Category Archives: Travel Diary

21 September 2025. Paris France

In the necklace du Paris, we are adding the beads. 

Here is an article to read. https://ckarchive.com/b/75u7h8h699kkzb6rgg7rlawl85666tnhordn0

Sunday morning quiet in the apartment. My ears still plugged from the flight. Haha. We had a wonderful walk by the river in the city of lights last evening. Then enjoyed telling stories and a game of cards. Slept a full night and now preparing for the day. 

Walk to Sacre Coeur. Through quaint pretty little streets alive with ceramics and tourist baubles. Walking groups. 

A moment in Catholic Church service. Organ playing. Voices in song. The acoustic sound reminds me of a time long ago. Someone had a vision for this cathedral. 

Pushing through throngs of people gathered for a Sunday morning run, organized and wearing numbered purple t shirts. Bouncing to the music. I can hear the church bells clanging through the sounds. UrbanTrail. We persue the goal to see the sights of Paris from Sacre Coeur. ! The run begins Down the steep cobblestone streets. We paid for a novel ride down funicular. We passed a women’s lingerie shop but decided not to go in. 

Angel store contains everything angels!. Rubber duck store of all themed little yellow ducks. Chocolate specialty shop, Dengo. Omg. We taste and try. We purchase some treats. Amazing. 

Bougies candle store. Fragrance store. 

Copains is totally gluten free enjoying pizza, focaccia bread, flan, cookies and other delights. Beautiful French pastries all gluten free. Magically presented. We sit inside and try. 

Towards the outdoor market. A free street toilet is pleasantly surprising. We find weekly flea market for several blocks. Shopping. Browsing. Looking. Touching. Then to cemetery. A very old place, walking between little houses with family names. We share a gf cookie on a park bench. Peaceful. Quiet and amidst the city. Gentleman playing accordion in open cafe. We stop for the briefest moment. Back home to drop off treasures. 

St eustache cathedral with huge organ. More tour groups everywhere. Stained glass, candles, wooden pews. 

A map of where we can find crème brûlée in the area. Goal for later. People watching, kissing of both cheeks. Fashion forward women and men. 

The Bourse de Commerce for a large blue liquid pool full of white ceramic bowls moving gently. So many people the sound is muted and lost in the large 4 story room with glass dome. We have tickets. 

Reflections. Beads. Another. All making music, subtle. Gentle. Nevertheless. Can I just listen and hear the bowls?  Singing. Apart from the words and talking sounds. There it is, the music. 

The craving mind wants more quiet, more bowls, less chatter. The grateful mind hears the song. Thank you

The sunshine through the glass dome. Reflections on ceiling. Magic. Up the elevator checking out each floor and finding the little mouse art. I bought a postcard for boys. 

Five Guys for fries (gf) on way to Shakespeare and Co. , Notre Dame cathedral and walking over some bridges. 

We line up for the book store only five minutes till close. No time to shop in a meaningful way. But fun and we went inside- bead. Over the beautiful bridge to Notre Dame cathedral for the bells ringing at end of service. The people spill out. 

We find a grocery store and pick up Comte cheese, bubbly water, green olives, red wine from Bordeaux with a new corkscrew.   Down to the river by a bridge. Waving at the passengers. Such a lovely way to spend the evening. Good friends. Another bead moment. 

Back to the bridges for sparkling lights view and people watching. Couldn’t get the metro so we bussed to the area. Walked to La Village for shared crème brûlée. More walking up up the hill. Ready for another relaxing evening and good sleep. 

Disneyland Paris 25 May 2025

We take a few metro stops and end of line arrival at Disneyland Paris Park. Oh exciting times. Children, parents, couples. Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears, Disney T shirts and hoodies. People have been here before!! Haha. 

So many stuffed animals from all the recent Disney movies. Little girls in long princess gowns. Parents in Mickey ear headbands. Backpacks with Disney logos.  

