Yesterday was the excursion that I had been looking forward to the most. Finally being able to see the D-day beaches, was overwhelming. The very first day of the invasion 10,000 soldiers died on those very beaches.
We first stopped at the Memorial Museum. The three languages that the museum is in is French, English, German. It started with leading up to the war and through the war. Even being there was overwhelming. They had one room focusing on the concentration camps. In that room there was a picture, full sized, of a girl who had just been hanged. It was startling. At this museum they also had a Nazi flag and other articles. That one flag. What it symbolizes. It was odd to stand in front of it, knowing the ideas that surround it. At the museum the had a short film we watched. It was two sided, one of the preparations and the actually debarqument ( I can't think of the work in english); landing, the other was of the germans, preparing for the day and being bombed. The day they landed, was probably one of the worst days chosen. I can't imagaine first travelling across the ocean, but then landing knowing that you are going to your death. The thought of that is... i don't know. I can't imagine.
We then went to the American Cemetary. It was beautiful. The French goverment gave the land to the United States. It overlooks Omaha Beach and the Ocean. The cemetery is organized quite nicely and really is a lot more beautiful than pictures show. I really enjoyed how the Jewish soldiers had stars of David and not crosses. All of it is so beautiful.
After that we went to Omaha Beach for a few minutes. It was a wonderful sunny, yet chilly day. The beaches themselves are beautiful and if I hadn't known that thousands died here I would've love to run around breathing in the fresh air. But then reality hits that I was standing where someone died. Each step I took, they had taken 65 years ago struggling for their life and trying to kill the enemy. Pictures do not do it justice, and the emotions can't be explained. There is a sense of sadness at all the lives that were lost that day, but also pride in the soliders who went their giving the ultimate sacrifice. I think because we have footage of this war, it makes it so more real. And seeing these beaches did that as well.
We then went to La Point du Hoc. The Germans had quite a bit of artillery here which was pointed at Omaha beach. The Rangers arrived and had to climb the cliffs to get up. In addition the Americans bombed this area like crazy. It was the first place we saw that you really knew war had been there. The craters from the bombings were still there, and they were plentiful. Every few feet there was a new one. And they were huge. Only a few bases of the buildings remain. Seeing this brings the war a new reality.
Our final stop was at the German Cemetery at La Cambe. I was really glad they took us here. This cemetery was so different from the American. It was quite a bit smaller, but had over 22,000 soldiers buried in it, a lot more than the American. Most of the soldiers buried here were about my age when they did. I saw one boy who was 2 weeks short of 18 when he died. It was sad. The cemetery is not as intricate but it was beautiful all the same. There is a monument in the center and at the base, there were flowers from some canadians, some polish people, and some english. It was nice to see that most of the animosity has dissappeared thanks to the European Union.
Yesterday was an emotional and eye-opening day. Its hard to say, after seeing that, that the Germans are the "bad" guys. Because of the Treaty of Versaille, they were forced into a huge depression, and occupied. In the French occupied south, their women were raped requently by the French soldiers and in general they were treated with disgust (this we learned from one of the French history professors who went with us). They were resentful of the English, and French, and even the Russians for doing this to them. How is it not surprising then that this didn't happen? How could you not support some sort of revenge for this treatment? Thats all these soldiers knew, for them it was about regaining the importance of Germany, not about killing Jews. With that in mind, its hard to "pick" sides.
Seeing these places made the war more of a reality. I've always been terrified of war. This makes it so much more. In the states we don't know what it looks like, seeing footage and seeing the actual place are two different things. Even thinking about it now, I hope I may never see something like that. In the states, we have our little comfort zone, we weren't in the middle so its easy to say that we can go to war. But when you see the destruction, see all the graves, and feel the power of the emotions there; its different. It makes you hope for peace so much more.
pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025362&id=1195471084&l=eb1659cab7
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Some pondering
I'm about to my halfway point in France. Its a weird feeling sometimes its still surreal that I'm here. But since I'm not crazy studying for tests at the very moment, its nice.
