Sunday, 25 July 2010 --Day 217 (230)

We went back into Blois, pronounced Blurrh, for a chocolatine and cafe in front of the Chateau Royal de Blois, planning to view it when it opened at 9:00. Upon discovering the cost to enter (9.50 Euros), we moved on to the Chateau Royal de Chambord. This castle was a monstrosity w/ 282 fireplaces, 77 staircases, and 426 rooms. We learned in London that chimneys are a status symbol and would sometimes put non-functioning chimneys on their roofs just for appearances. I was once again singing Chim Chim Cher-ee!

Chambord's unique, winding staircases as well as the cross-shaped layout of each floor is believed to be the design of Leonardo di Vinci, who happened to be in France at the time of Chambord's design in 1519. The chateau's chapel housed France's treasures during WW II including the Mona Lisa. It just amazes me to walk through rooms that have existed for almost 500 years....to think that Francois I, and the ego maniacal Louis XIV at various times occupied this castle. I am equally amazed when I walk through my own state of Iowa to think of the immigrants, pioneers, and Native Americans that stood on the same ground and looked at the same sky.

France has appeared more welcoming thanks to the presence of Cory and Anna. The language barrier is more of a struggle here than when I was in Mexico last summer. I could always find someone who spoke English there, but that's not always the case here in France. Cory reads it pretty well; Ron remembers some from high school; I learned some from the French tapes I recorded; but mostly we rely on little Lexi, who, at six years of age, has dubbed herself our French teacher. We're constantly asking her, "What's the word for...." and "How do you say....?"

We also saw Chateau de Troussay. We toured the grounds and gave the kids a chance to run around before returning to our hotel in Cheverny. Yes, we found an inexpensive and pleasant Bed and Breakfast. I'm writing this after a relaxing shower and am sitting on the patio listening to fish flopping in a nearby pond and ducks calling their loved ones home for the night. I can feel why nighttime is always the worst for Dad. W/ all the action and distraction of daytime activities, the quiet of the evening makes the absence of Doug, Kenzie, and Maddy that much more deafening.

Having a shower tonight was divine, and I'm anticipating a more comfortable and restful sleep..........in a bed!! I'd better get that sleep since we're planning a couple more chateaus on our way back to Toulouse tomorrow.