Manof Chpt 29

Chapter 29

They drove in relative silence. Bruce thought ahead about what he might learn in this beautiful part of France. He thought too of Karl Hellstrom and what he might learn from him.

He thought about Leonardo and Francois, and if the truth were to be told, he also thought about beautiful and sultry Marina Alvarez. He wouldn't mention her to Marie-Claude for the time being.

Crossing into Tours

They crossed the Cher River into Tours and stopped in front of Le bistro de l'Univers. This was a perfect place for a drink as the sun started to set. While they chose to sit outside and watch the people go by, Bruce couldn't help notice the wonderful stained glass ceiling in the dining room.

The owner, an affable man, told him that it dated from the 19th century. "La guerre, the war, had not been kind to Tours, a onetime capital of France, but if hadn't destroyed M. Dore's special ceiling.
The Pernod and the long Cuban cigar were a perfect acompaniment to an hour of pleasant conversation with a lady of special and elegant charm.

Dinner in the square was all that they bargained for. They walked around among the crowds of students who drank more than they ate. Then they continued on their way to Chateau de la Guillonniere.
Bruce was impressed by the building and the drive up to it in the dark. Suddenly the headlights hit the façade. It was magnificent and the interior was just as striking.

The apartment consisted of a living room with fireplace and high windows that one only found in Europe. The view of the meadow was enhanced by the flood lights and the bedrooms had canopied beds decorated in red and gold.

A maid brought them brandy and glasses and fresh towels. She turned down the beds and wished them a 'bonne nuit'.
They chatted for a while, making plans for the next day.
"I'd like to be a tourist for a day. Is it possible to see one or two chateaus before we descend on Amboise?"

Marie-Claude Suggests a Visit to Azay-Le-Rideau...

Marie-Claude suggested a morning visit to Azay-Le-Rideau and Chenenceau. "These are my two favorites. One is just west of here and the other is east. That way we can have dinner in Amboise and begin our visit there the next morning."

It sounded like a perfect plan.

"Then, after we are done in Amboise, I'd like you to see Chambord. That was a chateau built especially for Francoise when he was very young. It is a hunting reserve and they have a wonderful stable of horses. I often go thee to ride. It's one of the largest in France but I think you will like it."

She thought for a moment then added, "Of course there are others; all very interesting, but we only have so much time. One day you must come back and visit Villandry. The gardens are spectacular and world famous. I went there as a girl and giggled my way through their maze."

"It didn't frighten you?"

"Hardly, you could only go one way and in the middle was a ladder and high chair from where you can see above the maze. I giggled because I felt it would never end."

Too Many at a Time Is Confusing

"There's also, Usse, which looks like Cinderella's castle and Chinon, filled with the ghosts of Rabelais and Joan of Arc. I can go on and on from Vouvray to Blois, Loches, Chaumont and Chateau Dunois at Beaugency. But too many at a time is confusing. We'll see Azay, Chenenceau and Chambord.

If we stay in Blois for lunch you'll see both the 16th century Francois I staircase, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture and the Salamander motif or Louis XII's porcupine symbol. This area is rich in 13th century and later history. This is where the artists, poets, royal court and troubadours once gathered. From Orleans in the east to the sea there is one long line of chateaus. It would take weeks to see it all, maybe longer."

"Settled," said Bruce. "You are a first class guide. Would you like another cognac?"

Marie-Claude looked at her empty glass. "Why not," she smiled.
"A votre sante. To your health."

(Click here for Chapter 30)


	Chapter 29 They drove in relative silence. Bruce thought ahead about what he might learn in this beautiful part of France. He thought too of Karl Hellstrom and what he might learn from him. He thought about Leonardo and Francois, and if the truth were to be told, he also thought about beautiful and sultry Marina Alvarez. He wouldn't mention her to Marie-Claude for the time being. Crossing into Tours They crossed the Cher River into Tours and stopped in front of Le bistro de l'Univers. This was a perfect place for a drink as the sun started to set. While they chose to sit outside and watch the people go by, Bruce couldn't help notice the wonderful stained glass ceiling in the dining room. The owner, an affable man, told him that it dated from the 19th century. "La guerre, the war, had not been kind to Tours, a onetime capital of France, but if hadn't destroyed M. Dore's special ceiling. The Pernod and the long Cuban cigar were a perfect acompaniment to an hour of pleasant conversation with a lady of special and elegant charm. Dinner in the square was all that they bargained for. They walked around among the crowds of students who drank more than they ate. Then they continued on their way to Chateau de la Guillonniere. Bruce was impressed by the building and the drive up to it in the dark. Suddenly the headlights hit the façade. It was magnificent and the interior was just as striking. The apartment consisted of a living room with fireplace and high windows that one only found in Europe. The view of the meadow was enhanced by the flood lights and the bedrooms had canopied beds decorated in red and gold. A maid brought them brandy and glasses and fresh towels. She turned down the beds and wished them a 'bonne nuit'. They chatted for a while, making plans for the next day. "I'd like to be a tourist for a day. Is it possible to see one or two chateaus before we descend on Amboise?" Marie-Claude Suggests a Visit to Azay-Le-Rideau... Marie-Claude suggested a morning visit to Azay-Le-Rideau and Chenenceau. "These are my two favorites. One is just west of here and the other is east. That way we can have dinner in Amboise and begin our visit there the next morning." It sounded like a perfect plan. "Then, after we are done in Amboise, I'd like you to see Chambord. That was a chateau built especially for Francoise when he was very young. It is a hunting reserve and they have a wonderful stable of horses. I often go thee to ride. It's one of the largest in France but I think you will like it." She thought for a moment then added, "Of course there are others; all very interesting, but we only have so much time. One day you must come back and visit Villandry. The gardens are spectacular and world famous. I went there as a girl and giggled my way through their maze." "It didn't frighten you?" "Hardly, you could only go one way and in the middle was a ladder and high chair from where you can see above the maze. I giggled because I felt it would never end." Too Many at a Time Is Confusing "There's also, Usse, which looks like Cinderella's castle and Chinon, filled with the ghosts of Rabelais and Joan of Arc. I can go on and on from Vouvray to Blois, Loches, Chaumont and Chateau Dunois at Beaugency. But too many at a time is confusing. We'll see Azay, Chenenceau and Chambord. If we stay in Blois for lunch you'll see both the 16th century Francois I staircase, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture and the Salamander motif or Louis XII's porcupine symbol. This area is rich in 13th century and later history. This is where the artists, poets, royal court and troubadours once gathered. From Orleans in the east to the sea there is one long line of chateaus. It would take weeks to see it all, maybe longer." "Settled," said Bruce. "You are a first class guide. Would you like another cognac?" Marie-Claude looked at her empty glass. "Why not," she smiled. "A votre sante. To your health." (Click here for Chapter 30)