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!