It's all Bananas ... !

Bananas were growing in abundance on Lantau Island, near Hong Kong

The Palace Gardens in Versailles

These extraordinary grounds are still tended by a staggering number of gardeners and this view was taken with the Palace behind me, looking toward the extensive lake, to the right of which (unfortunately not shown) was the Summer Palace to which Catherine apparently used to retreat when she'd had enough of the "pomp and ceremony" and political squabbles in the Courts of King Louis XIV.

Palace of Versailles

A view of the Palace (in part) from the enormous gardens, amid the many captivating sculptures.

Roses - the most gorgeous of flowers!

These beautiful roses were just begging to be bought, outside a florist shop in Paris, around the corner from our miniscule and quaint studio apartment.

Palace of Versailles

During an all-too brief visit to Paris, we took a trip to Versailles specifically to see the palace and gardens and weren't disappointed!  It is extraordinary and I suggest it should be on the "must see" list of all who visit France.

Bee-utiful !

During my return visit to the UK, I was fascinated by the bumble bees - I called them B52's !

Canterbury, England

This is the River Stour, on which we had a wonderfully relaxing and scenic guided tour by rowboat - our "captain" was an enthusiastic Uni student (with a great sense of humour) earning some extra cash!

An essential relic from "yesteryear" . . .

A "bubbling" brook . . .

On a gentle walk, the wonderful sound of water on the move, combined with the "conversations" of birdlife, added to a delightful outing.

Glimpses of Nature

A simple yet elegant bloom