LIB'S LABYRINTH: 1998

Thursday, October 1, 1998

French Essence St.Louis

KING LOUIS IX OF FRANCE THE ONLY MONARCH OF FRANCE TO BECOME A SAINT.

Sainte Chapelle

[Click photos to enlarge texts]

Les Techs in Gay Paree

Published 3/19/06 ALT MSN Group
Web Page: French Essence

Tuesday, September 29, 1998

MOTORING THROUGH THE ROLLING PINE FORESTS and prosperous farms and villages are the last Swiss impressions until reaching the French border. In Burgundy, a look at the vineyards and villages where some of the world's most precious wines are produced. A lunch break in the medieval center of Beaune, then continuing on the highway via Fountainbleau Forest to Paris, the traditional climax of a European tour.

Oh La La Paris http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO1ubwYiy2E 2:33

Notre Dame Cathedral (Back)

Gargoyles

Opera House

Versailles

Internet Publication:

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ALT MSN Group
6/21/10

Monday, September 28, 1998

Zermatterhorn

Golden toilet at our hotel

It's a fun train ride to Zermatt, Switzerland and all the way, up, up to see the Matterhorn with travel group and our guide - - St. Bernard the dog. So cool! So Awesome! A real frozen delight!

Internet Publication:

5/27/09 ALT MSN Group

Maze: Matterhorn

SUNDAY AFTERNOON JOURNEY north over 6,500-foot-high Simplon Pass into the Swiss Valais, an area renowned for its excellent wines and great mountain resorts. Leaving the coach behind in Tasch and boarding a mountain train to reach the most famous Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the Matterhorn.

THERE'S ONLY ONE MAIN STREET IN ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND. After strolling for quite sometime, and since it's past noontime we went to eat at McDonald's. It has the best French fries but not too good hamburger. Forget about fat and grease. I am a firm believer of who your parents are and DNA. I was so surprised when we had to pay for our catsups. In the U.S. catsups are free.

Video

Train Ride to the Zermatterhorn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VMmwCu5Ul 2:43
Riding Europe's highest rack-railway to 10,272-foot Gornergrat - for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps.

Internet Publication:

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ALT MSN Group
6/21/10

Sunday, September 27, 1998

Swiss Alps

Alpine sightseers in Gornegrat

Published 3/18/06 ALT MSN Group
Web Page: Swiss Alps

Maze: Lago Maggiore

OVERNIGHT ON THE SUNNY SHORE. Morning excursion to Isola Bella, an enchanting island known for its extraordinary gardens.

WE HAD A VERY NICE SHORT BOAT RIDE GOING TO THE CASTLE. The layout of the castle's garden was so well manicured and beautiful. I had my picture taken with the white peacocks.

I found my favorite salami while having breakfast at the hotel. For years I kept looking and looking at all the groceries and delis in Chicago but never found it. It's a special salami and never had the taste since then.

Internet Publication:

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ALT MSN Group

6/21/10

Saturday, September 26, 1998

Maze: Venice

START THE MORNING IN STYLE by private boat along the Giudecca canal.

HOME OF ST. MARK'S SQUARE, DOGE'S PALACE AND THE BRIDGE OF SIGH. There's no place like it and hopefully it will be preserved for hundreds of years. I was almost left behind for the gondola ride. I was waiting for my tour group, at the wrong gathering place I found out. They'd been waiting and waiting for me at the other side of the Bell Tower. Finally they couldn't wait anymore. In St. Mark Square, you're not allowed to sit on any restaurant chair for a little while unless you order something. By sheer luck the group passed by to where I was seated on the way to the dock. During the gondola ride I kind of rock the boat. I got a nasty look from the other riders. The canals are only 6 feet deep. I better wrap my small bag in plastics next time I visit beautiful Venice.