Bonjour, we are now seven days into our “Rick Steves’ Paris and the Heart of France in 11 Days” journey.  Blogging has been hard, we have little time to ourselves and what time we do have I’ve needed to spend it recharging myself for the next day.

We have moved out of Paris and are currently in the city of Blois in the Loire (lo-war) Valley.  Tomorrow we are on to stay one night at the famed Mont St. Michel, and then on to Bayeux and Normandy, and the D-Day beaches.

It’s been nothing but chateaus and medieval castles for the past two days.  It’s a nice break from the endless museums in Paris.  One certainly gains perspective when visiting places of the 13th & 14th centuries.  Great appreciation for home and the current way of the world, goes without saying.  One no longer takes for granted our modern conveniences such as lighting, heat, air-conditioning, indoor pluming, and refrigeration.  Even transportation and moving were enormous deals back then.  On the other hand, going to bed, getting up and often dressing were public spectacles for Royalty.  Even your bedroom activity was often under surveillance.  And those were the days of kill your enemies, because chances are they were most certainly plotting to do away with you.  Many homes were built to keep bad people out.  And those with power built huge chateaus, castles and monuments to show their importance – the bigger it is, the grander they must be.

I have to say, I’m glad it’s no longer fashionable for people of power to build great memorials of themselves.  No matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, I think we can all agree that we are thankful the current administration didn’t erect an enormous Arc du Freedom in his own honor.  OR that he’s not taxing the people to pay for an immense castle or chateau for himself.  Thank your lucky stars people, it could be worse!

In conclusion, my husband and I are having a wonderful time on our adventure and I’m looking forward to reviewing my notes once home and giving a proper post or two or three.

Au revoir!