Tea and sympathy at my friend's petit chateau near Versailles.
Bonjour les tous! In Paris, I had the great pleasure of spending time with my dear friend Gabrielle in her gorgeous, newly-renovated home. Gabrielle met me at Gare du Nord. But our rendezvous turned out to be a comedy of errors, thanks to the Thalys train's hour-late arrival; my phone's lost network coverage and mad traffic jams in the city. Of course the main purpose of the trip was visiting an ENT to determine the cause of recurring dizzy spells. Initial tests suggest it's an inner-ear problem; further tests are scheduled next week.
Also in Paris, I had lunch in my old neighbourhood, then stood in line for ages during les soldes. En route to Amsterdam, Thalys abruptly decided to end its service at Schiphol. Passengers were sent first to one platform, then another to catch an inner-city train to Amsterdam. I felt sorry for all the confused and angry travelers scrambling with their luggage, with little advice and no assistance from Thalys staff. Upon boarding the inner-city train, most passengers were left standing, trying to balance their luggage all the way to Amsterdam.
Again, we were well past our scheduled arrival at Amsterdam Centraal. Habitual delays seems to be a problem with Thalys. Their Ill-timing is due in part to slow-moving trains through Belgium, with international and local trains sharing a single track. Belgium really needs to get its act (and its government) together. These days, traveling through the country either by rail or by car (every journey interrupted with multiple roadworks and diversions) is rarely pleasant.
Falling into the canal
At home Saturday, I went in the back garden to inspect the hortensia (hydrangea) growth. Suddenly I felt dizzy, lost my balance and fell backwards into the canal! Needless to say, a very long hot shower followed.
Now I'm trying to catch up with ongoing projects and correspondence - with time out to photograph the summer's first "Kasemarkte Marches au Fromage" in Edam - before the next dash to Paris.
Wishing a very Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans!
Love the photo of the teacups. There is a possibility that your dizzy spells are caused by the symptoms of "Menieres" disease.
Only further tests will confirm or rule it out. My ENT was convinced that i had it...even after all further tests came out negative. Haven't had any symptoms in years.Good Luck!
Posted by: Mooks | 07 July 2012 at 12:19
Tara, only you could make late trains and involuntary water sports sound almost charming! Glad to hear you have a bit of an idea what is going on and will get things back to 100% soon.
Posted by: Mary H. | 04 July 2012 at 17:10
Oh sorry Tara but Harvey and I have just had such a good laugh. I can just imagine you falling in the canal. Must have been a shock but I hope you can see the funny side of it like we did. Big hugs and hope you get that dizzy thing sorted soon. xx
Posted by: Di Overton | 03 July 2012 at 21:20
Oh no! Not a canal! Well, you are now sort of Netherland baptised. As for Thalys...*groan*. Happy, happy 4th to you too!!
Posted by: Natalie | 03 July 2012 at 21:10
Oh my, what an adventure!! I hope everything goes well with the ear problem. And let's catch up in Paris one day:-)
Posted by: Igor | 03 July 2012 at 20:29
My goodness, but you have had one adventure of the unpleasant kind too many. That is scary to be so dizzy that you fall into the canal. Please take care and I hope very soon you have resolve.
Now I must say I love that shelf at your friends with the beautiful teacups and yummy teas from the Mariage Freres. I do recognize those tea canisters.
Posted by: Marilyn | 03 July 2012 at 19:57