Comme un conte de fées

Something about being in nature awakens the heart & speaks to the soul like nothing else can. Nature exemplifies the remnants of God's presence around us. How else can you explain the mechanics of photosynthesis and organelles than divine origin? Walled in by a city of concrete and buildings makes a claustrophobic want to rest in a field of green. At peace, and alive. These trees have seen more than one can see in a lifetime.

I spent the weekend at the Loire valley, about 2 1/2 hours south of Paris. Life literally slowed down. Speech softened, sometimes deadened, as I watched leaves fall and traveled through miles and miles of vineyards and clear skies. The air was cold and crisp on the cusp of autumn chill, and I saw castles in which kings used to dwell and master the art of love affairs, where queens would dance, and princesses would cry. It was really, like a fairy tale.

I had been to the Loire valley before, but the last time, I had stayed in a hostel, been bitten by horrendous insects, and starved from malnourishment. This time around, I would say, takes the cake. We arrived at our first castle, Chambord, constructed by François I, and later by Louis XVI, with 440 rooms and 22 miles in circumference. It was (and I'm sorry I don't have any words which are not overused) so beautiful. We were surprised by a free bike rental, and so, I biked with a few friends around the perimeter of the chateau, mesmerized by roads lined with acorn trees, bridges overpassing a river which had grown reeds making soft sounds in the wind. Oh, it was perfect, I don't know what else to say. Afterwards we were met with another wonderful surprise--wine tasting!! We tasted wine at this place in Amboise called Domaine Dutertre, and there were 5 in all:

1. Cuvée Prestige Rouge 2005
2. Les Ménates Blanc 2008
3. Cuvée Gabriel 2006
4. Sauvignon Blanc 2007
5. Rosé Plaisir 2008

These wines were just exceptional, but especially the white wines. I bought two bottles, because in the states, these would cost around $44.00, if they're found at all, but I got them for around 5-6 Euro depending on the year. We also got to pair these wines with chèvre and pâté, there were about 60 people milling about in that small room with their wine glasses. It was like a cocktail party gone awry, because nobody was dressed for the hypothetical occasion, and I know for sure that some were not wine tasting, but wine guzzling. In any case, we got to our hotel afterwards, and I was grateful for a decent bed after a long day. The next day we visited the Clos Lucé (last home of de Vinci) and Chenonceau.

Back in Paris again. Home :)
I brought a cold back with me, though. But I've been drinking water and slurping oranges all day. I also had a delightful Casablanca tea during lunch at a café. Coincidentally, today was my first Parisian rainy day. I'm sure there are more to come. A lot more.


À bientôt, amis.