Monday, April 27, 2026

Paris - To Do 26Apr26 (Palace De La Concorde, Golden hour at Jardin des Tuileries & Lourve, Musée de l'Orangerie, La Madeleine)

Paris - To Do
Paris - To Eat

Palace De La Concorde
During the French Revolution, the square was the main execution site, where figures like King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed. 

*Straight view down of the famous Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.*
Luxor Obelisk: At the center stands a 3,000-year-old Egyptian obelisk from the Luxor Temple, making it one of the oldest monuments in Paris.

*The North fountain stands near where the guillotine once stood.*
The two matching fountains differ in theme, the north one represents France’s rivers and inland life while the south one symbolizes the seas and maritime trade. 
Bonus: Nice free outdoor photography.
Click here for Palace De La Concorde

Golden hours at
Jardin des Tuileries & Lourve
(For vibes and photos)


The Jardin des Tuileries once stood beside the Tuileries Palace, which was destroyed during the Paris Commune. After the French Revolution, the gardens became a public park and is like an open museum displaying sculptures. 
*Loads of joggers in the early morning*
*All about catching the vibes and enjoying the space.*
Photo opportunities are plenty with low crowds around the Golden Hour walking toward the Louvre.


Musée de l'Orangerie

ABBATiP:
- Not necessary for pre purchase. Arrival at doors open, but the ticket booth only opens at 0915hrs. Earliest time slot is 0900hrs.
Originally built to shelter orange trees in winter for the Tuileries gardens, the Musée de l’Orangerie later transformed into a serene art space—now best known for Monet’s immersive Water Lilies.
The main star, Monet with two full rooms to boot!
(Most famously known for lilies by Claude Monet 1840-1926
Founder of Impressionism, light and feeling moments rather than detail.)


The place is best enjoyed in silence, but its sheer popularity and everyone taking shots, it does loose that magical intention. However, its still absolutely mesmerizing to get up close to see and 'feel' these pieces. 


Lower Floors featuring other famous French Artist




Henri Rousseau
*The works of Henri Rousseau (1844-1910). Self-taught, famous for dreamlike
 jungle scenes with bold colors and flat. Simple style but later admired by modern artist.*


Henri Matisse
*The earlier works of Henri Matisse (1869-1954). Famous for color and emotion over realism.*
Overall a small compact museum with Monet the main attraction and the lower levels featuring other famous French greats. There's free wifi on-site and a cafe. 

You maybe interested in purchasing the package which include Musee d'Orsay which homes a huge variety and genres of amazing art. Really liked his one and what it had to offer.
Here are some other Art related museums which really stood out and can't be missed.

La Madeleine
(Mary Magdalene)
(Not your typical church but to represent a Roman Temple)


Originally, Napoleon Bonaparte intended it to be a “Temple of Glory” for his army, not a church. After his fall, it was turned into a Catholic church, which gives it a pretty unusual backstory compared to other Paris churches.
You maybe interested to check out Musee de L'Armee where Napoleon's Tomb is located.




*Beautiful and powerful sculptures.*
*The church is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, which represents repentance, faithful discipleship, and the hope of new life through the Resurrection. The main statue depicted, shows Mary being carried up to heaven by angels. This dramatic marble group was created by the sculptor Carlo Marochetti, and it represents her in a moment of spiritual “ascent” or glorification rather than her earthly life.*

*Surprising and enjoyable medley at the end of mass to be enjoyed by all*

*Doors opens up to the Palace De La Concorde*
Not your usual catholic church, with a beautiful center piece and stunning sculptures along the walls.

You may also be interested in this hidden gym of a temple across the river. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Click for full write up), where the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in 1830, giving her the design of the medal worn by millions of Catholics. Highly recommended.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Manchester - To Do 20Apr26 (Chester Day Trip)

Manchester - To Do
Manchester - To Eat

Manchester - To Do
Day Trip to Chester
Chester is best known for being a beautiful, compact, historic city, where one can experience a lot in a short time! It has one of Britain's best-preserved Roman origins and host the unique and beautiful Tudor shopping Streets. (All of which are covered.)
Getting there:
Manchester Oxford Road Station < - >Chester Station
1hr Train from Manchester
£24.20 Round Trip (Return at anytime)


*Early morning at 730am*

Chester Canals


*Walking along the Canal with shop fronts and cafes gives off very gives off very Utrecht, AMS vibes (a short trip out form AMS. Click here for details.*

Chester City Walls


*King Charles Tower, where he stood and watched his last real chance of victory disappear.*
*Views overlooking Dean's Field*

*View of Chester Town Hall in the background*
*Beautiful both above and along side. Run for about 3.2km and the most complete and best-preserved city wall in England.*

One of the most complete and best-preserved Roman and medieval defensive walls in Brittan (around 70-400AD). Absolutely stunning, calming and utilitarian as well. Accessible from multiple entry and exit points, the locals utilize these walls as a means to get around and they give great vantage points.
Click here for ABBA location of King Charles Tower

Chester Cathedral
(Opens 930am)


This beautiful church has got multiple wings each representing the multiple number of uses, evolving over 1,000years. 
*Mural of Moses, David and Elijah. Baptismal bath, Lego cathedral and memorial for those who fought in the war*

*Beautiful Cloister where monks used it for walking, prayer and reflection.*

*A very moving, modern piece of work.*

*Refectory which was originally the dining hall, now a cafe.*

*Giving off Harry Potter Vibes and look like at John Rylands Library in Manchester.*
The place has evolved into something more than a place of worship, with some lifestyle features, history and spaces of peace and beautiful gardens. 

Chester Rows
(Shops opens generally around 10am)
The most unique two-level covered walkways in all of UK which date back at least to the 13th century (1200s). Excellent spaces for exploration and weather proof. 

Eastgate Clock
The most photographed clock in England after Big Ben. The clock was installed in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond jubilee of (60yrs in the throne.)
Click here for ABBA location of Eastgate Clock

Chester Roman Amphitheatre
The largest Roman amphitheater in Britain and was a major Roman military base.
Click here for ABBA location of Chester Roman Amphitheatre

Chester Roman Gardens


A small strip with Roman remains gathered in one place. A nice path to walk through towards the River Dee. 
River Dee

*Views of the Queen's Park Bridge and you could also 
go on a leisurely cruise along the River Dee.*


Grosvenor Park


Chester Station


*Built by Thomas Brassey, considered the greatest railway builder in the world.*
All-in-all Chester delivered! There are loads of informative plaques to explain the various key attractions. Chester is easily walkable, compact and filled with history. Worth checking out! The river side walk along the walls gives off Utrecht, AMS vibes. The park, season and weather all added to this city's history and charm. Below were some of the award winning eats. 

*Award winning cafe at Marmalade for their coffee and home baked goods. All for the vibes and people watch from above.*

*The Brewewry Tap. Award winning pub and surprsingly really well prepared fish and chips that rival some of my personal favourites in London. Cute Hops and the beam forming a cross.*