We had a wet trip to Blois. Lots of confusion about train schedules, but it all worked out well for us. Pouring rain, we were late out of Dijon back to Paris where we had to change to another train station. We missed our connecting train, and were told to await another one at 8 PM. Will, ever observant, noted a train at 6:30 and no train at 8 so we rushed to that train. Arriving in Blois it was raining cats and dogs--there were big poodles everywhere-but fortunately our hotel was directly across from the train station. Didn't look like much, but it has worked out well. Nice young couple run it much like a B&B and that is nice.
Yesterday we went to see the chateaus. They were impressive and everyine seemed to enjoy that. Last night was the "Son et Lumiere" at the Royal Chatgeau in Blois. Really a spectacular show. Today is a free day and tomorrow we head out for Brittany and the city of Rennes.

We gathered at Gare de Lyon and arrived in Dijon in less than 2 hours on the TGV which was a really nice ride. I think all needed a day to decompress from the intensity of Paris city life. Dijon has been a much lower key experience, but I think all have adapted to it quite well. Sunday we had a nice meal at a good restaurant nearby the hotel. Yesterday waas a great day as you can see from the photos. We visited the Cote d'Or, the richest wine country anywhere. Our guide, Yannick, was very knowledgeable and a quite nice man. We visited the chateau which is the home of the Order of the Tastevin for a lecture on the history and organization of the wine production of Burgundy. Then armed with new knowledgb went to two wine tastings and tours of important wineries. I can reeport that most all used the spittoons and did not swallow each taste. none the less it was a tired quite3crowd on the way home. We head for Blois this afternoon.

Bon Jour We're in Dijon

"I miss Paris, this place is dull, it only has 5 pages in the tour book, there's nothing to do." Now I understand the meaning of "How you gonna keep 'em down on the farm once they've seen Paree?" The relaxed pace of rural life and the beauty of the rolling fields of Burgundy is hard to adjust to once one has been in Paris. Tomorrow we head out to tour the countryside and visit the wine country. I think that the significance of the place will become apparent. Our hotel here is nice, but it is a railroad hotel, not a boutique hotel like we had in Paris, it is a different experience and is very convenient.

We are headed to Dijon in about 45 minutes. Everyone is sorry to leave Paris, but it is time to go see the farm. Dijon is a culinary center and we are looking forward to the good food. Yesterday was spent doing laundry, writing essays, and tending to the mundane aspects of life. The picture with the ASU banner was made in the Picasso Museum. Jessica was busy balancing the tennis ball in one of the Metro stations. Apparently someone gave her a scholarship for her mastery of the tennis ball. Hopefully will have more from Dijon later.

Catching up...

It's hard to believe that today is our last day in Paris. We have been very busy and everyone is having a great experience. Today we are experiencing another great French tradition--a nationwide transportation worker strike. The government wants to increase the number of years required for a full pension from 40 to 41. Obviously the workers don't want that, so a strike. It was announced last week, so everyone had time to adjust their schedules and is not too stressed by it. For us, we don't need to buy anymore metto passes!
We had an especially nice day yesterday. First we went to the Picasso Museum. It is in an area known as the Marais. There are many nice shops and private art galleries in this district. The Picasso Museum houses the work that was left in his estate when he died. Some say it represents many of his favorites, others say it is the stuff he couold not sell. Who knows? Likely un peu de toute. One of the appealling things was a temporary exhibit of photographs-mainly portrtaits of Picasso and his work. The photos were made by many famous Frenceh photographers including Brassai, Cecil Beaton, Dosineau, Cartier-Bresson and Man Ray.
After a good sandwich in a typical deli we went over to the Place de la Concorde and visited the l'Orangerie. There we viewed a spectacular art collection donated to the French state by the Guillaumes. We also visited the "Waterlilies"-a series of paintings by Monet. These are huge paintings installed in a sort or diorama fashion that was planned by Monet. It is a transcendent experience to sit in a room surrounded by all the beauty and just let it sink in.
In addition we have seen some spectacular photography exhibitions and all are busy writing reports regarding those. Tomorrow we go to Dijon. I look forward to trying the mustard.

Photos

This is our hotel. It is in a great location across from two of the 13 schools that make up the Université de Paris. The rooms are small,but everyone managing well. Everyone is happy, having a good time, and making lots of photos.

Paris will never be the same

We have all settled into our hotel. It is comfortable, the staff is quite pleasant and the breakfast is good. We have managed to see Notre Dame, the Louvre, a great flea market, and one of the most interesting photography installations I have ever seen. Most are a bit tired today, but the weather is sort of unsettled so moving slow is in order. No problemd, tons of energy end enthusiasm, and making a lot of new friends.

Bienvenue a France

We are here! The hotel is quite nice, better than hoped.Everyone ie excited, tired, and suffering from jet lag. The flight was uncomplicated. The meal was awful and the service nothing exceptional. I doubt I would recommend American for overseas travel in the future. All the kids are out in search of lunch. I am sure we will have lots of good stories tonight. Pictures at eleven!

I made this photo at the Puce de Vanves. It is a small to medium sized flea market open on Saturdays and Sundays. This merchant was really quite friendly and did not mind me taking his picture at all. Most of the French are actually quite friendly and charming people. This last visit was the week that the second war in Iraq began. Several of my acquaintances ceased being friendly for a considerable time because I was "supporting" France and in turn they weren't "supporting" us. Think how much better off we would be had we listened to their advice and followed their lead of caution. Oh well, any day I'd rather be in France discussing the qualities of some modest wine than discussing the whys and wherefores of politics. I bet I can find a decent set of old crystal wines stems at Vanves.

Bon Jour!

I made this photo 5 years ago in the organic market that occurs on Saturday and Sunday on the Boulevard Raspail. I am not a paparazzi, and I did not realize who this was until I got home and printed the picture. I do enjoy going to the markets and photographing in them. The people are always fascinating, the merchandise is usually quite photogenic and the atmosphere is invigorating. Our group departs next Wednesday for 3 weeks in France. I hope that all of the students will post some of their experiences on this blog, will load some of their photos, and those at home will be able to keep up with what we are doing by looking here.