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What a good night sleep. It had been a long time since our heads had come in contact with a bed and pillow. Awoke to find out that the Bucs had beaten the Rockies, Garrett Cole pitched a decent game, Cutch had 2 home runs. Rivero gave up a run - I guess he's allowed one. Sounded like a great game.
What a good night sleep. It had been a long time since our heads had come in contact with a bed and pillow. Awoke to find out that the Bucs had beaten the Rockies, Garrett Cole pitched a decent game, Cutch had 2 home runs. Rivero gave up a run - I guess he's allowed one. Sounded like a great game.
Luggage out at 7:45. Breakfast at 7:30. It was not the best of buffets, but I guess that if you stayed here more than a night that you would get the hang of heating the scramble eggs in a skillet and the waffles in a waffle maker. On the coach and off for the 3 hour (because of heavy traffic) to Chateau Chambord. A brief rest stop on the way for those whose bladders called.
The drive went through some of the industrial areas of Paris and then into the beautiful country side of the Loire Valley.
There was a brief glance of the estate through the trees before we were treated to the magnificence of the Chateau. Designed by Leonardo da Vince in 1518, and constructed by Francis I, the building was finally completed in 1546. It follows the design of a medieval castle with a central keep and 4 corner towers. There are 365 chimneys and an equal number of stairs. Within the keep, the rooms the corridors form a cross. It took 18,000 people to build and it could accommodate 2, 000 inhabitants.
There was a brief glance of the estate through the trees before we were treated to the magnificence of the Chateau. Designed by Leonardo da Vince in 1518, and constructed by Francis I, the building was finally completed in 1546. It follows the design of a medieval castle with a central keep and 4 corner towers. There are 365 chimneys and an equal number of stairs. Within the keep, the rooms the corridors form a cross. It took 18,000 people to build and it could accommodate 2, 000 inhabitants.
We opted for a bite of lunch to eat before setting out to explore the 4 floors and the terraces. We split a ham and swiss sandwich, a small dish of fruit and water.
The castle was massive and its interior is highlighted by a double helix staircase. It is impossible to describe, but its feature of being able to walk the stairs and never meet anyone, but also to be able to see a person. We toured the apartments, bed chambers and the trophy rooms, to mention a few.
The final floor was the terrace. From the rooftop you could see the entire estate, with its new French gardens, as well as see the towers up close.
Also on the grounds was a charming chapel, St. Louis Church, that was actually built before the Chateau.
Also on the grounds was a charming chapel, St. Louis Church, that was actually built before the Chateau.
Of course on the way back to the coach, we were sidetracked by an ice cream stand. Yummy rum raisin ice cream and departure at 4:00.
It was a very short (20 minute) drive to our hotel for the next 3 days- the Mercure Blois.
Check in was easy and our bags were delivered to the room very promptly. Had a bit of time to settle in, organize some clothes, and play with pictures.
About a 20 minute walk to the restaurant, the Les 3 Clefs. Along the way the streets of Blois were cobble stoned, narrow and typically French. The steps leading up to the Chateu are painted with a scene every 2 months. This month clouds are featured.
Dinner was a goat cheese/puff pastry, salmon with a dill sauce and noodles, and an apple tart. Just delicious.
We walked home along the Loire River and saw an amazing beaver in addition to several muskrats.
Back to the room to get ready for tomorrow and a bit of picture editing and writing.
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