A second trip through Veyrier's vineyards
I awoke Saturday morning to a beautiful, sunshiny day and so, after breakfast, quickly hurried off in my boots and gaiters (recalling how muddy it had been last time) to the trail along the vineyards. The air was still cool. Along an ancient stone wall at the edge of a graveyard, was a beautiful red vine still glimmering with dew.
Further in the distance (in France), the morning sun's rays illuminated this tree.
As I continued down the cobblestone road, I met an older man who was out with his dog. He noticed me taking pictures and told me, with fatherly pride, how his son had taken some magnificent pictures in this area and even won some prize with one of a bird taking off in flight. He pointed to another path that leads to a marsh where I could find some beautiful wildlife. I replied that he was right, this area is indeed very beautiful, and since it was such a beautiful day I had to seize it. I plan to go explore the marsh area another day. I was too taken in by the colorful vineyards.
The church next to my house, as seen from afar: across a fallow field, through the poplar trees, and just beyond the vineyard.
The first of the three prominent mansions overlooking the vineyards of Veyrier. The second, and the third with its tower.
A parting shot looking back towards Veyrier, before heading up the hill and following the road behind the three houses in previous photos.
Well, I'll be snookered!...one of the mansions owners has a Porsche turbo. Oh look!...so does their neighbor! In fact, I tend to see so many Porsches (including the snazzy Cayenne, their new SUV), BMW 700-series, and Mercedes S-series, etc etc, that now only the Maseratis and Ferraris still induce double-takes!
Anyways, a the next house has a tower and a beautiful yard. I'm glad they didn't rake their leaves.
After wandering further down the street, I decided to return back to Veyrier by another route, along the main road. I noticed this quaint Protestant church further back in the trees on my left and decided to go check it out. I love old churches: they are so rich with memory and a tribute to the faith of the community that built them and all those that worship(ped) there.
It was an idyllic spot: a good ways off from the road, tranquil, and drenched in warm sunlight. I sat on the front porch and started to read an article for class. Sometime later, a car drove up and parked, an elderly lady got out and walked up to the door right next to where I was sitting. She smiled and commented on taking advantage of the nice weather, unlocked the door and went in.
Back to reading. Then, suddenly, I heard the exquisite organ piece she had come to practice, I suppose for the service the following day. I doubt it was the same piece, but it reminded me of a recording by one of my heroes, Albert Schweitzer (a brilliant organist, though better known for his charitable work as a doctor in Lambaréné, Africa). Years ago, I was happy to find the original record in the LSU Music Library, and always relished listening to a man I sincerely admire play the work of another person I equally admire (Bach) with the deep religious feeling his pieces merit. I couldn't have been happier, nor have asked for better circumstances in which to read. Wow.
Further in the distance (in France), the morning sun's rays illuminated this tree.
As I continued down the cobblestone road, I met an older man who was out with his dog. He noticed me taking pictures and told me, with fatherly pride, how his son had taken some magnificent pictures in this area and even won some prize with one of a bird taking off in flight. He pointed to another path that leads to a marsh where I could find some beautiful wildlife. I replied that he was right, this area is indeed very beautiful, and since it was such a beautiful day I had to seize it. I plan to go explore the marsh area another day. I was too taken in by the colorful vineyards.
The church next to my house, as seen from afar: across a fallow field, through the poplar trees, and just beyond the vineyard.
The first of the three prominent mansions overlooking the vineyards of Veyrier. The second, and the third with its tower.
A parting shot looking back towards Veyrier, before heading up the hill and following the road behind the three houses in previous photos.
Well, I'll be snookered!...one of the mansions owners has a Porsche turbo. Oh look!...so does their neighbor! In fact, I tend to see so many Porsches (including the snazzy Cayenne, their new SUV), BMW 700-series, and Mercedes S-series, etc etc, that now only the Maseratis and Ferraris still induce double-takes!
Anyways, a the next house has a tower and a beautiful yard. I'm glad they didn't rake their leaves.
After wandering further down the street, I decided to return back to Veyrier by another route, along the main road. I noticed this quaint Protestant church further back in the trees on my left and decided to go check it out. I love old churches: they are so rich with memory and a tribute to the faith of the community that built them and all those that worship(ped) there.
It was an idyllic spot: a good ways off from the road, tranquil, and drenched in warm sunlight. I sat on the front porch and started to read an article for class. Sometime later, a car drove up and parked, an elderly lady got out and walked up to the door right next to where I was sitting. She smiled and commented on taking advantage of the nice weather, unlocked the door and went in.
Back to reading. Then, suddenly, I heard the exquisite organ piece she had come to practice, I suppose for the service the following day. I doubt it was the same piece, but it reminded me of a recording by one of my heroes, Albert Schweitzer (a brilliant organist, though better known for his charitable work as a doctor in Lambaréné, Africa). Years ago, I was happy to find the original record in the LSU Music Library, and always relished listening to a man I sincerely admire play the work of another person I equally admire (Bach) with the deep religious feeling his pieces merit. I couldn't have been happier, nor have asked for better circumstances in which to read. Wow.
posted by Ben at 5:57 AM
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