I've been getting grades back on my tests and they are confusing, either on a 20 or 30 point scale, and much different from back home. An "A" is equivalent to a 15/20 or higher or a 21/30 or higher. Thus far I've gotten all A equivalents: a 23/30 on my lit test, 21/30 on my langue test, a 16/20 on my writing test, and a 28/30 on my culture class. I"m still waiting for the results of my history test. Needless to say I think this semester will be a gpa boost.
Another interesting thing is that women here are super judgment, and appearance is everything! I mean EVERYTHING. Walking into a place sometimes you get a head to foot look down. It was a shock at first. I can't wear tshirts here, and have to watch my style. Anything flashing draws attention, because the French really love their black. Its incredible how much black they wear. For real! And I try not to wear black, so that puts me out of it.
I am realizing how much I miss different food. Not french foods. Thats probably the hardest part about living here, not have such a diverse selection of foods. I don't eat cooked meat that often, but I do eat more desserts because they are fantastic. I'm surprised I haven't gained weight actually. haha. but its probably because I walk everywhere. I'm getting calves of steel! Not really but kinda. I walk up 5 flights of stairs for class at least once a day.
I am super excited right now because my spring break starts in a week! We're are going to Rome, Florence, Siena, the Italian coast, Verona, and Venice (thats Italy). Then up to England for Oxford, Liverpool and Stratford-upon-Avon for a Shakespeare play, A Winter's Night, in his birth town! Then over to Dublin and a day trip to Galway. I am super pumped!!!!! a 17 day trip and 3 countries. And for my birthday, it ends up I'm probably going to go to Brussels, Belguim! And then Madrid at the end of May. I'm really quite excited about all the travel coming up!!!
Tomorrow we are going on our last excursion to the D-Day beaches and the American Cemetary. I have been looking forward to this trip the most since I arrived. Its supposed to be cloudy and rainy, but I feel like that is fitting for this place. It shouldn't really be that sunny.
I've been getting grades back on my tests and they are confusing, either on a 20 or 30 point scale, and much different from back home. An "A" is equivalent to a 15/20 or higher or a 21/30 or higher. Thus far I've gotten all A equivalents: a 23/30 on my lit test, 21/30 on my langue test, a 16/20 on my writing test, and a 28/30 on my culture class. I"m still waiting for the results of my history test. Needless to say I think this semester will be a gpa boost.
Another interesting thing is that women here are super judgment, and appearance is everything! I mean EVERYTHING. Walking into a place sometimes you get a head to foot look down. It was a shock at first. I can't wear tshirts here, and have to watch my style. Anything flashing draws attention, because the French really love their black. Its incredible how much black they wear. For real! And I try not to wear black, so that puts me out of it.
I am realizing how much I miss different food. Not french foods. Thats probably the hardest part about living here, not have such a diverse selection of foods. I don't eat cooked meat that often, but I do eat more desserts because they are fantastic. I'm surprised I haven't gained weight actually. haha. but its probably because I walk everywhere. I'm getting calves of steel! Not really but kinda. I walk up 5 flights of stairs for class at least once a day.
I am super excited right now because my spring break starts in a week! We're are going to Rome, Florence, Siena, the Italian coast, Verona, and Venice (thats Italy). Then up to England for Oxford, Liverpool and Stratford-upon-Avon for a Shakespeare play, A Winter's Night, in his birth town! Then over to Dublin and a day trip to Galway. I am super pumped!!!!! a 17 day trip and 3 countries. And for my birthday, it ends up I'm probably going to go to Brussels, Belguim! And then Madrid at the end of May. I'm really quite excited about all the travel coming up!!!
Tomorrow we are going on our last excursion to the D-Day beaches and the American Cemetary. I have been looking forward to this trip the most since I arrived. Its supposed to be cloudy and rainy, but I feel like that is fitting for this place. It shouldn't really be that sunny.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Greve/Strike
There's something I've been wondering about...
