Giverny

Do these watercolor blobs say Monet's Giverny to you? I went day-tripping since the sun peeked out today and it is just 45 minutes away by train (stop Vernon at Gare Saint Lazar - look for track 22).

It's so close I think I'll go again to get my blob colors right. The Navette is conveniently waiting when you get off the train (8€ round trip). Another 15-20 minutes and boom you're there.
 

Again I'd suggest going on a weekday and bring a nice picnic. Officially you're not meant to eat on the grounds but if you're discrete and mind you're manners ahem.
 

You'll hear every language spoken under the sun but no one can top the birds singing. It's quite serene.
 

Here's my attempt at capturing 'en pleine aire' a bit of Giverny. Pronounce that Gee-vern-E please. G as in George not Give-vern-E.

A closeup of my painting setup since some of you asked. There were tons of French school children visiting.
One of them passed by and said,

"Tres bien Madame!" Everyone giggled.
 

Shall we go inside Monet's house?

I can't resist these old photographs. They capture so much more than words.

Monet's painting atelier...

Et voila, voila...

The views out the house windows are spectacularly.

Don't forget to take a look.

Of course you're not to take photos inside the house.

I got yelled at by the American docent (quite loudly I might add). I think she was trying to make an example of me but she was barking up the wrong tree. I am on a mission and can't be stopped unless threatened with bodily harm.

Of course I found some ice cream,

Though I doubt very much it was 'home made'. The so-called 'Mango' was really vanilla. We won't go into what the pink stuff was but hey as long as it says ice cream it's OK with me.

More Giverny to come soon!