We start our day in Frontierland park. I remember we had the Frontierland game when my brother and I were young. And I flashed back to the Disney books we had when young including stories from this theme. Such fond memories of family time. I also reflected on both my daughters loving Disney movies like Mary Poppins, Little Mermaid and The Lion King amoung others. How they could sing and play many of the parts of a full length movie. A few of my favourites are Jungle Book and the Sword in the Stone. When I was a child Mary Poppins captured my heart. 

We take in a few rides and a walk around. Then Adventureland. We made our way to the 4 parks. Walking 20,000 and 13 Kms. We arrived just after 10 am and left after 8 pm. A full day of people watching and heightened stimulation of all the senses!!  

The day was fun and we enjoyed the adventures. Rides included Peter Pan, Star Wars, Pirates of Caribbean, Carousel, Tea cup, Indiana Jones, the Phantom Manor, It’s a Small World (which we saw twice). 

We saw live musical The Lion King in reserved seating. It was amazing. We toured the Princess Castle. We shopped in some of the many beautiful stores. We took in some musical events and saw some of the Disney characters signing autographs. We stopped to rest at a Cowboy Barbecue. 

We left after the grand finale with music and fireworks and like billion people gathered. 

Taking the metro to a few lines on our way home. I leave in the morning so this will be my final metro and walk up up up the hill for the night. 

Paris, the last full day 24 May 2025

Late start. Sleep in and big breakfast of healthy veggies in lentils and curry on salad. 

Time to write my blog and post from yesterday.  

Metro to a large produce market, alas, it was closing up when we arrived. I got a glimpse of colourful olives, vegetables and cheeses. I stopped abruptly to admire the pink and pale peonies ready to burst into bloom. Photos and memories is what we get from this market. 

We walk to a grocery market store and pick up picnic items for an outdoor snack with nibblies (Hagen Das salted caramel ice cream, fresh berries. We sit on a park bench to admire the iconic Eiffel Tower from up close. Also great people watching. Families and couples, individuals, shoppers, children squealing, laughing and playing, Saturday persons. Birds tweeting in the trees. A school band practicing playing classical music in the park. The sun came out!  Ahhhhh, Paris. A rest and very enjoyable. 

Then we walked to the Eiffel Tower and around the bridges over the river. Second snack stop for cheese and olives and gf crackers. So lovely and a change of perspective view of the tower. So many wedding photo shoots here today, maybe ten that we saw. There must have been lots more. So festive and happy, all the happy couples posing together. 

Then to the metro to find IKEA. Interesting to find it in a mall that is conveniently located next to a metro stop. We shopped for bargains that are needed in the home. So much fun, a few laughs and lots of stuff to carry back at the end. Big IKEA bags through small metro styles. But we got seats and the walk up up up the hill from Pigalle metro station. 

Now putting all the IKEA items together. And enjoying a dry red Bordeaux and a few more giggles. 

Paris, France 23 May 2025

Bonjour, another blue sky day in this beautiful city, Paris. Friday in Paris, a relaxed day. Slow start, looking out the window to the courtyard. Greenery mixed with the aging stone and brick. Grateful for the time to read books, do some writing. For exploration of this beautiful place. For having a place (home base) to hang out here, right in the city. 

To have access to walking and Metro, small boutique shops, large Galleries Lafayette and quiet simple parks, artist lofts and fragrant tasty produce, wifi and Google maps, everything and nothing, all at my fingertips. The taste and scent of juicy red strawberries and tiny grape tomatoes.  The subtle cooing sound of pigeons pecking between stones in the street. 

I am seeing a lot of the culture and sights of Paris on this trip. Not necessarily only tourist places, but the residential and daily business areas also – the streets and sidewalks, storefronts and cafes, construction in the streets, the people eating and drinking in doorways or at small tables in the gathering areas. Shops selling fresh produce, ceramic and painting art, vintage and designer clothing, all varieties of spirits, tobacco and wine, exotic eye glass frames, hundreds of varieties of cheese in fromageries, breads and sweets in patisseries and Boulangeries, designer running and upscale dress shoes, hair and nail salons, fleuristes selling cut flower bouquets and large growing plants, ice cream and gelato offerings, boutique chocolate and macarons, woolen and linen hats and silk scarves, touristy stuff like postcards, linen towels, Tshirts, nick nacks overflowing into the street. 

