had a great time! And those five days flew by fast.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Glad you enjoyed. I knew you would! Have a great rest of your week.
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Oh thank you, my friend! I will let her know the next time we talk you said that. And yes, I agree, a well deserved trip for her. And she had such a great time too. But those five days flew by fast.
ReplyDeleteNo, she wasn't worried leaving Nico because he was in excellent/loving care with family members, who Nico feels very comfortable with. And he was great when she got back to the States.
"I took French for 7 years and have always wanted to see Paris! I’m glad I can live vicariously through these lovely pictures . . ."
You took, French? How fabulous is that! And for SEVEN years! That's incredible!
Aren't the photos of the Chateau freaking AMAZING? God, they don't even look REAL. It looks like a movie set that was created for a period movie. I know, aren't the interiors INCREDIBLE?
".....my fave picture might be the first with the flowers along that cotton candy striped awning. So very Paris!"
Yes, you got that right..........sooooooooooooooo very French! I would love to sit outside and have a coffee with a chocolate croissant!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a superb week! It's hotter than hell here. UGH!
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And yes, can't wait to see your son's photos of Japan!!!
LOVED that scene, Ron! And my other favorite was the one when she say's "My ass is twitching, you people make my ass twitch!" LOL!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBwhahahahahahahahahahaha! That scene is HYSTERICAL! Now you have me wanting to watch that movie again. And I may do that tomorrow night!
ReplyDeleteOMG thank you my dear friend for blogging about me and my trip to Paris. It was the trip of a lifetime and I’m so grateful to have had that experience.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for your well wishes and for loving my pictures. Such a beautiful gesture coming from strangers. It meant a lot to me❤️
By the way the “legs with the red ribbon” is actually an add for Christian Louboutin (shoe designer) known for his luxury shoes with the iconic “red soles” ðŸ‘
Mercy my friend 🥰
OMG thank you my dear friend for blogging about me and my trip to Paris. It was the trip of a lifetime and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to experience it.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for your well wishes and for loving my photos. Such a beautiful gesture coming from strangers❤️It meant a lot to me.
By the way the “red ribbon with the legs” is an add for Christian Louboutin (shoe designer) known for his luxury shoes with the iconic red soles.
Have a great week everyone.
❤️❤️❤️
Ron, I've been to France many times (my favorite), so this post and your friends photographs brought back a lot of wonderful memories - the food, the wine, the museums, and the overall landscape. France is a country in which I immediately felt akin. I love the city of Paris, especially at night. It's magical!
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy that Diana got this opportunity! Wishing her all the very best!
Thank you for sharing, Ron!
Hello dearest, Diana!
ReplyDeleteI was soooooooooo excited to share your gorgeous photos and trip to Paris! And thank YOU for allowing me to share them. I was honored! As you can tell, everyone LOVED them!
"By the way the “legs with the red ribbon” is actually an add for Christian Louboutin (shoe designer) known for his luxury shoes with the iconic “red soles” 👠"
Thanks for sharing! How cool is that! It's such a genius ad! So creative!
Mercy, my friend!
P. S. Love to Nico!
Hey there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that Diana's photos brought back wonderful memories for you!
" France is a country in which I immediately felt akin. I love the city of Paris, especially at night. It's magical!"
That's awesome! To me, Paris seems so romantic. Like in movies! It also reminds me of Sex and the City, when Carrie goes to Paris!
Thanks so much for stopping by. And thanks for the well wishes!
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I do remember reading that post, Ron. How sad, but, also I'm happy to hear that they are ok and doing their best to continue on. It's so nice to know that Diana got to go on such a wonderful trip!!! Wow, Paris! I think a family member told me one time it was her favorite city of all the places she's visited. Must have been an amazing experience. The closest I'll probably get is thru movies... Midnight in Paris, French Kiss, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, etc. etc.
ReplyDeleteIn another universe, I have a chateau and am a duchess!! haha!
Thanks for sharing these photos! All so nice. I'm happy for her. xo M
Helloooooooooo there, Mary!
ReplyDelete"...I'm happy to hear that they are ok and doing their best to continue on. It's so nice to know that Diana got to go on such a wonderful trip!!! Wow, Paris! "
Thank you, and yes, I feel the same. I was so happy that she got to take this trip. She so deserved it after all she's been through both last year and this year.
"Midnight in Paris, French Kiss, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, etc. etc."
YES to those movies! I've seen them all and freaking loved them! And it's funny you mentioned 'Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris' because I watched that for second time, last night. God how I loved that film! And I liked it more than the original with Angela Lansbury. The new version seemed more magical!
"In another universe, I have a chateau and am a duchess!! haha!"
CRACKED. ME. UP.!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your sweet, kind words to Diana!
