From the air

Somewhere between Paris and Salt Lake City.

A few more reasons to keep that window shade open.

Most amazing sights.
I could go on.

Stay curious. Keep looking. Incredible sights are all around.

Lofty goals, passionate people

 

One of the best, most rewarding aspects of working as a journalist is the opportunity to meet people who are passionate about things. They may be passionate about teaching or about city government, about getting kids to stay away from drugs or about an Eagle Scout project, about making their business a success or about helping someone who has a specific need that isn't being met elsewhere.

 

In every case, I salute them.

 

I salute them for believing in something and for doing something so much or so well that it comes to our attention.

 

In this case, the attention was earned by The Lighted Candle Society, whose aim is not just to minimize the harm caused by pornography, but to eliminate pornography all together.

 

At this year's fundraising dinner, one, pictured below, spoke passionately about humanity and our freedom to make choices and act responsibly. You can see his passion in the speed with his hands reinforce his words.

 

Another, pictured accepting flowers, was honored for her work in Indonesia to educate families and stop the spread of pornography and the violence that it brings. We heard something of what she has faced, as she reinforced her message with unsettling statistics and disheartening examples.

 

The two speakers were brought together by one, at top, who has set the lofty goal to end pornography, a goal that would surely make the world a better place if only it could be reached.

 

And if it can't be reached, we are all the better that someone with passion, is at least trying.

 

 

You had to be there ...

... but just in case you weren't, here are some views of the Cannes Regata, 2013. First shots show the preparation for sail on the classic sailboats, some over 100 years old (see boom in third photo).

 

 

Heading out of the harbor, some with more pomp than others -- note the bagpiper five shots down.

 A calm day, sunshine and a sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

 

End of the day. All is quiet, except just at the end of the pier, where there is music and celebrating for sailors and fans.

What a way to spend a day.

This is how traveling with a buddy/husband is different

When I travel independently, I generally find a little bakery and buy a little sandwich for dinner and sit on a little bench or bridge somewhere and watch the people or the sky or the sunset.

When I travel with my travel buddy/husband, it is a different story. The story above represents the courses in ONE MEAL in Amboise, France.

When you go there, don't miss L'epicerie. It's not far from the river, just below the castle, just around the corner and up from the clock tower, ten minutes from Leonardo di Vinci's last home, within a stone's throw of his resting place.

So now you know too, that food is only one of the reasons for visiting Amboise.

But a very good one.