I like the feeling of the culture and the experience of being present to the ordinary in this extraordinary place. Hills, stairs and flat along the river and canal. Weather mostly sunny, one small few hours of drizzle – enough to see the variety of umbrellas protecting people as they traverse about the cobblestone streets. Red flower boxes hanging on small French balconies on iconic architecture. It’s an iconic and beautiful site, Paris in the drizzle. 

And when the sun shines and sets, it is beautiful with all the bursting colours and joyful faces of children laughing and playing, people seated outside of cafes or along waterways lined up as if watching a movie in a theatre. Many in deep conversation or engaged with their phones and devices. Drinking cafe, red wine, golden beer in large draft glass or from a can. Flowers in front of shops exploding in deep reds, spring greens, royal purples, yellowy golds, soft pinks, vibrant oranges and pure white. The sky a solid baby blue with intermittent white silvery fluffy clouds moving through. 

All the senses alive and peaked. Hear the many accents being spoken on the street, French accent speaking English and other accents trying to be understood. Passion and connection everywhere I look. 

Today I took the metro to the river. Purchased some veggies, cheese, wine and enjoyed an outdoor picnic by the water. Bustling with activity the area is alive with music and sounds, colourful sights, artists displaying their wares out of the green boxes and pigeons searching and cooing. The sight of Notre Dame cathedral in the backdrop. Photos being taken. 

After the snack took metro to the University of Paris area where students reside in “houses” of many different nationalities such as Sweden, Greece etc.  A celebration happening with drinking, music and cultural exchange from each house. It’s a huge area, beautiful homes and lots of green space. What must it be like to attend University here?  Such a mixture of culture all in connection and relationship to each other and the homeland of Paris France. Soccer, basketball and other sports being played in fields. 

Riding the metro home, it’s almost dark and the sky is a mix of colour and dark.  Ahhhhhh, Paris. 

Tomorrow, Saturday, an easy day planned. Catch up with blog, head to the outdoor produce market, maybe go to IKEA and visit the Eiffel Tower for some up close pictures. 

Sunday to Disneyland Paris!  Monday I fly home. 

Goodnight and Bonsoir!  A demain. 

Later Thursday 22 May 2025

This afternoon we decided to book our Sunday excursion to Disneyland Paris including the feature Lion King. It’s my last day before my flight home Monday. 

About 6 pm we ventured out to find gluten free Lebanese wraps. A totally dedicated celiac friendly restaurant with maybe 5 small tables or people can sit outside or take out. There were lots of choices and great flavours for a low price. Awesome. 

Then I spied Grom gelato sign across the street. Sold in individual sized dishes with lids including my favourite limone(Rachel had creamy Pistache). 

We walked to a covered market in search of bulk olives. Although we found some the price was not acceptable (to Rachel). I appreciate her thriftiness. 

Then we walked to Canal St Martin. It seemed that every young person in Paris was there lining the sides of the waterway- many with drinks and smokes. Very festive. Maybe 5 blocks we walked in this new (to me) part of Paris. We joined up with Place de La Republique where there was music and more people, maybe a protest? 

Precious experience with the free self cleaning (debatable) toilet. Then decided to end the adventure and took two Metros home. Well, to be accurate, two metro and two steep hills. 

It was a beautiful outing and we had a few giggles. Played some cards when we got home and now Bonne  soirée   

A demain. 

Paris on Thursday 22 May 2025

Greetings folks. My travels in Paris continue. On my own today out in bright sunshine and blue sky. It is warm enough to not need a jacket and today, no umbrella!!

Paris in the spring is beautiful. Red flowers on window boxes, flower shops bursting with roses of May colours, greenery on trees and smell of grass in the parks, benches to sit on to listen to gentle cooing of pigeons and other sweet birds in the trees. People everywhere- couples holding hands, families with excited children and single people, just like me! Out enjoying the sensory splendour of Paris!

