The Lion lies in his lair in the perpendicular face of a low cliff — for he is carved from the living rock of the cliff. His size is colossal, his attitude is noble. His head is bowed, the broken spear is sticking in his shoulder, his protecting paw rests upon the lilies of France. Vines hang down the cliff and wave in the wind, and a clear stream trickles from above and empties into a pond at the base, and in the smooth surface of the pond the lion is mirrored, among the water-lilies.

Around about are green trees and grass. The place is a sheltered, reposeful woodland nook, remote from noise and stir and confusion — and all this is fitting, for lions do die in such places, and not on granite pedestals in public squares fenced with fancy iron railings. The Lion of Lucerne would be impressive anywhere, but nowhere so impressive as where he is.

— Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880

I also visited Lucerne, Switzerland, but I did not see the Lion Monument. I did, however, see a great bar. Backpacking across Europe is wasted on the young.

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series.

Photo: Dave-F via Flickr

Lady Liberty was a gift from the French. It’s probably the coolest gift we’ve ever received. By “it” I mean the statue, and by “we” I mean the United States of America, but you probably knew that.

This weekend America celebrates a little something we like to call freedom. Maybe you’ve heard of it. As such, there will be a lot of people being a bit too free with their drinking and their bad decisions. Don’t be one of them. Holidays are supposed to be fun, not dangerous. Don’t drink and drive, people.

Have a great Fourth of July weekend!

This post is part of the UpTake Friday Family Series. Now in caps!

Photo: bets.i.jacobson via Flickr

After all, this is France...

Epcot at Walt Disney World features a plethora of pavilions in its World Showcase that pay homage to specific countries. That Eiffel Tower in the distance? If you said “France” then congratulations, you’re a winner.

The food in the pavilion is quite good, and most, if not all, of the Disney cast members in the area are young people from various regions of France. Disney’s spin on France is focused on la Belle Epoque (the Beautiful Time, 1870-1910).

Fun fact: The park area nestled along the canal is inspired by “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by artist Georges Seurat.

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.

Photo by Tricia Honea

Holiday bon bons at French Market vendor, Canady Le Chocolatier

The newly opened Chicago French Market in the trendy West Loop neighborhood, supplies a dose of style and fresh ingredients to the Chicago shopping scene. This indoor, one-stop, market features 30 specialty vendors including gourmet cheese, wine, chocolate and pastries.  Modeled after outdoor European markets and operated by the Bensidoun family, who are the largest  developers of Paris markets, the Chicago French Market supports local farmers and artisans in a year-round venue. Even though most of the market’s offerings are food related, I found an array of  special gifts on my recent visit.