Rue des Teinturiers is a quaint area in Avignon’s old city center (so this is like doubling up in the “charming” category). Translated, this is the street of dyers. Thanks to the man-made canals that supply pristine water from the Vaucluse River, the neighborhood was once the center of Provence’s textile industry. In the 15th […]
Canal St-Martin
My Paris-loving friend Anita turned me on to this urban oasis, Canal St-Martin, between the 10th and 11th arrondissements. I’d never been to this part of town, and it was great to explore this neighborhood, which delineates central and eastern Paris. The area has a unique feel; it’s equal parts industrial, bucolic and artsy. The […]
Venetian Boats
Since the center of Venice does not have automobiles, colorful boats docked in the canals are the Venice equivalent of cars parked in front of houses. People climb in and out of them laden with groceries, parcels, fishing gear and anything else they need to go about their day. Traditional boats in Venice are becoming […]
Bicycling, Venetian-style
Since Venice’s canals are its roadways, is it surprising that the bicycles look like this?
Evening in Venice
There was a full moon this week, but luckily no high tide. Venice is always prepared for the acqua alta. There are piles of risers all over the city, which serve as raised sidewalks when the floods come. Also, homes have door dams, which can be pulled up to prevent the flow of water from […]
Venetian Intersection
An unusual sight: traffic lights control the flow at this three-canal intersection. Typically, when gondolas or other boats arrive at intersections, they slow down and announce their presence by yelling to alert other drivers.
Fun House
In Amsterdam, canals are lined with run-down houseboats, modern and luxurious houseboats and everything in between.
Damme
The village of Damme is five km from Bruge and well worth the short drive or bike ride along tree-lined canals. I particularly liked the whimsical signs that adorned the buildings.