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What a wonderful contest win, and what gorgeous photos -- thank you, Diana, for sharing! And Ron, you're blessed to have found such a good friend. Many people never find a friend they can talk for hours at a time with -- both your lives are richer for this relationship!
ReplyDeleteI love how the French decorate their buildings (like in the first photo) with flowers! So festive. And wouldn't it be grand to walk through a castle like that? Everything looks so *old* compared to my neck-of-the-woods, and the architecture is fabulous.
I've never been to France (never particularly wanted to, actually, because I, too, have heard the French don't much like Americans), but Diana's photos make it look way more appealing. And who'd turn down the offer of an all-expense-paid five-day trip?!? Super post; have a great weekend! xx
Helloooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"And Ron, you're blessed to have found such a good friend. Many people never find a friend they can talk for hours at a time with -- both your lives are richer for this relationship!"
Thank you! And I sure am blessed to have Diana as my friend. We've known each other for 28 years. We met at work in 1995 and instantly hit it off. We've been there for each other through every up and down in our lives. You don't meet friends like that too often.
"I love how the French decorate their buildings (like in the first photo) with flowers! "
I know, right? That first photo is soooooooooooo French! I love the pink flowers!
OMG, yes, I would LOVE to walk through that castle. And even spend the night in one of the bedrooms!
Yes, I was surprised by her saying that they were friendly because I've heard (many times) how rude and cold they could be to Americans. And not just Americans, anyone outside of France. But I'm so happy she had a wonderful experience!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a GREAT weekend too! It's been so hot and humid here. Can't wait for summer to be over!
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Sorry I'm late to the party, Ron! My girlfriend and I just got back from a vacay (this morning) and we're both catching up on emails, texts, and reading blog posts. Well, looking at these GLORIOUS photographs, I can tell you that we didn't have nearly as a dramatic time as your friend Diana did. LOL! No joke, these images are incredible! My girlfriend is a graphic artist and wanted me to tell you (and your friend) that these pictures are like something you would see out of magazine. SO professional!
ReplyDeleteWe both loved the first photo (the cafe with the pink flowers) because it's what we imagine a cafe in Paris to look like. And the ones of the castle are truly breathtaking. Damn, that place looks so big!
I love America, don't get me wrong, but European countries (particularly their cities) look like they all tell a story from their past. There is something about their "history" that lives on within the streets and architecture. You can FEEL it.
Thanks so much for sharing, dude. And I am so happy Diana had this amazing opportunity. Cheers!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteNo worries, you're never late. You're right on time. And I hope you and your girlfriend had a terrific time on your vacation!
Aren't the photographs FANTABULOUS? Yes the do. They DO look so professional!
I love that cafe photo too! It's the pink that makes it POP! Plus, it's a charming Parisian feel to it, you're right!
I know, isn't that castle phenomenal? It's HUGE, both inside and out. I love the grounds surrounding it. They are so well-groomed and taken care of.
"I love America, don't get me wrong, but European countries (particularly their cities) look like they all tell a story from their past. There is something about their "history" that lives on within the streets and architecture. You can FEEL it."
I agree! I've only been to a few European countries (and cities), and they all had that deep "historical" feel to them. Almost like you had traveled backwards in time. I love history!
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by after your vacation, Matt! Appreciate that!
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So sorry to read about Diana's loss, but glad that she was able to enjoy such a wonderful adventure with friends. I have not been to Paris in over 50 years and seeing the city through these photos makes me want to return because I hardly remember that first visit. Candice mentioned the film, French Kiss, which has special meaning for us and we watch it every year on our anniversary, which coincidentally was this week (8/21). The photos of the castles and that department store were wonderful, but the castle was my favorite as we've just returned from seeing Newport, RI, mansions. it's not exactly the same, but still magnificent!
ReplyDeleteHelloooooooooooo there, D!
ReplyDeleteDiana has been through a lot this past year, so I was BEYOND happy that this FREE trip came up for her! She so deserved it.
"I have not been to Paris in over 50 years and seeing the city through these photos makes me want to return because I hardly remember that first visit."
So, you've been to Paris? How AWESOME is that! I've never been to Paris, but to Amsterdam and Brussels waaaaay back in the late 70s. I want to visit Italy, Ireland, and Spain. And also Austria.
"French Kiss, which has special meaning for us and we watch it every year on our anniversary, which coincidentally was this week (8/21)."
What a PERFECT movie to watch on your anniversary! It's one of my favorite Meg Ryan movies. And I didn't see it until after it came out on DVD.
Yes, isn't the castle (outside and inside) glorious? It looks like a movie set to me because it's so perfect!
Thanks so much for stopping by, D! And Happy Belated Anniversary to you and your husband!!!!
Have a great week!
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