Most people bring a variety of souvenirs home from their travels. Sure. I do that as well.
But also, when I travel, I am consumed with seeking out . . . tote bags! No matter the gift shop, museum, tourist trap venue, my eyes and fingers are drawn to the tote bag display. It might be a problem. Let’s call it a hobby. We’ll all feel better.
My recent travels to Ireland and Italy garnered me 7 tote bags. SEVEN. And I was practicing self-restraint.
And once I returned home, I had an email from my local library. “Mention this email and get a bag for your library books.”
I mentioned that email when I visited the library to pick up books they were holding for me. And received a lovely orange tote bag! That ups my total to 8 new tote bags for about one month of excitement.
I love using my tote bags for various purposes. Or just hanging them up as wall art, because, really, they are artfully designed and created with humor, purpose, reusability, delight, and beauty.
What do you collect as souvenirs when you explore new locations or favorite destinations?
Ten years ago this spring, my honey and I spent 3 weeks in France. Most of our time we stayed in Paris, where flower shops and coiffured gardens displayed dazzling blooms. I loved gazing at the gorgeous blooms. And, according to my external hard drive, spent much time clicking photos to remind myself of their beauty.
The first two photos are favorites because of the price tags. Without those French words and Euro price tags, one would assume the flowers could be found on any continent during the proper season. Well, maybe not Antarctica or the Arctic.
One of my most favorite memories was taking a day trip to Giverny, the home of Claude Monet. I have been a long time admirer of his impressionistic work. With settings such as these, how could he NOT paint? Breathtaking! If you squint, you can see his featured bridge back beyond the willow trees.
This is a part of Monet’s home. We took a walking tour inside. I don’t have any photos of the inside, I think because we were not allowed to take pictures. It was inspiring to see the places he worked, slept, ate, and enjoyed family life. I would move in in a second!
The flower gardens are all that-and more! One could spend days exploring and not see it all. Actually, I want to return one day and spend the entire day soaking in the beauty.
Oh, the flowers that grow! Below you can see the green bridge covered in tourists. Alas, I attempted photos without the crowds, but you can see I created a false impression. 😉 Plenty of others had the same ideas we did about a day in the country.
Have you been inspired to travel some place special? What captured your imagination and led you to visit and explore?
Love, Laughter, and Life 