Last Thursday there was a major "greve" or strike in France. A lot of the transportation was down and some places were closed in support. I understand that yes, the French feel the need to strike to show their voice. Thats fine. But students at schools can strike; university students. I'm just wondering how they get away with it. In the states if you were to strike at a college they would just fail you, so how can French students force a test to be moved, or decide they don't like how things are going and strike?
I realize this must come from the days of the revolution, but I still don't understand it.
Last Thursday there was a major "greve" or strike in France. A lot of the transportation was down and some places were closed in support. I understand that yes, the French feel the need to strike to show their voice. Thats fine. But students at schools can strike; university students. I'm just wondering how they get away with it. In the states if you were to strike at a college they would just fail you, so how can French students force a test to be moved, or decide they don't like how things are going and strike?
I realize this must come from the days of the revolution, but I still don't understand it.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Past two weeks
The past few weeks have been pretty crazy. I've had a few test (which I'm happy to say I've done well on). But here is an update:
My parents, Terry and Heather were in Angers for a few days. I showed them the sights such as the Chateaux, Galerie David D'Angers, the two major gardens, the markets, etc. It was nice to have them here. And I think they really enjoyed where I am living. I was super excited that Brigitte (my host mom) decided to invite my family over for cocktails! It was a nice experience to be able to show my host family my real family, but also to be able to show my real family my host family. It was a nice little time. My folks left on Monday which allowed me to study and prepare the week ahead.
Tuesday was St. Patricks day. So, as is expected, green was worn and Piper, Emma and I went to and Irish Bar in town. It was packed. A pint and a half of guiness cost about 10 euros... it was pricey. but we're looking forward to real guiness in Ireland.
This past weekend I joined my family in Paris for friday night and saturday. We went to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and the Jardin de Luxembourg. It was a nice little visit and wonderful to see my family.
I can't believe that I still am in France for 2.5 more months. But its going to start going a lot faster. My weekends up coming are going to be crazy. This next saturday I'm going on our final excursion with the school to the D-day beaches of Normandie. The weekend after that starts Spring Break, so from the 4th to the 19th I will be travelling around Italy, England and Ireland with a few friends. The last weekend in April (25) I'm going to St. Etienne to visit the family I stayed with in high school. The weekend of my birthday, I'm probably going to Corsica with some friends to celebrate. And the four day weekend at the end of may, probably going to Madrid. So its a full schedule ahead and I know time is gonna go faster.
But I still miss people like crazy. Its weird to think that I've been away from the boy this long and from my roommates. I miss them all like crazy. Its nice to know all my friends are still waiting for me back home and not a whole lot will have changed...well we'll see.
So that the abridged version of the update
photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025095&id=1195471084&l=16b926b82b
and
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025164&id=1195471084&l=37e2c65dff
My parents, Terry and Heather were in Angers for a few days. I showed them the sights such as the Chateaux, Galerie David D'Angers, the two major gardens, the markets, etc. It was nice to have them here. And I think they really enjoyed where I am living. I was super excited that Brigitte (my host mom) decided to invite my family over for cocktails! It was a nice experience to be able to show my host family my real family, but also to be able to show my real family my host family. It was a nice little time. My folks left on Monday which allowed me to study and prepare the week ahead.
Tuesday was St. Patricks day. So, as is expected, green was worn and Piper, Emma and I went to and Irish Bar in town. It was packed. A pint and a half of guiness cost about 10 euros... it was pricey. but we're looking forward to real guiness in Ireland.
This past weekend I joined my family in Paris for friday night and saturday. We went to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and the Jardin de Luxembourg. It was a nice little visit and wonderful to see my family.
