Paris and London Birthday Trip - To London Jazz Night

 Day 5 - Travel to London by way of the Chunnel - Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

We departed from the Gare du Nord train station.  The train ride was about 2.5 hours to London. Upon arrival, we enjoyed a tour of London.  The highlights were all the notable places there: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Elizabeth's Tower,  Parliament Square, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Harrods store, and fashionable Kensington.  

Once at our hotel, we were off to Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club for some wonderful music and a delicious meal.  Sorry we would not allowed to take any pictures once the band begin to play.

Paris and London Birthday Trip - Black Paris Tour

 

Day 4 - Black Paris  Full Day Tour

For my first visit to Paris, I wanted to learn something about the culture of the people, especially those who came from Africa and America.

Some African Americans relocated to Paris seeking a better quality of life and basic human rights, which were denied in the USA. Josephine Baker and James Baldwin were two who made France their home. There are honorariums made to many for their extraordinary accomplishments. But before they came there were others who influenced and help shape France for what it is today.

The Black Paris tour was conducted my Ms. Ricki Stevenson and her team. More information about their services is here.  

We learned so much about the history of Paris. It was an enriching experience that gave me an elevated perspective of the people and culture of the country called France.

I’ll just give a few highlights here. There is so much to learn and know about Black Paris. Certainly, one post couldn't tell the story.

he Pantheon, France's national mausoleum of heroes.

Ms. Josephine Baker was inducted into the Pantheon, France's national mausoleum of heroes.  She is the first Black woman, the first American, and the first entertainer to be honored. Her body is buried in Monaco. During the ceremony. a casket with soil from St. Louis, Missouri, Paris, and Monaco was carried by the air force in her honor. She received many honors for her contributions to World War II. Ms. Baker also spoke during the March on Washington.

La Mulatresse Solitude lead a revolt against slavery in Paris, while she was eight months pregnant. She was captured.  Then, she was executed after she gave birth to her child. This statue was erected in her honor.

Alexandre Dumas, a prolific writer and son of General Thomas Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie. Mr. Dumas has a great body of work that includes: "The Count of Monte Christo", "The Three Musketeers ", and "Twenty Years After."

This statue depicts his image seated at the top. Just below his image from the front view, there are three people who appear to be enjoying his novel. In those days women were not allowed to read books that were full of intrigue and action. The man on the right is a teacher. And finally, the man on the left, poor, no shoes and probably no access to books. But all are enjoying the literary works of Alexandre Dumas.

Now, on the back of the statue sits D'artganan of "The Three Musketeers".  D'artagnan's character was said to be Black/African. 

About half-way through our tour, we came to "Little Africa", where many of the people were originally from various African countries.  They had their own marketplace and other businesses.  Commerce was exchange within their community several times before it left their community.  We had a late lunch at a family-owned West African restaurant. The food was delicious. 

So, if you're ever in Paris, France, this is a great tour to take during your visit.

More Later,

C

Paris and London Birthday Trip - La Galerie Dior

Day 2 - Minutes after we arrived at our hotel, we set out to see the spectacular Christian Dior collection at La Galerie Dior. The exhibit was massive. There are so many beautiful things to see. These are only a few things that I was able to remember to take a picture of. It included everything from hats, shoes, perfume, gowns, and much, much more. It was all inspiring and captivating.

I loved every moment of it. It would have been very easy for me to "linger" well beyond my welcome. Lol 

If you plan to visit La Galerie Dior, make your reservation before coming to Paris. The tickets are by appointment. There is a steady stream of guests waiting to get in. We arrived early but still had to wait until our appointed time. Tickets are under 16 Euros. Go to their website to reserve your visit.

Thanks,

C

Updates

At the Mona Lisa in Los Cabos, Mexico

I didn't want another day to go by without posting something on my blog. We are in desperate times.  The world is suffering from the corona virus pandemic.  Cases of the disease are rapidly rising across the USA now.  Many states are on lock down, Illinois included.  This is a time that we NEED to be UNIFIED, compassionate, patient, supportive, and hopeful.  More importantly, we need to remain prayerful.

When I returned home from vacation on the 14th, I was not feeling my best.  I just thought I was tired.  But after a few days, I developed a low grade fever, congestion, a dry cough and sore throat.  Common symptoms to the corona virus.  So I was quarantined for 14 days with a promises of being checked up on by my doctor and a date to be tested for the corona virus.  Well, this is day ten of my quarantine.  My symptoms have definitely lessen.  On Monday, my doctor prescribed a Z-pack antibiotic to further help with my recovery.   Unable to leave home, I have depended on my daughter, who is a healthcare worker to do any shopping that is needed for my household.  It has been a challenge to secure basic necessities.  People are still hoarding goods and making it impossible for others to get what they need.  This is incredible.

I digress..,

In the mist of it all, I've been able to do a few things for myself and around the house.  Like taking care of my own personal hygiene and disinfecting areas where I had been.   Most of the time, I could get my own meals, not much cooking though.  I've spent most of the time in bed watching TV, texting, talking on the phone, on Instagram, on Facebook, reading, and thinking about sewing something.

It wasn't until Monday of this week that I was able to sew a little.  I made a dress and two tops.  Being in my studio a few hours per day, gave my an opportunity to survey some of the UFO's I managed to accumulate.  As I forge through my bags of projects, I thought about the Instagram Sewing Community making masks for their families and healthcare groups.  I want to do something useful too.  So today I decided to pull out some cotton fabric to try my hand at making a few.


Also, my thoughts have been on blogging and the lack there of these days.  I'm more incline to post on Instagram.  It's quick and easy.  At the same time recognizing that it is not the best platform to share all the details.  More and more, people are using Instagram and videos instead of blogs.  Ideally, I hope to find a balance.  Because I don't want my blog to die. 

There are several March projects I need to publish.  To name a few:  my black herringbone coat;  the orange and white Butterick dress, B6680; and the cream, black, and sand face Butterick 6674 dress. I hope you will continue to read my blog and share any comments that you like.  It's great to share and to journal my journey. 

In this time of crisis, stay well and busy.  We all must make the best of it and do what we can to help others.  No matter how large or small the deed, everything counts.  Be blessed and be well.

I decided to include a few pictures from my vacation.  It was a happy time for all that went to Los Cabos.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Trinity Church in Boston Massachusetts - First Stop on Vacation

We returned home from vacation.  And today I'm spending a little time reflecting on our trip.  It was a good relaxing vacation where we spent our days cruises Northeast to Maine and Canada.  First we flew into Boston, Massachusetts, spending a day at Copley Square.

It's funny how with each vacation, we find ourselves visiting a place of worship.  This time it was Trinity Church in Boston.  A very old and beautiful edifice.  As we walked Copley Square where a huge book festival was taking place, there stood Trinity church.  We decided to go in.  They have self-guided tours with audio assistance from just $10.00.  Who could pass it up.  Trinity was established in the 1600's and founded at the current location in 1733.  It is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

The Eagle represents God's word taking flight.

Many different artists were commission to complete the interior of the church.  Each of them brought their own unique style and artistry to create a fantastic work of beauty.  The stained glass windows alone where created by several different artisans.

I was very glad I decided to take the tour.  It peaked my curiosity and I wanted to know more about the history of the church. (I'll research later.) While I was there though, I took several pictures. They don't do it justice, but you'll get the idea of how breathtaking it is.

More information about Trinity Church in Boston is here.