Dissing da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life at Clos Lucé in Amboise (bringing the Mona Lisa with him), and is buried in the Chapel at Chateau d’Amboise.  We’ve toured these sites on previous trips; this time around, we’ve had limited time, so didn’t even consider revisiting them.  [We’ve been advised that there is a wager amongst our friends with whom we’re meeting in Georgia as to whether we will make the Europa crossing in time for all the wedding celebrations—more on that later.]  Nevertheless, it somehow seems almost sacrilegious not to pay homage to Leonardo.  Of course, this heresy was compounded when we had to fly by Milan to make up lost time from our delayed French departure.  Milan is hosting the Expo -- World’s Fair, and of course, is home to “The Last Supper.”  Leonardo—we meant no disrespect and hope to stop by on the return trip!

Meanwhile, at least we got to enjoy this great view of the royal Chateau, taken from Le Shaker, a bar and restaurant on l’Ile d’Or, an island in the middle of the Loire overlooking Amboise, and the home of the Loire Connexion’s monthly gatherings.

France gave us a beautiful au revoir with this sunset, a view from Kiddeaux's place looking over the adjacent farmland:

Shhhh……..don't mention it to La Twingo, but Jonathan had a moment of weakness in Loches and briefly considered alternative transportation:

À bientôt, France.  We are off on our adventure……but we'll be back!