I can't believe that I still am in France for 2.5 more months. But its going to start going a lot faster. My weekends up coming are going to be crazy. This next saturday I'm going on our final excursion with the school to the D-day beaches of Normandie. The weekend after that starts Spring Break, so from the 4th to the 19th I will be travelling around Italy, England and Ireland with a few friends. The last weekend in April (25) I'm going to St. Etienne to visit the family I stayed with in high school. The weekend of my birthday, I'm probably going to Corsica with some friends to celebrate. And the four day weekend at the end of may, probably going to Madrid. So its a full schedule ahead and I know time is gonna go faster.
But I still miss people like crazy. Its weird to think that I've been away from the boy this long and from my roommates. I miss them all like crazy. Its nice to know all my friends are still waiting for me back home and not a whole lot will have changed...well we'll see.
So that the abridged version of the update
photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025095&id=1195471084&l=16b926b82b
and
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025164&id=1195471084&l=37e2c65dff
Monday, March 9, 2009
Paris weekend; walking, and tourism
I can see why people say that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Everywhere you turn the city has something new to offer you.
Piper and I arrived on Friday evening to meet Hilary, and Mike (two of Piper's friends). We spent the evening in the Montmontre area around Sacre Coeur since that was where our hotel was. I was so happy to have found a wonderful place to stay. It was across the street from a metro stop, was clean and perfect for the 4 of us. Couldn't have asked for anything better.
Saturday turned into a day full of walking. We decided to walk down to the Moulin Rouge then did a walking tour of Paris to the Eiffel Tower; about 15 miles. But we were able to see many churches including Eglise de Madeleine which I think is one of the most beautiful I have seen. We also saw the Opera House, Place de la Concorde, and the Obelisk. After crossing the river we journeyed (still by foot) to the Eiffel Tower. Since we had not had enough walked we decided to walk up the Tower instead of taking the elevator. 388 steps later we had reached the first level and were able to enjoy the sights of Paris. After 668 total steps we reached the midlevel where we could enjoy the views. It really is incredible. Paris stretches out so far! In each direction there are new things to see. And even though this is my 3rd time going up, each time gives a new chance to see everything. It was sensational. After this we were starving to so traveled by train to the Latin Quarter for some Moraccan food. SOOO yummy! i loved every minute of it. And to finish off, we had gelato. The flavor I ended up getting was dark chocolate which also happened to be made of soy milk. mmm :) After this we travelled by foot to the Louvre to see it. The place really is HUGE! and the pyramid is pretty cool! I'm glad we got to go. In the evening we headed back to our hotel for a little rest and a dinner of bread, cheese, salami, cookies, and wine. We decided to finish the night by heading to the bar. I didn't feel like a beer or a glass of wine so long story short i ended up ordering a tequila on the rocks, assuming that is was mostly ice and a little bit of tequila. In reality it was about 4 shots or so worth of high quality tequila; quite tasty and no bite or after taste. It really was good, but I couldn't drink all of it.
Sunday was a bit more laid back. We woke up and walked to Sacre Coeur so we could see it at daytime then indulged in some crepes for breakfast/lunch. Not as good as some of the one's that i've had in Angers, but still ok. We then headed to the Musee D'Orsey, which is mostly impressionism; my favorite. I love Monet and Sisely. They are fantastic! The day ended with some wandering and heading to the train.
Overall it was a wonderful weekend! We got to see and experience a lot. And on the way back, it was a nice feeling to feel like we're returning "home" that Angers has become my home away from home. It was comforting and a nice feeling. Paris is an expensive city and it makes me appreciate the wonderfulness of Angers a little bit more.
Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024889&id=1195471084&l=08745
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024890&id=1195471084&l=1225d
Piper and I arrived on Friday evening to meet Hilary, and Mike (two of Piper's friends). We spent the evening in the Montmontre area around Sacre Coeur since that was where our hotel was. I was so happy to have found a wonderful place to stay. It was across the street from a metro stop, was clean and perfect for the 4 of us. Couldn't have asked for anything better.
