Greeted in London by rain ( I love it). As with all people here, I am undeterred by wetness and wandered through a rainy evening with my none-to-stable-on-her-feet hostess, exploring Chiswick Park. Cold gusty winds the next day and a wonderful, joy-making walk along the Thames and across the Hammersmith Bridge to sit under the thick trees there until frozen out. On Sunday, my first pilgrimage to Kew Gardens. I am happy beyond happy wandering through the effulgent walled garden and the trees—oh those ancient trees—they fill and nourish me in every way possible. Today, I get to explore another fabulous garden in Wisley.

 Pre-journey test

 Yesterday, I celebrated the birthday of my wonderful friend Eleanor. We went to her 2 favorite eating places—the second being Fortnum's, which makes an impressive ice cream sundae. Plus enjoyed another beautiful meditation at the ancient and deeply silent St. Bartholomew’s. The last day of my journey was spent, most perfectly, at Kew. A cool and cloudy day. Everything felt so damp and lush and rich and thickly green. The trees fill me with so much joy! I feel like I could disappear into/merge with all of them. And the smells were vivid and amazing. Home tomorrow.

 The beautiful river Seine. It’s a fortunate thing to have a mighty and peace-giving  river flowing through the heart of a city.

Last day in Paris: A walk to Luxembourg Gardens and a visit with the circle of ancient  queens. I am very fond  of them.

 Today I made a pilgrimage to the Cluny museum to see the amazing lady and the unicorn tapestries. I have always loved them and they did not disappoint this time either. Sat with them for long time.

 Mysteriously, I seem to be in Paris. It feels familiar and yet totally unfamiliar. I guess 11 years is a long time to be gone. Since my sense of direction is pretty terrible, I’m trying to use visual memory (and the Metro map) which sometimes works brilliantly, and sometimes not so much. I am staying on one of Paris’ many many narrow winding streets. However it reaches the Seine, so that is very helpful.  Can’t really miss the Seine. Yesterday was about getting here via Eurostar, the train that runs under the channel. Super comfortable and fast and easy. But Paris is intense, in a way I did not find London to be. Yesterday after arrival, was mainly about exploring and getting lost. Today, I made my way up to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, with its amazing view of the roofs of Paris, The journey from the Metro stop to street level involved 7 long flights of stairs and then a continued journey upward to the top of the city. I passed by the warren of studios, where Picasso and other famous artists lived and painted. They had wild and wonderful lives—in addition to being masters of painting, they definitely knew how to have a good time! And then finally to Sacre Coeur.   The usual, heavily-crowded and crazy scene outside the cathedral and all the way down the steps that lead to it was there. But inside the cathedral only deep silence. Had a most beautiful and transforming meditation. I also noticed that all the sadness from WWII that had lingered there for a long time was gone. 

Photos below: one of he most beautiful streets in the world winding down from the cathedral, and my favorite grove of trees in Kew Gardens—a sacred circle of Himalayan birch trees.

 Took another long walk down the Thames Path. It is absolutely fantastic that the city of London has made it possible to take beautiful walks all along the river on both sides. I am impressed and grateful, great fan of the Thames that I am. On Friday, I took an hours walk along the river to Fulham Palace, another magical green oasis in the midst of London. Thirteen acres of large and ancient trees and an exquisite walled garden. I have developed such a love for walled gardens! The next day back to Kew to meet a very dear old friend from Reed College and his wife. He teaches at Essex College for a month every year, so we were able to get together after at least 40 years—last year and this. As with all good friends, it always feels like almost no time has passed. And it is perfect to share Kew with them—many hours of walking and chatting and wandering among the trees and gardens. Kew was super decked out for Halloween—giant spiders and webs, ghosts, skeletons, etc. It was fun! I have grown delightfully attached to doing huge amounts of walking every day. It will feel strange not to do that when I’m home.