After cleaning the bathroom yesterday I discovered that I couldn’t get the shower to work. It’s one of those integral things that comes off the main bath taps and, try as I might, I couldn’t find anything to push or pull or turn to change the flow of the water. But my help desk team in Glasgow came to the rescue. I sent Will some pics, he spotted an arrow and said « pull that » I did and hey presto! Water from the (now clean) shower head! Note to self- wear glasses next time you’re doing something like that. Oops!
That aside I have to say I was pretty chuffed with myself today. I set off for Blois and the weather was glorious! I’ve been sticking to my satnav like glue so far but I needed petrol and also some food and more cleaning products, so on the way to Blois I went off piste and went to the supermarket and to the petrol station. I still need to find out where the local launderette is but if push comes to shove, as Charlotte B had already told me, there are washers and tumble dryers at the supermarket.
Ooh and I bought wine glasses and wine too! 🙂
The traffic here is much busier than in Dol so more to cope with at junctions, at roundabouts and in the city too. I got pipped at a bit but only because I was being cautious.
Another car park moment coming up. I found a car park easily- it was another underground one. I pulled up to the barrier, got out, ran round the car, pressed the button- nothing. I tried again- still nothing. By this time there was another car behind me so I went and asked the lady in it what I was doing wrong. She said I needed to lift up the flap and press the button in there, which I did and a voice said (in French) « what do you want? » I said « I want to park my car please » (after all it is a car park!) He said « OK » and raised the barrier. Sorted, but why so difficult?
Blois is beautiful. I loved it. I went primarily to visit the castle so headed straight there. In the courtyard in front of the castle were places to eat, so I ordered a croque monsieur with frites and salad and a coffee. The sun was shining, it was warm- wonderful. Whilst I was sat there the automated dragons that live in the Maison de la Magie woke up. Both children and adults alike were fascinated by them. La Maison de la Magie is an exhibition all about magic, which puts on a show every day. Plus it has an exhibition all about Houdini. I didn’t go in though, I headed straight to the château.
The Château de Blois was home to six French kings and is stunning! Full of fabulous art and archeological and architectural relics. There is a special exhibition on at the moment too. Catherine de’ Medici lived at the château during her reign and it is the 500th anniversary of her birth this year. She’s often viewed apparently as a dark character but this exhibition I think seeks to show her as quite an extraordinary and learned Renaissance woman. She was buried five times too, between 1589 and 1817! The guide made me laugh who was checking tickets on entry to the château. She clearly didn’t speak much English at all and so, when telling me about the Catherine de’ Medici exhibition, she said « it’s de do de do de do » and pointed to where it was! She and her colleague were still laughing about it as I walked away! Sometimes humour and a smile is all that is needed 🙂
I love history but I don’t really know much about the history of France apart from major things like Joan of Arc, Napoleon, the revolution, Louis XIV and the two great wars. So I bought myself a book in the château gift shop today. It’s a children’s history of France (in French) so hopefully killing two birds with one stone!
After having photographed everything in the château several times and from every possible angle I set off down into the city. It’s just beautiful. I wandered around the old part of the town and then crossed over the bridge to where it seemed a lot of the university was located.
I also went looking for a jazz club called « Le Velvet » I thought perhaps they might know of places to dance. I couldn’t find it so I asked a guy in a shop if he knew where it was. He said he didn’t really know the city (I think he was a student) but he very kindly asked someone else for me and came back and told me where it was- but it’s closed on Mondays! Heyhoe!
I drove back to Vendome, rang Mum and Dad- all good with them- and had some food.
I’ve had some lovely messages from people saying they are enjoying reading my blog. Thank you so much. I am really enjoying writing it 🙂
Bonne nuit 🙂
Jane’s Tour de Force 