I ventured to take Metro from this area (Abesses stop on M12) and got off at Concorde station. Open up to large walking area, I wandered to the Jardin du Tuileries. https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/jardin-des-tuileries-p3545. Beautiful park with long walks beside green space and dotted with statues and water features. Relaxing and sensory filling. Scents, sights, sounds, textures. I didn’t today, but people stop at benches to picnic. I followed signs and paths to the river … one of my favourite places to be. Watching the movements of bateau mouches and people walking. The river itself always flowing. The bridges are beautiful and grab my attention. I traverse from one side to the other for different perspectives. I get many sightings of Eiffel Tower. 

I find green parks and more interesting statues along my walk, a journey through history and creativity. I understand why many movies are made here. There is a backdrop everywhere. A story. A message. Listen, see, breathe, enjoy. 

I navigate the metro return and feeling of satisfaction. Accomplishment. I stop at little food market for a cool bubbly drink. There are cute stores, cafes and bakeries and little artist type shops along the walk as I venture out again apres le petit dejourner. Just walking around the neighborhood. I thought about a guided walk but don’t make it in time. 

https://www.guruwalk.com/paris/search?begins_at=22%2F05%2F2025&ends_at=22%2F05%2F2025

Now to rest. No doubt more adventures this evening and tomorrow. 

(Seems I can post photos on Facebook but experiencing challenges on the blog post with this portable wifi). https://www.facebook.com/pmacdonaldtravel for photos of my trip here. 


Paris on Thursday 22 May 2025

Greetings folks. My travels in Paris continue. On my own today out in bright sunshine and blue sky. It is warm enough to not need a jacket and today, no umbrella!!

Paris in the spring is beautiful. Red flowers on window boxes, flower shops bursting with roses of May colours, greenery on trees and smell of grass in the parks, benches to sit on to listen to gentle cooing of pigeons and other sweet birds in the trees. People everywhere- couples holding hands, families with excited children and single people, just like me! Out enjoying the sensory splendour of Paris!

I ventured to take Metro from this area (Abesses stop on M12) and got off at Concorde station. Open up to large walking area, I wandered to the Jardin du Tuileries. https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/jardin-des-tuileries-p3545. Beautiful park with long walks beside green space and dotted with statues and water features. Relaxing and sensory filling. Scents, sights, sounds, textures. I didn’t today, but people stop at benches to picnic. I followed signs and paths to the river … one of my favourite places to be. Watching the movements of bateau mouches and people walking. The river itself always flowing. The bridges are beautiful and grab my attention. I traverse from one side to the other for different perspectives. I get many sightings of Eiffel Tower. 

I find green parks and more interesting statues along my walk, a journey through history and creativity. I understand why many movies are made here. There is a backdrop everywhere. A story. A message. Listen, see, breathe, enjoy. 

I navigate the metro return and feeling of satisfaction. Accomplishment. I stop at little food market for a cool bubbly drink. There are cute stores, cafes and bakeries and little artist type shops along the walk as I venture out again apres le petit dejourner. Just walking around the neighborhood. I thought about a guided walk but don’t make it in time. 

https://www.guruwalk.com/paris/search?begins_at=22%2F05%2F2025u0026amp;ends_at=22%2F05%2F2025

Now to rest. No doubt more adventures this evening and tomorrow. 

(Seems I can post photos on Facebook but experiencing challenges on the blog post with this portable wifi). https://www.facebook.com/pmacdonaldtravel for photos of my trip here. 


Paris, full day to explore. Wednesday 21 May 2025

How exquisite to have a full few days in Paris to explore. Breakfast of fresh cut veggies cooked in a pan over tender rice noodles, a hint of sweet chili sauce. Yummm 

I am reading a book about finding my voice in writing. It is encouraging and delightful as it states to become aware of the ordinary and express in my own voice, as a song. With rhythmic cadence and tone coming from my own experiences and emotions. Carrying a sense of my own vision of the world, my values, how it is to be (in my eyes). Let the words flow.  

Embracing solo adventures in Paris today, I strolled up and down charming cobblestone streets. For the first time, I tapped into google maps. On my second walk, I broke free and navigated my way around and back. Yay!  

Followed by an uplifting walk in early evening to and around Sacre Coeur, a historic and breathtaking landmark. With sights of the city from its heights.