Saturday turned into a day full of walking. We decided to walk down to the Moulin Rouge then did a walking tour of Paris to the Eiffel Tower; about 15 miles. But we were able to see many churches including Eglise de Madeleine which I think is one of the most beautiful I have seen. We also saw the Opera House, Place de la Concorde, and the Obelisk. After crossing the river we journeyed (still by foot) to the Eiffel Tower. Since we had not had enough walked we decided to walk up the Tower instead of taking the elevator. 388 steps later we had reached the first level and were able to enjoy the sights of Paris. After 668 total steps we reached the midlevel where we could enjoy the views. It really is incredible. Paris stretches out so far! In each direction there are new things to see. And even though this is my 3rd time going up, each time gives a new chance to see everything. It was sensational. After this we were starving to so traveled by train to the Latin Quarter for some Moraccan food. SOOO yummy! i loved every minute of it. And to finish off, we had gelato. The flavor I ended up getting was dark chocolate which also happened to be made of soy milk. mmm :) After this we travelled by foot to the Louvre to see it. The place really is HUGE! and the pyramid is pretty cool! I'm glad we got to go. In the evening we headed back to our hotel for a little rest and a dinner of bread, cheese, salami, cookies, and wine. We decided to finish the night by heading to the bar. I didn't feel like a beer or a glass of wine so long story short i ended up ordering a tequila on the rocks, assuming that is was mostly ice and a little bit of tequila. In reality it was about 4 shots or so worth of high quality tequila; quite tasty and no bite or after taste. It really was good, but I couldn't drink all of it.
Sunday was a bit more laid back. We woke up and walked to Sacre Coeur so we could see it at daytime then indulged in some crepes for breakfast/lunch. Not as good as some of the one's that i've had in Angers, but still ok. We then headed to the Musee D'Orsey, which is mostly impressionism; my favorite. I love Monet and Sisely. They are fantastic! The day ended with some wandering and heading to the train.
Overall it was a wonderful weekend! We got to see and experience a lot. And on the way back, it was a nice feeling to feel like we're returning "home" that Angers has become my home away from home. It was comforting and a nice feeling. Paris is an expensive city and it makes me appreciate the wonderfulness of Angers a little bit more.
Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024889&id=1195471084&l=08745
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024890&id=1195471084&l=1225d
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Successful dinner
Tonight was successful in my opinion and I'm really excited about it; I got to know my host family a lot better and we had a real conversation!!! This really thrills me.
It started with yesterday when we were talking at dinner, and it was mentioned that I should speak English with Quinton (the 15 year old son, I now know how to spell his name!) so he can get a little bit of practice in, just for like 30 minutes at a time. So this evening before dinner we decided to talk a little bit, and at first it was a little hard because we didn't know what to talk about. We ended up discussing his english class and that they're reading Animal Farm by George Orwell. Crazy! but it helped because we also talked about how sometimes its easier to understand than to express yourself. Brigitte came in to tell us it was dinnertime but the conversation continued into dinner, but we ended up talking about movies because we Quinton came in to talk to me about speaking English I was watching Harry Potter. So we talked about that for a while at dinner and the conversation went really well! Like amazingly! They're even going to let me borrow some french DVDs and I can watch tme downstairs on their computer if I want. They were telling me all about them, and they seem to be really entertaining. The only one I can remember is "je vous trouve tres beau". But we (brigitte, quinton and myself) tried and discovered that my american dvds work on their computer! So we might watch one of my movies together sometime.
