"Gargoyles & Graffiti"chronicles architectural elements that I find interesting or unique in my travels. Gargoyles are my passion, but today graffiti (which I hate but am learning to love as it is everywhere) is as much a part of architecture as the gargoyles and decorative railings that thrill me.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Heather's Photos: Paris Vintage Shop Fit for Gargoyles

photo by Heather Wolf Bryan at Paris
Paris is one of those places where gargoyles abound. This vintage shop that Heather Wolf Bryan photographed on her most recent trip there is one such place. I love how the clothing hangs down from the ceiling. You can just imagine a gargoyle or two hiding between the dresses.

Boots anyone? by Heather Wolf Bryan
I am not quite sure what material is covering the structure that holds the boots, but it almost looks like jean material. How creative! Actually in the next photo I can make out it is jean material that covers the structures.

Staircase photo by Heather Wolf Bryan

Funky shop by Heather Wolf Bryan
So if gargoyles have not made it here yet, this is a notice to all gargoyles. Make your way to this vintage shop and make yourself at home. Thanks again, Heather, for the great photos!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

More from Heather: Eiffel Tower

from collection of Heather Wolf Bryan at Paris
I love the above photo as you can see the hurry in the crowd's steps. That is the one thing that amazed and kind of frightened me about Paris. After living in Cozumel a few years when I went there, I just couldn't keep up. Everybody walks so fast. I have seen many photos of the Eiffel Tower. But I love the way Heather has taken a new and fresh look at it.

Eiffel Tower by Heather Wolf Bryan

another great shot by Heather Wolf Bryan
I thought I should include at least one photo of our photographer, Heather, with Ines peeking out on the right hand corner.

Heather and a barely visible Ines on the far right
If you would like more information on the history of the Eiffel Tower, click here.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Paris: Seen from Heather's Eyes

Photo by Heather Wolf Bryan at Paris, France

I haven't been to Paris in twelve years, but it appears it hasn't changed much. It is still one of my favorite places on earth. Even though I didn't get to go this year, I am living my beautiful memories through a friend's photos. Heather Wolf Bryan went with her good friend Ines and Ines' daughter Cari and spent time in a wonderful apartment. 


Photo from collection of Heather Wolf Bryan

Serge Lutens perfume shop at Palas Royal from Heather Wolf Bryan
It amazed me how the things that attract Heather's eyes are exactly the same type of photos that attract me, a gargoyles and graffiti sort of touch. Wonderful architectural elements with almost no photos of humans. LOL


from collection of Heather Wolf Bryan at Paris

Heather took hundreds of photos. I am going to choose a small collection and feature them on Gargoyles and Graffiti this month. I just needed these types of photos to get motivated to write again! Thanks, Heather.


Photo by Heather Wolf Bryan at Paris



Sunday, November 9, 2014

A Day at St. Maarten

Moises and me

When Moises and I decided to go on a Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Getaway, we didn't choose it for the itinerary. After three or four Caribbean cruises and living in the Caribbean as well, it just isn't about the destinations. It is more about sea days and relaxing and spending some time together away from the office.


our guide Francia
So at our stop in St. Maarten, we decided to just get off the ship and wing it, see what was out there to do. Moises is not fond of ship tours. There was a boat off the ship that took us in to the town and from there we navigated to an internet cafe with wifi. Beware that in the Caribbean Islands, there are some of the most expensive roaming charges out there. My phone tried to connect via roaming for both the day in St. Maarten and St. Thomas and left me with a horrendous bill. Turn off roaming! Worst part was I never even had service, just my phone attempting to connect over and over again.

We approaced a few taxi drivers until we came upon a really nice young woman named Francia. She hails from Haiti and spoke many languages. She was a bit new to the taxi game and one of the older gentlmen encouraged her to take our fare even though we only had a $100 US bill and wanted just a taxi ride to the French side. She honestly told us she didn't have change, but the older guy said we could get in on the French side, which is totally incorrect as the French side is in Euros. Long story short, when we got over to the French side, I wasn't thriled to get out, so we opted instead for a full island tour for the $100 dollars we had with Francia. She was a lot of fun and we had a great time!




my husband Moises
We did see some minimal hurricane damage, mostly downed trees and debris. The island is a lot bigger than I realized, and there was a lot of traffic. But we had a great day and learned some interesting things that I don't think we would have found out about on a group tour.