Back in Paris after a lovely couple of days in the Loire Valley. I honestly wonder if the residents ever tire of the picturesque beauty of the French countryside.
We left Paris Sunday and enjoyed some time in Blois that night, with dinner in a local Café Latino, who's decor included images of Che Guevara and sayings in spanish, followed by an interesting light show at their local castle. It was a decent, if chilly night, but most of our group decided we have been spoiled by Disney's idea of a lightshow, our bar is a bit high.
We arose early today to bike 11 miles to the Chambord castle. I squeaked along (the bikes were practically antiques, probably going with the historic theme) dodging cars, wincing through roundabouts, which can be very scary when you are on an ancient bike that should have long been retired. Despite my occasional worried glances at the chain, praying it wouldn't fall off, as some people's did, I did soak up some gorgeous views of post-card worthy abodes and fields. I actually picked out a cottage I will one day live in during our journey. Unfortunately I didn't work up the nerve to let go of the handles to pull out my camera until later, so few images from the ride exist.
Despite somewhat nervous beginnings, the view of Chaubord was well worth the stress and sore dérriére. The hunting lodge of many french kings, I cannot tell you which ones, was an intimidating sight, dominating the woods and little village. We wandered through for a while, marveling at what one could possibly put in ALL those rooms or how in the world you could navigate them, ate some lunch, bought country bread, then lazed in the field behind the castle reading (and getting a sunburn) before making the 11 mile bike journey back to Bloisn during which I was nearly pulled over by a french policeman for almost running a red light, even though there was no other cars for miles, just a french family crossing the street, followed by a 2.5 hour bus ride back to Paris. Now showered and tired, I am off to finish up some HW then to bed.
Kisses and sunshine from Loire and Paris!
No comments:
Post a Comment