Day 6: Chenonceau and Amboise
Rose: Enjoying an afternoon nap and trying my first French crêpe.
Thorn: The heat and humidity!
It was an 8:30 A.M. departure today for the beautiful Château de Chenonceau. Even better than the château was the gorgeous weather! The sun was wonderful, however the 90° F heat that accompanied it was not exactly welcomed. We had been slogging through day after day of fog, rain, and clouds, and today the sun was shining! I am finally wearing something other than my purple rain jacket, which is another plus.
There was no formal tour here, but Susan and I had no problem wandering all over the château and amongst the delightful gardens. Flowers, one of Susan's favorite interests, were everywhere, and there was even a vegetable garden that peaked my interest. It was so much fun comparing vegetable growing techniques in France to the United States. Thanks to Rick Steves' perfect planning, we arrived at the château right before it opened. This was a great way to beat the crowds!
TIP: If you arrive at the Château de Chenonceau early in the morning, you will beat the crowds. I suggest visiting the château before walking around the gardens, because it is much easier to avoid the crowds outside than be shoulder-to-shoulder inside the château.
We finished exploring the château before the rest of the group, so we enjoyed a sugar crêpe and read our books while we waited. Then it was back to Amboise for free time the rest of the day. I really liked this château better than the Château de Chambord. Château de Chenonceau is known as the "feminine" château, and this is clearly depicted in the delicate decor and feminine flowers. It reminded me of a traditional château fit for a princess!
In Amboise, Susan and I ate lunch at "Anne des Bretagnes," a restaurant that specializes in crêpes. The rest of our day consisted of a nap and some light shopping. It was the perfect time to catch up on some much needed relaxation and recuperate before the second half of our tour. We also needed to pack an overnight bag for our night at Mont-St. Michel. Dinner was an Italian feast at "La Scala," a Rick Steves guidebook recommendation. We talked to a nice American couple while we ate.
TIP: Talk to strangers while you are traveling! Of course, I preach safety 100%, but I also think the best memories and relationships happen when you step outside your comfort zone and strike up a conversation with a stranger - even if they are not a local!
The "LOL" moment of the night came when both Susan and I attempted to "shower" in our bathtub. Sometimes, you just have to embrace what you are given and laugh about its' uniqueness.
TIP: While traveling, you NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE. I am one of the most rigid people there is, so this was a good lesson for me to learn in Europe. Even though it wasn't the best night to be without air conditioning, we were flexible and made the most of it! It makes for great memories and stories to tell back home. Embrace those "LOL" moments and chalk it up as a great memory! (Another LOL moment I had was when I stepped off the plane onto European soil for the first time in my life. Of course, I ran immediately to the bathroom. I thought I found toilet seat cleaner, so I put my hand underneath it expecting a wipe to eject. Instead, I get a fistful of liquid toilet bowl sanitizer, which made for quite the restroom experience. How funny!!)
Thorn: The heat and humidity!
It was an 8:30 A.M. departure today for the beautiful Château de Chenonceau. Even better than the château was the gorgeous weather! The sun was wonderful, however the 90° F heat that accompanied it was not exactly welcomed. We had been slogging through day after day of fog, rain, and clouds, and today the sun was shining! I am finally wearing something other than my purple rain jacket, which is another plus.
There was no formal tour here, but Susan and I had no problem wandering all over the château and amongst the delightful gardens. Flowers, one of Susan's favorite interests, were everywhere, and there was even a vegetable garden that peaked my interest. It was so much fun comparing vegetable growing techniques in France to the United States. Thanks to Rick Steves' perfect planning, we arrived at the château right before it opened. This was a great way to beat the crowds!
TIP: If you arrive at the Château de Chenonceau early in the morning, you will beat the crowds. I suggest visiting the château before walking around the gardens, because it is much easier to avoid the crowds outside than be shoulder-to-shoulder inside the château.
We finished exploring the château before the rest of the group, so we enjoyed a sugar crêpe and read our books while we waited. Then it was back to Amboise for free time the rest of the day. I really liked this château better than the Château de Chambord. Château de Chenonceau is known as the "feminine" château, and this is clearly depicted in the delicate decor and feminine flowers. It reminded me of a traditional château fit for a princess!
In Amboise, Susan and I ate lunch at "Anne des Bretagnes," a restaurant that specializes in crêpes. The rest of our day consisted of a nap and some light shopping. It was the perfect time to catch up on some much needed relaxation and recuperate before the second half of our tour. We also needed to pack an overnight bag for our night at Mont-St. Michel. Dinner was an Italian feast at "La Scala," a Rick Steves guidebook recommendation. We talked to a nice American couple while we ate.
TIP: Talk to strangers while you are traveling! Of course, I preach safety 100%, but I also think the best memories and relationships happen when you step outside your comfort zone and strike up a conversation with a stranger - even if they are not a local!
The "LOL" moment of the night came when both Susan and I attempted to "shower" in our bathtub. Sometimes, you just have to embrace what you are given and laugh about its' uniqueness.
TIP: While traveling, you NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE. I am one of the most rigid people there is, so this was a good lesson for me to learn in Europe. Even though it wasn't the best night to be without air conditioning, we were flexible and made the most of it! It makes for great memories and stories to tell back home. Embrace those "LOL" moments and chalk it up as a great memory! (Another LOL moment I had was when I stepped off the plane onto European soil for the first time in my life. Of course, I ran immediately to the bathroom. I thought I found toilet seat cleaner, so I put my hand underneath it expecting a wipe to eject. Instead, I get a fistful of liquid toilet bowl sanitizer, which made for quite the restroom experience. How funny!!)