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| This "Notre Dome de Rouen" was immense ! Over time the church additions, of different styles, have filled a huge down town area. One entry above and another facade/below is several blocks away. |
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| The half timbered bldgs surrounding the church are so picturesque ! |
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| We truly enjoyed the drive to Rouen + a walk'about of this charming city... |
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| .....and then, there is that lunch decision !!! :~) |
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| ~ Delightful Day ~ |
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| Torre de Belem completed 1521 |
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| Monument to Discoveries |
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| ...in front of Jeronimos Monastery ~ 16th century |
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| Gates to the City ~ 18th century |
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| We docked at Alfama ~ oldest district |
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| Corning Glass has a permanent "hot shop" on the top deck. |
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| What fun it was to watch the young ladies create glass items ! |
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| There were many favorite "sit spots" on this ship. |
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| ....with views of the Atlantic Ocean. |
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| Of course, this was always an enjoyable place to sit! |
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| And.... their library area that was "open to the central core" of all 12 floors... |
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| as well as a view of the elevators + the music performed down on first floor. |
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| ~ Port stop in LeHavre has now been scheduled for April 29th ~ |
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| Cable / Junkaroo Beach |
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| Hmmmm, a few friends have now arrived. |
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| We depart from the dock.... |
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| "Atlantis" on Paradise Island |
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| ~ The Ancient Spanish Monastery ~ Construction of the Monastery and Cloisters began in Spain in 1133, nearly 360 years b 4 Columbus set sail for the new world. It was completed in 1141 AD. Then occupied by Monks for 700 years. until about 1830 when it was seized, sold and converted to a granary and stable. In 1925 William Randolph Hearst purchased the buildings, had them dismantled stone by stone + shipped to the USA. They remained in storage till 1952 a year after Hearst death. A total of 11,000 wooden crates, w/o any numbering system were purchased by 2 fellas to use as a tourist attraction. The bldgs were then reconstructed on this site. The Cloisters are now home to an active Episcopal congregation.
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| A fabulous structure ! With every piece in just the right place. |
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| This was the winter estate of John Deering...originally 180 acres along the bay. His inspiration was "estates of Europe" . It took 2 yrs to build the main house. It was constructed to look as if it had been lived in for centuries ...using only native plants and local materials. |
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| The formal gardens were added later. |
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| A fabulous setting along Biscayne Bay ! |
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| We also enjoyed spending time at the Lowe Art Museum on campus of U. of Miami. |
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| And of course, Chihuly was there ! |
