Saguaro National Park

On the last day of my trip to Tucson, I was able to visit Saguaro National Park. Divided into two sections, separated by the city of Tucson, my aunts drove me to the larger eastern section of the park. The giant saguaro cactus is the state symbol of Arizona is known for it's white budding flowers that appear in spring. Saguaro cacti can grow very tall, upwards of forty feet. Having rained a lot the day before, the park was cool and very green. It was so great to see the natural diversity of the park and it was a great way to end my trip to Arizona. I had wonderful time seeing my aunts, friends Ann and Jack, and visiting Tucson. I hope to visit again in the future!

I See London, I See France...

Next week, my very good friend Angela and I will be heading to London and Paris for the long Thanksgiving weekend. This past July, we decided to take advantage of Brexit and booked airplane tickets in well in advance. (We got good deals!) 

This will be my third time visiting London and my fourth to Paris. In a different life, I would be living in Paris. I've spent over two and half years learning French via Rosetta Stone and while I'm not fluent, I am, however, appreciative to be able to pronounce and read more French then I thought I'd be able to. Beyond the language, I am continually inspired artistically and culturally by France and its remarkable people.

London, on the other hand, is also very stunning for its unique history, architecture, and culture. Angela and I have a shared affinity for Harrods. And I'm sure we'll stop at least once to my favorite namesake bakery franchise--PAUL Bakery, which is also in select cities in the U.S. and in France.

I'm very thankful for my friendship with Angela and really value the time I get to spend traveling with her. This quick trip we're embarking on is a special treat that I'm sure we'll remember fondly for a very long time. 

Stay tuned for more future blog posts about my trip in December.

The Ritz Hotel, London

Having high tea at The Ritz Hotel in London was an extraordinary experience. For my Christmas present, Angela graciously gave me the experience of a lifetime in a landmark setting. The original Ritz hotel is in Paris and the one in London was opened a little bit later by founder César Ritz, in the early 20th century. 

Beautiful fresh-cut pink roses were filled in silver urns along the main corridor of the hotel. From the architecture, the decor, and lighting -- it truly felt like I was stepping into a very glitzy time warp that was historic but also timeless. Part of the series finale of Downton Abbey was actually filmed in the main dining room.

I'm glad I was able to take some photos and savor the moment visiting such a beautiful and treasured space. The tea itself was delicious, with lots of small sandwiches, cakes, and an endless supply of Darjeeling. With a glass of champagne on the side. 

It's actually still unbelievable that I was in London in February. Perhaps the trip was too quick? Yet the time I was there I was very glad to have witnessed such a wonderful place and with such good a friend. It'll be a moment I'll remember fondly for a very long time. 

Next week will be my last post about London featuring a turn around the London Eye.

The fanciest coat check ticket I've ever gotten.

 

Tate Britain

Old and new art thrive together at the Tate Britain in Millbank, London. Situated relatively close to the Houses of Parliament along the Thames River, Tate Britain, formerly known as the National Gallery of British Art, houses a great array of art and is one of the largest national collections. On my trip, besides focusing on museums as my points of interest, I had specific artworks in mind that I was very eager to seek out (such as The Swing).  

At the Tate Britain, I was very eager to see Sir John Everett Millais' Ophelia. Ophelia being the tragic maiden featured in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Millais, a Pre-Raphaelite painter, portrays Ophelia in a creek filled with spring foliage that contrasts her entranced sad and somber face. The bittersweet portrayl is breathtaking and captivating to witness in-person.

Tate Britain had other wonderful portraits, sculptures, and installations. There were expressive Turner seascapes, mythical and alluring Blake drawings, and lots of contemporary sculpture. An unfinished version of Madame X by John Singer Sargent, was shown with an unnerving ghostly figure tucked into the bottom left corner of the canvas (pictured below). 

I was really amazed at the variety of art at Tate Britain. I felt it had many paintings of truly unusual quality and, in particular, contained many portraits that were unique and incredibly expressive.