Castle Crashers, Part Deux

 This is the Château d'Amboise, formerly home to many a different King Louis, King Charles, King François, King Henry and just a single King Jean (and I though jeans usually come in pairs). Pictured on the side is the original layout of the castle, the red sections no longer exist. It was stunning to stroll around the castle courtyard leisurely, all the while trying to imagine that over 600 years ago there were castle guards patrolling the area on foot. I couldn't help but think of Link's first mission to Hyrule Castle in Ocarina of Time (loads of guards walking around, protecting the princess from medieval danger, etc.) 

Remember dodging these buffoons?

 Unfortunately, my camera died in the middle of the trip, and I wasn't able to snap any photos of the Mediterranean-inspired gardens behind the castle. There was a beautiful cedar next to a fountain, and a small vineyard. I inched over the fence to steal a couple grapes. They were sour.

The main section of what's left of the château

The inside of le Château d'Amboise was filled with a bunch of old stuff not unlike the things I saw in the other castle.. Old furniture, ornate fireplaces, portraits of monarchs and their friends, old armor... since my camera's battery expired, I couldn't properly photo-document this portion of my visit, but to me the aspect of Amboise that I'll remember is the view from the castle-top. It's strategically and aesthetically advantageous to build your château on top of a hill in the middle of a lush valley.

Looking out from the castle's cliff

Gargoyles that spew water when it rains
Irrigation made awesome

Looking out from the castle's cliff

Looking out from the castle's cliff

The eternal resting place of da Vinci

Stairs are cool

I'll be back to write about the last stop in our day trip to the Loire Valley, the house of Leonardo da Vinci soon. Also there's something to be said about Brussels and I ought to tell you what happened on my birthday. Thanks for reading!

The view from the castle cliff is stupendous. I could see the whole Loire Valley
and its wealth of rivers, mountains and luxurious real estate

Brussels, Belgium: The Photo Collection

 Brussels has a lot to offer:

"Cool Dad"

Belgian IT Intern

Accordioneers

7:00am, this man and his dog walk

"Johnathon, I think he just snapped your photo"

Contact Juggling

Castle Crashers, Part I

We had the luxury of visiting the Loire Valley this past Sunday. The Loire Valley is home to Château de Cehnonceau, Château d'Amboise, and Château du Clos Lucé, which are the former homes of Catherine de' Medici, King Charles VIII and Leonardo da Vinci, respectively. The first stop is about two and a half hours outside of Paris, Château de Chenonceau.

 
This is the walk leading up to the first castle. One of those long stretches of road in a forest where you could imagine royalty showing up with their horse-drawn chariots. Walking this path felt majestic; the trees touch the sky (but don't block the rain).

The front of the castle is really underwhelming. It looks like a short, narrow building built on a river. I don't know what's going on with the drapes on the right, but here's a picture of me standing before the castle. Then near a well, then the little mini-castle near the well, then a view of the castle from another angle (the inside the castle taking a picture of outside the castle angle).

Here is a fascinating fact about the gallery of the castle, paraphrased from the tourist pamphlet: During WWII, the River Cher (that's the river this château is built on) corresponded to the line of demarcation. The entrance to the Château was in the occupied zone, so the gallery gave access to the Resistance, allowing large numbers of people into the free zone. Throughout the war, Germans were kept at the ready to destroy Chenonceau.

Catherine de Medici built the gallery in 1576, and it was originally used as a ball room (for dancing). Flash forward a few centuries, in the First World War, the château was used as a hospital. In the United States of America, I don't think we have any man-made structures that are hundreds of years old or can tell stories like these buildings. A castle that was once inhabited by people in my AP Euro book became a hospital in WWI and then an important point of access in WWII.

That's all for now. Check back soon for Part II where we'll get to know a bigger castle, and Part III where we'll explore the war machines of Leonardo da Vinci.

Until then, thanks for tuning in!
-Edrick


ETA: The trip to Loire took place on 11-Sep 2011, and although I was young during the tragic events that occurred 10 years prior, I would like to take a minute to acknowledge the bravery and courage of NYPD and FDNY, as well as share my condolences with families and friends who lost loved ones. Here is a very touching video and a lighthearted article regarding the events that took place on that day.

Long time listener, first time caller

Hi, and welcome to my blog. I've never blogged before, and I don't follow many blogs, so I'll apologize in advance for rambles, shambles, and disarray.

This is my second full day in France, I just finished moving in and settling into my apartment.

 

Much roomier than I expected! Not pictured, there is a kitchen and another bedroom for two roommates, whom I have not yet met. Here's a picture from the airport of a man playing his cello...

This was my first time flying alone, I slept for most of the flights. I brought several books to read, but didn't because I was a little too anxious to read. In case you're wondering, I started Candide (in English, but I want to reread it in French before I leave!). Not much to say about the flights, except for I'm glad that I didn't pay $12 to see Thor in theaters.
My roommates move in tomorrow, orientation is Sunday and school begins on Monday. By then, I should have some more interesting pictures and stories to share with you.

Until then, thanks for tuning in!
-Edrick

ETA: I flew out on Tuesday morning (PST), 30-Aug, 2011 and arrived at CDG Wednesday morning (CET), 31-Aug 2011