I feel like this is a great success because it helps me pick up random words, I wouldn't have before! Basically I'm on a high because its sometimes a little hard to have a conversation with a limited vocabulary. But more and more I'm starting to have a good repore with the family and getting to know them better :)
It started with yesterday when we were talking at dinner, and it was mentioned that I should speak English with Quinton (the 15 year old son, I now know how to spell his name!) so he can get a little bit of practice in, just for like 30 minutes at a time. So this evening before dinner we decided to talk a little bit, and at first it was a little hard because we didn't know what to talk about. We ended up discussing his english class and that they're reading Animal Farm by George Orwell. Crazy! but it helped because we also talked about how sometimes its easier to understand than to express yourself. Brigitte came in to tell us it was dinnertime but the conversation continued into dinner, but we ended up talking about movies because we Quinton came in to talk to me about speaking English I was watching Harry Potter. So we talked about that for a while at dinner and the conversation went really well! Like amazingly! They're even going to let me borrow some french DVDs and I can watch tme downstairs on their computer if I want. They were telling me all about them, and they seem to be really entertaining. The only one I can remember is "je vous trouve tres beau". But we (brigitte, quinton and myself) tried and discovered that my american dvds work on their computer! So we might watch one of my movies together sometime.
I feel like this is a great success because it helps me pick up random words, I wouldn't have before! Basically I'm on a high because its sometimes a little hard to have a conversation with a limited vocabulary. But more and more I'm starting to have a good repore with the family and getting to know them better :)
One month, and one day
I have official been in France for a month, one glorious month! The time has gone by fast and I really can't believe that I am a quarter of the way done with my semester studying abroad. To be honest I think I've adapted to the lifestyle.
1.I'm now used to walking everywhere! I don't think i've used a car (expect for major transportation to excursions) in over a month! In the states we're quite dependent on cars. I've gotten used to walk 30 or more minutes to get somewhere if I really want to. And a 20 minute walk? thats nothing.
2. Carbs and veggies is most of what I eat when I'm with my host family. I'm getting used to the pureed soups such as leek, pumpkin, potato and broccoli. They really aren't that bad and I kinda enjoy the pumpkin soup. I still crave meats, but I'm finally starting to adjust to the fact that I haven't had cooked meat (salami and sliced ham does not count) save one time. Chicken? haven't eaten that since i left the states.
3. I love the fact that I am legal here! Not to say I get plastered every night, no, but I enjoy the fact that I can drink responsibly and not have to worry about getting in trouble because its illegal. Bottle of wine for 3 euros? ok, just gonna carry it in my purse. The more and more I'm here I realize how stupid the drinking rules in the states are! If i can vote, why can't I drink alcohol. It also kinda sucks because I like cocktails. And its so much easier to go to a bar, then have to have all the ingrediants at my house to make them. I think I like anything with cointreau in it. Its made in Angers so i've been able to have quite a few things with that in it.
Those are the 3 major things but life in general here is different. I still get confused as to when I should use the familar forms, or formal forms. It can get quite complicated sometimes.
I love the fact that I can decide to take a weekend in Paris, and its easy! Being this close to so many things makes me want to skip class and travel, but the fact that I refuse to skip class and that I don't have the money to spend 3 months travelling is what keeps me from doing that. Stupid responsibility.
Overall life as a student in France right now is grand. There are some people missing from my life, but I'll be with them soon enough. The month that I've been here has allowed me to grow as a person and figure out who I am more and more. My french has improved significantly as have my social skills. But I have also realized more of whats important to me, and who is important to me. And the friends I have here, will be friends for a lifetime because of our experiences together.
1.I'm now used to walking everywhere! I don't think i've used a car (expect for major transportation to excursions) in over a month! In the states we're quite dependent on cars. I've gotten used to walk 30 or more minutes to get somewhere if I really want to. And a 20 minute walk? thats nothing.
2. Carbs and veggies is most of what I eat when I'm with my host family. I'm getting used to the pureed soups such as leek, pumpkin, potato and broccoli. They really aren't that bad and I kinda enjoy the pumpkin soup. I still crave meats, but I'm finally starting to adjust to the fact that I haven't had cooked meat (salami and sliced ham does not count) save one time. Chicken? haven't eaten that since i left the states.
