Sept 17th Chenonceau

Claude and I drove for a small eternity yesterday after leaving Bayeux at 0900. Before leaving, our hostes joined us for coffee and brought us a variety of pastries. We really enjoyed meeting Mr&Mrs Briere as they have been fabulous with us. We said our goodbyes and in the car we went for four hours. Now perhaps it would take less time, I think, IF one was to take the major highway. I need to add, that we did follow instructions and signs...and then we discovered the frequency of roundabouts...and it isasmical. Ilost count of how many roundabouts we did...30 maybe 50?
We did however see some exceptional scenery...and I must say that the both of us were very happy with the greenery of the land.

Destination? La Vallee de Loire. We arrived in Blois and went to the tourist information center. This is the place were you get maps, info on B&B's and other goodies. We found a lodging and Valerie, our helper, sent us across a bridge to check out the place. We were back within half an hour for a new search. This time, we were ready for travel, we didn't care if we were set up in the country side, just make it comfortable and inviting. Booked, booked, booked. Why? why? why? Because of the weenkend didn't you know, the famous, the once a year 'Patrimoine de France'. This is an opportunity for everyone to come out and come see all the museums, chateaus, and other pricy outings to visit for free or for a reduced rate. So everything is booked...solid.

Oh-ah panic. Back to the tourist office with Valerie who was on the phone with at least 12 places...and no luck. As Valerie was talking to us she heard some magic words from her co-worker who was also trying to hook up a couple of backpackers for the night...and fired off a few sentences...two people...four nights....and boom it was done. But where????? It didn't much matter now...there was a line of people huffing behind us and it was time to claim a room.

This hotel was even cheaper than the one we refused an hour earlier and the neighborhood was looking noisy (no I am not that picky...but you get a bit selective at times is all). So off we went and all of sudden, like surprise sneeze, there it was! We had to crouch our heads to get in and all I could hear is Claude laughing the laugh that says, 'oh now what'.

Our hostess was glad to see us and invited us to see our room, but we would have to share the bed as this was the last one ready to go and he had a couple of other people coming this way to see it. We quickly ran to see the room. One bed, a window, a big-enough bathroom, wifi access, and good to go for four nights for a very good price....go for it.

Boss, the owner came to my rescue when my little computer wouldn't connect to the internet. I am the first, the first to have problems connecting! I felt like crying. How can this be? Everybody else and their cat and dog can access the internet without fail! So Boss shows up with his own computer, his own laptop to help me out. He gives it to Claude and says "the customer must in the end be happy" and gladly hands over a new connecting box and the laptop. I must say, we both were quite surprised and happy.

Oh the drama eh? But it's good drama because this little place is clean and the people are so helpful and the bed is comfy and the town is cute.

So...we went to Chenonceau. We drove for a while, hit some more roundabouts, and laughed all the way here. It rained...a lot! So I said to Claude, don't worry...Chenonceau will be empty...who wants to come out when it rains?

Good God was I wrong. Apparently everybody wants to visit when it rains. The tour buses greeted us as we were heading in. I didn't have to say a word to Claude who was suddenly quiet in his seat (I know how much he loves big crowds!). And the parking lot was filling up...I didn't bother to look over at my brother.

Everyone huddled under an umbrella ready to face the elements in order to make it to the chateau and suddenly everyone has energy, renewed strength in their old age, and determination to make it to the front door! And there we were, in the gift shop buying an umbrella to join the growing crowd.

The interior was crammed with visitors...so it was warm (always a bonus for me). I finally was able to see Diane de Poitier, Henry's famous mistress. Eversince my arrival in France, whenever I say I am 'Diane', I would get a funny remark of Diane de Poitier, and as I am not savy of France's history I had no idea who she was, so I would smile nicely and hope that this Diane was at least someone of interest...and is she ever!

Both Claude and I enjoyed the kitchen the most as it is elaborate, smart, and well laid out. We marveled at the knive set, the butchering bloc, the meat hooks hanging above the worktable, the grand oven with it's vaste capacity to handle pots and pans, and the useful roasting pit on weighted pully system.

We then made a great escape to Diane's Jardin and enjoyed a stroll near the maze garden in the pouring rain.

Here are the pictures....

Dd