Chambord

We went to the infamous chateau Chambord on Sunday. This one is absolutely massive: 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces (some big enough to stand in) a spiral staircase designed by Leonardo DaVinci and enough towers to make it so that you're never really sure how many towers there are. It took 40+ years to build, and nobody much liked the way it turned out (except predictably Louis XIV, who loved it). It didn't help that the French revolution soured the whole "let's put in a fireplace for every day of the year" fervor of the monarchy. However, should they ever make more Harry Potter movies and want to film in France, this would be the place.

Chateau Wallpaper!!!!

The Chateau from Within

Cheverney Chateau, home of French kings, Tin Tin

Today we visited the best preserved and maintained chateau in the Loire valley, Cheverney. We toured the inside for a look at the extravagant bed chamber, the beautiful instruments (see the piano!) and enough dark flemish hunting tapestry to send anyone slightly mad. We also learned that it is the same chateau featured in many Tin Tin books (see pictures) and we enjoyed a short exhibition on the ruddy cheeked European "reporter" who always saves the day. We finished with a stroll through the garden and a bit of complimentary wine tasting--a wonderful day!

Blois, France. The Chateau in Spring!

Chateau

We are staying in the Proust room, where Marcel himself stayed on wild weekends away from Paris!

Easter farm food

More than 40 agri-tourists descended upon us for the holiday weekend! They were served lamb, pig, pasta, pizza, and wine. There were many dishes to wash, including a pot that seemed to have permanent spaghetti scars (see below). I was in the kitchen for the whole loud and sweaty thing, sneaking food and pictures.

Circle of Farm Life

Also they are slaughtering a lamb today...haven't decided if I'll watch yet

Florence!

18-in-1 is back

Available now to download: 18-in-1 returns with another album, follow the download link below or the at the top of the page to get it from bandcamp.  Thanks to certified genius David Goudy for percussion work, and certified psycho-guru Michael Pierce for technical/instrumental support.