Drizzly day mostly so I purchased a cheapish umbrella and mostly walked between drops. Down, down down from this hill top in Montmartre section of the city to the opera district of Paris. Up, up back again. 

Walked 13.5 Kms and 21,000 steps mostly on steep uneven sidewalks and stairs. I think I broke my toe last night so the walking was painful. (Stubbed on a chair leg). 

It was a pleasant day overall and a few more days open for exploration. I think our future holds Euro Disney on the weekend. I fly home Monday morning. 

Travel day: Glasgow to Paris

Travel day: Glasgow to Paris 

Good morning from Glasgow Scotland.  

Last evening in Glasgow, walked to and through a park with lots of green space and then by the river as the sun was setting.  It was lovely to see the natural light on the spring green grass and trees. 

Waking this morning and thinking of how the day will go, trying to stay in the moment.  It is quiet in my hotel room and I am getting ready to go search for what is happening today in the city.

In the meantime looking through recommended reading list from the Women’s Library in Glasgow.  So grateful to have access to all this amazing information and the inspiration and suggestions of women who come before me.  

I also think I might want to set up a time for regular travel zoom conversations with women when I get home.  Check it out: https://www.meetup.com/womens-travel-club/

I leave my bags at hotel, drop the room key and out for a morning walk in the sunshine under blue skies. 

Walked in an old part of Glasgow to check out the old large and beautiful cathedral and cemetery. Then back to hotel and an uber to Glasgow airport to catch EasyJet flight to Paris at 245 pm local time. 

Through security with no issues and to our gate on time. Blue skies reported for Paris also. It was a lovely flight. 

Arrived on time in beautiful sunny weather in Paris.  Took train and metro to Rachel’s place near Sacre Couer. It’s pretty steep walk up 🙂

Dropped our gear and headed to get a SIM card for my phone. No wifi at Rachel’s place. Got there at some underground mall in time before they closed. Yay. Grateful. Then we walked to the river. Thousands of people along the Seine. Sitting, walking, running …. Wow. Watched the sunset as we walked and then found grocery store   Walked all the way from the river to her place.  Up up up again. 

24,000 steps, some 16 Kms today. My my my. 

Exhausted and grateful for all is well in this beautiful city of lights. I have a bed to sleep in, food to eat and we have safely arrived. 

Goodnight faithful readers. Till tomorrow. A demain. 

Pictures to follow when I have good wifi. 

Glasgow Scotland, UK. A quiet day.

Good day to the blog readers, from bonnie Scotland. 

A day  by myself to roam around this city … walking and walking and walking.  Listening and being.  No pressure, no destination.  

I find and walk along the river Clyde . .Relax. Enjoy. Breathe. Gratitude for being in Glasgow Scotland for a few days to explore. There is a woman’s library but it is closed today.  I googled some places of interest and opt to just see what is here around me in the George Square area of this city.  I have some roots here, I am told, my paternal grandfather was born here and his father had a shop.  As this is my first and who knows, maybe my only trip to this part of the world, can I just wander and wonder.  

Maybe sit in a cafe and read some. People watching is fun. I spend a few hours in the Waterstones book shop. Huge. 3 stories. Lots of great suggestions for reading.  I spent a long time pouring over the shelves and noting books to borrow from library when I get home.  I read titles, covers and backs of books … it is a way of searching for meaning and fit, for finding interest and inspiration.  It tells a lot about me to know what is in my library!

Beautiful old architecture lines the commercial streets. Many high end stores, lots of security. And some Poundland (like our dollar stores).  Some buskers on the pedestrian street. 

Music everywhere… from stores, in shops and on the streets.  I walk and walk. Wandering in and out again. Taking in the culture. Just noticing and being with whatever shows up.  Listening to accents. 

Down to the river, looking up at the buildings, the reflection of old cathedral in the glass of the much newer building next door.  The gentle cooing of the pigeons alighting on the cobblestones. 

Walked about 9 kms today, although they use miles and feet here :). It still is a good walk.  Will probably do one more walk tonight down to say good night to the river. 

Tomorrow afternoon flying back to Paris, France!

Good night, aye!