3. I love the fact that I am legal here! Not to say I get plastered every night, no, but I enjoy the fact that I can drink responsibly and not have to worry about getting in trouble because its illegal. Bottle of wine for 3 euros? ok, just gonna carry it in my purse. The more and more I'm here I realize how stupid the drinking rules in the states are! If i can vote, why can't I drink alcohol. It also kinda sucks because I like cocktails. And its so much easier to go to a bar, then have to have all the ingrediants at my house to make them. I think I like anything with cointreau in it. Its made in Angers so i've been able to have quite a few things with that in it.
Those are the 3 major things but life in general here is different. I still get confused as to when I should use the familar forms, or formal forms. It can get quite complicated sometimes.
I love the fact that I can decide to take a weekend in Paris, and its easy! Being this close to so many things makes me want to skip class and travel, but the fact that I refuse to skip class and that I don't have the money to spend 3 months travelling is what keeps me from doing that. Stupid responsibility.
Overall life as a student in France right now is grand. There are some people missing from my life, but I'll be with them soon enough. The month that I've been here has allowed me to grow as a person and figure out who I am more and more. My french has improved significantly as have my social skills. But I have also realized more of whats important to me, and who is important to me. And the friends I have here, will be friends for a lifetime because of our experiences together.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chateaux de la Loire
Yesterday was beautiful!!! The weather was perfect, which allowed us to fully enjoy our day touring 3 chateaux.
1. Azay-le-Rideau: This one was the closest to Angers (even though we took the scenic routes the entire time to see other ones on the way). It was built during the 16th century and was built thanks to Gilles Berthelot. Its located on a water inlet so its surrounded by a moat. The architecture is amazing, and the craftsmanship is so intricate. I think this may have been the prettiest of all the Chateaux. Each room had various (and rather large) tapistries along with furniture. Its actually kinda funny because the beds look soooo tiny. But it may be the fact that the rooms are rather large. I loved the gardens and just being able to be outside. They were fantastic.
pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024726&id=1195471084&l=9eb3c
2.Chenonceau: This one was located further away but was also breathtaking. It was also constructed in the 16th century. It has several gardens and one even has a maze with a pretty gazebo in the center. Chenonceau is situated above the Loire river and acts kindof like a bridge hovering above the water. the base has 4 through areas for water to go. So you literally are above water the entire time you are in the Chateau. This one as well had quite a few tapestries, and all were quite large. When we first arrived we pic-nic ed in one of the gardens just enjoying the beautiful day that we were having. (It was in the 60s!!!!) We explore the chateau and took great joy in the kitchens. The lowest level above the water is the kitchens and staff dinning area. Each of the rooms was refurbished to look as if someone still lived there. Fresh flowers were located everywhere and there were even fresh fruits and vegtables in the kitchen, it was quite amazing. The grounds would have been more beautiful if it had been spring but thats alright. The entrance is flanked by two large sphynixs which of course i had to take my picture next too! duh! Who wouldn't? We also played around in the little maze before heading back to the bus.
Pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024736&id=1195471084&l=fc612
3. Chambord: Probably the most extravigant of all the chateaux with almost 300 chimney's and over 400 rooms. It was crazy. The architecture was great but over the top. The bad part was that they were working on doing construction for it while we were there... oh well. Its actually kinda funny because the grounds its located on are the official hunting grounds for the French president and only his and friends may hunt there. Its also houses the presidential horses and such. It was quite interesting. But the rooms! oh the rooms! I don't know what they did with half of them! The hallways were huge! the whole thing was quite overwhelming. My favorite part was probably where you could go and view the upper roof tops and walk outside. You could see a long distance and it was fantastic.
pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024737&id=1195471084&l=844de
Overall the day was enjoyable! I liked being able to see the various chateaux and their different architecture. Its crazy to think that they are all so much older than the establishment of the U.S. Its and odd realization. But thats life. The only disappointing part of the day was that we wanted to go to this Indian food place that Piper and I have been dying to try...well we found out that Saturday nights you must have a reservation if you want to eat...anywhere! So now we know and are planning on eating there soon, with a reservation. The days are tiring though. Especially when you're gone for almost 13 hours. But the excursions are a lot of fun!
