Peaceful Normandy remembers Americans

Exploring Normandy is truly an experience to remember. My husband and I visited this beautiful and peaceful land in early September. Driving through the hills of Normandy feels like taking a big step back in time: lovely villages and fields create pastoral landscapes that make you feel going way back into time of Alexandre Dumas and his novels.

The Normandy beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword) are where the allied forces led the large scale invasion of France on D-Day - June 6, 1944. As a Russian-American I was unprepared for the enormity of the American side of the experience, and this visit gave me a whole new perspective on a period in history that was hardly touched in my school history books. Seeing windswept beaches with their open areas for an attack as well as the height of the cliffs game me a greater appreciation of why so many Americans and allied troops were lost that day in Normandy.

The Normandy American Cemetery was breath taking.     

Низкий поклон всем погибшим.

 

 

Geyser Peak is a great winery to visit

I continue my little research on wineries in Sonoma County, California. Geyser Peak is one of the oldest wineries in Sonoma County with remarkable history of award winning wines. Founded in 1880 by Augustus Quitzow, Geyser Peak is a great winery to visit.

The winery's Premier Tasting list includes selections of wines from their vineyards in Alexander Valley (J&J Fay Ranch Merlot and Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon), Russian River Valley (River Ranches Sauvignon Blanc) and Dry Creek Valley (XYZin, Zinfandel). Zinfandel  XYZin is fantastic, but my favorite from the list is Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fruity, delightfully soft, balanced dry, and absolutely perfect with food.

The Alexander Valley is home to a wide range of wines, of which Cabernet Sauvignon remains the most planted and popular.  

Налейте мне вина!

 

 

 

Waiting for baby's Christening in Bayeux, France

It's always touching to see beautiful babies in their beautiful christening outfits. It was  a lovely September Sunday morning in Bayeux, Normandy, with happiness in the air.

В ожидании Крещения.

 

 

Dressing du jour in Paris

When it comes to my dressing du jour in Paris, I aim for the ease and simplicity.

 

 Silk Blouse: Ralph Lauren; Blazer: Ralph Lauren; Trousers: Doo-Ri Chung; Bag: Elliott Lucca

 

Cardigan: Calvin Klein; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity; Flats: Calvin Klein

Magic and mystery of the Cathédrale de Chartres

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is one of the largest and most beautiful Cathedrals in France. It is a great example of the French High Gothic style, which emphasizes verticality and light. The stained glass windows are simply magnificent and inspiring.

Climbing  300 steps of the north tower is a must. A panoramic view of the city of Chartres and countryside below the Cathedral is fantastic.

At night, a brilliant light and music show takes place outside the Cathedral that celebrates the history and brings together the past, the present and the future.

Прошлое позволяет яснее видеть будущее...

 

Breakfast at the Plaza Athénée in Paris

My husband and I had a little breakfast at the Plaza Athenee in Paris a couple of weeks ago. It may seem too extravagant as a habit for future trips to Paris, but it is something to cherish and remember.

A freshly squeezed organic orange juice with a touch of ruby red grapefruit juice was a great drink to start the day in Paris. The basket of breads was huge: two or three types of croissants, chocolate bread, French raisin’s bread, sweet French bread, and more. I had a cappuccino and it was the best cappuccino I've ever had. Ever!

The service at the Plaza Athenee was all about serious attentiveness with a sense of concern. You feel a little like at your doctor's office, but what a pleasure! :)

Красиво и вкусно!