A very frustrating time last night as I managed to lose the entire blog entry which was a shame as the replacement was rushed and terse.
However today we had a relaxed day wandering around Chinon, a small town on the Vienne river with a castle overhanging the narrow streets. The fashion here is to built with very steep slate roofs so that looking down on the town from above all you see are a jumble of black. There are some medieval half timbered buildings here, but they are completed with brick rather than plaster as in the UK, which gives them a reddish colouring. Chinon is known for the reign of Henry II and his sons and the advent of Joan of Arc. Both histories illustrate the lack of gratitude in the royal families, particularly with Joan who seems to have been discarded to be burnt at the stake after saving the French kingdom.
Entering Chinon
Chinon street
Looking down on Chinon from the castle
All the streets in Chinon are open for cars, despite there being no room for a car and a person side by side. We also have a long local bridge that requires all passengers to breathe in while passing a car going the other way. This bridge was apparently built for tanks in the first world war.
One thing I didn't mention yesterday is that our GPS unit is determined that we should see ALL of France, including sending us through farmyards, down incredibly long and narrow country roads and through underground carparks. It is good to get off the main roads and see the area thoroughly, but I am losing faith that the GPS knows the area any better than I do.
We called into 2 wine cellars today and ended up with a beautiful bubbly, a savignon blanc, a rose and a cabernet franc, all for a total of 25 Euro. It is unfortunate (?) that we will have to drink all the wine we buy before we fly to Scotland as we are already exceeding our weight allowance. At least our cork collection will be little more impressive.
The unfortunate thing is that you can't share with friends!
ReplyDeleteWish I could travel with you guys...