I've been in Angers almost a month now. And I've found that I have adjusted quite well. I'm excited for my parents, Terry and Heather to be here in two weeks! It'll be so nice to see them!!! Next weekend I"m going to Paris, and at the end of March we have our excursion to the D-day beaches of Normandie. And the weekend after that? SPRING BREAK! two weeks of no class and complete enjoyment of our surroundings! I'm so excited! So for the next 6 weekends I have something to look forward to!
1. Azay-le-Rideau: This one was the closest to Angers (even though we took the scenic routes the entire time to see other ones on the way). It was built during the 16th century and was built thanks to Gilles Berthelot. Its located on a water inlet so its surrounded by a moat. The architecture is amazing, and the craftsmanship is so intricate. I think this may have been the prettiest of all the Chateaux. Each room had various (and rather large) tapistries along with furniture. Its actually kinda funny because the beds look soooo tiny. But it may be the fact that the rooms are rather large. I loved the gardens and just being able to be outside. They were fantastic.
pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024726&id=1195471084&l=9eb3c
2.Chenonceau: This one was located further away but was also breathtaking. It was also constructed in the 16th century. It has several gardens and one even has a maze with a pretty gazebo in the center. Chenonceau is situated above the Loire river and acts kindof like a bridge hovering above the water. the base has 4 through areas for water to go. So you literally are above water the entire time you are in the Chateau. This one as well had quite a few tapestries, and all were quite large. When we first arrived we pic-nic ed in one of the gardens just enjoying the beautiful day that we were having. (It was in the 60s!!!!) We explore the chateau and took great joy in the kitchens. The lowest level above the water is the kitchens and staff dinning area. Each of the rooms was refurbished to look as if someone still lived there. Fresh flowers were located everywhere and there were even fresh fruits and vegtables in the kitchen, it was quite amazing. The grounds would have been more beautiful if it had been spring but thats alright. The entrance is flanked by two large sphynixs which of course i had to take my picture next too! duh! Who wouldn't? We also played around in the little maze before heading back to the bus.
Pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024736&id=1195471084&l=fc612
3. Chambord: Probably the most extravigant of all the chateaux with almost 300 chimney's and over 400 rooms. It was crazy. The architecture was great but over the top. The bad part was that they were working on doing construction for it while we were there... oh well. Its actually kinda funny because the grounds its located on are the official hunting grounds for the French president and only his and friends may hunt there. Its also houses the presidential horses and such. It was quite interesting. But the rooms! oh the rooms! I don't know what they did with half of them! The hallways were huge! the whole thing was quite overwhelming. My favorite part was probably where you could go and view the upper roof tops and walk outside. You could see a long distance and it was fantastic.
pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024737&id=1195471084&l=844de
Overall the day was enjoyable! I liked being able to see the various chateaux and their different architecture. Its crazy to think that they are all so much older than the establishment of the U.S. Its and odd realization. But thats life. The only disappointing part of the day was that we wanted to go to this Indian food place that Piper and I have been dying to try...well we found out that Saturday nights you must have a reservation if you want to eat...anywhere! So now we know and are planning on eating there soon, with a reservation. The days are tiring though. Especially when you're gone for almost 13 hours. But the excursions are a lot of fun!
I've been in Angers almost a month now. And I've found that I have adjusted quite well. I'm excited for my parents, Terry and Heather to be here in two weeks! It'll be so nice to see them!!! Next weekend I"m going to Paris, and at the end of March we have our excursion to the D-day beaches of Normandie. And the weekend after that? SPRING BREAK! two weeks of no class and complete enjoyment of our surroundings! I'm so excited! So for the next 6 weekends I have something to look forward to!
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