lookdownlookout 19.7.11

These are photographs of a new Martin Creed artwork that was flagged up to me for my blog by my friend Adam (thanks Adam!). It's called Work No. 1059, 2011. Creed exhibited at the nearby Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh last year and was also commissioned by the gallery to create a piece of public art. What he chose to do was this - resurface the depressing, old (and stinky) stone steps running from the Scotsman Hotel to Market Street with 104 different types and colours of marbles from all over the world. The steps are really striking and I think that Creed's intervention definitely improves the space. If only we could afford to do up lots more public spaces with pretty marble.

lookdownlookout 14.7.11

Some more photos from my week in France. Out and about at the market...

And watching an amazing balloon modeller in the town square...

lookdownlookout 11.7.11

Last night my french class were treated to a guided tour of the medieval town of Sarlat - a really pretty place with lot of character. I'm really looking forward to heading there again tomorrow for the chance to look explore it on our own and go for dinner in the midst of these amazing old sights.

lookdownlookout 10.7.11

Today was my first chance to have a look round Salignac, where I'm staying this week. The weather has not been kind so far (we arrived during an almighty thunderstorm) but it stayed dry long enough this afternoon for us to have a wander around the tiny  village. During our walk I stumbled upon lots of lovely rustic French architecture and this was my favourite photo of the afternoon. What a door!

lookdownlookout 9.7.11

This week I'm in the south west of France doing a French course and I'm hoping to take the opportunity to go exploring and take lots of pictures in the the sleepy little village where I'm staying. I travelled here via Bordeaux, which looks like a really pretty city. However, since the only bit of Bordeaux I got to see was the train station I'll just have to plan a citybreak sometime soon and come back and visit again properly.

lookdownlookout 3.7.11

Making the most of the sunny weather saw three of us heading up Arthur's Seat for a walk on Sunday. It was a good excuse to blow the cobwebs off my hiking boots and the view from the top was beautiful so (although knackering for little old unfit me) it was definitely worth it!

lookdownlookout 2.7.11

It was amazing weather in Edinburgh last weekend so we took a break from our epic day of shopping to relax in Princes St Gardens for a picnic. I liked this view of the brightly coloured flowers and the statue when we were heading back into the craziness of Princes St.

lookdownlookout 1.7.11

Right, it's been way too long since I added to my blog, so here is the first of my summer posts. It's been a really busy couple of months (excuses, excuses...) but I've finally made it to my summer holidays and intend to add lots more lovely photos from now on. Enjoy!