tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81621412971528569092024-03-14T01:34:52.421-04:00Fr. Rick's SabbaticalUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-10579650624046504402011-06-23T17:31:00.001-04:002011-06-23T17:35:42.475-04:00Went for a Hike TodayToday, I hiked not to just the grotto of St. Mary Magdelene, but all the way to the summit of the crest of the cliffs. <br />
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There is a group of pilgrims from the city of Langres in the northeast of France who are on pilgrimage here at La Sainte-Baume. They have a local parish priest and - get this - the diocesan director of pilgrimages. Here is an innovation that we can benefit from in the US.<br />
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They about 40 people travelling by bus to this region. I met some of folks last night and they spoke with the priest, Pere Phillipe and the pilgrimage director and they invited me to join them on the hike. Again, divine providence. I was intending to hike this trail alone today. But hiking this kind of trail with others is usually more prudent.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPe1uOhwVBEeqUECgSYdCW4nzqN5UGvMIDFWAeiJLdv6j0xaXheUbn1d0isOKHXUoBRB3A2Xbgw_f0OQ8CNzN3LNXXWDAfWwekE0XMyGv6KgW8Zo4JUHwHngPkFwVxCOuYbmB_ra51ME/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPe1uOhwVBEeqUECgSYdCW4nzqN5UGvMIDFWAeiJLdv6j0xaXheUbn1d0isOKHXUoBRB3A2Xbgw_f0OQ8CNzN3LNXXWDAfWwekE0XMyGv6KgW8Zo4JUHwHngPkFwVxCOuYbmB_ra51ME/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the group sitting on the steps in front of the grotto. Frere Thomas, whose book, the Novena to St. Mary Magdelene I translated for you months ago, is teaching the group.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After the brief instruction by Frere Thomas, we went into the grotto for the celebration of Mass. Following we hiked up the additional 300 meters to the crest of the cliffs.<br />
Yesterday I included a photo of the small chapel built at the summit. Today I have pictures looking down from that height onto the plain and the hotellerie.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWPbuoHP-q0YdeJ1G5X3kFHMptgQ01F8IiaA0xmzoOvtRkHrP3gjBYvWsEcRKWtyUFVWrNDCWXPGlp6lZOEc8dLJ4pw-tcnSHPB9MKDelGRAayC_SuGHLdYF9XWTC1giugmlODvafwi8/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWPbuoHP-q0YdeJ1G5X3kFHMptgQ01F8IiaA0xmzoOvtRkHrP3gjBYvWsEcRKWtyUFVWrNDCWXPGlp6lZOEc8dLJ4pw-tcnSHPB9MKDelGRAayC_SuGHLdYF9XWTC1giugmlODvafwi8/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the summit looking down into the valley. The hotellerie is next to the green field beyond the woods at the upper center of the picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH5WFTZw98asElQ2xOF4izZMyPrYPmf3Qqtv_9Lb6QQXjAK3N8AStWMdMBaQ41OVpQZPugatO73g41OKqr69mr_frEte0xOiZ5JPljjIAkdLcIoIVjteNhR32WJ9LgnNJ9EKjQm_4MBQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH5WFTZw98asElQ2xOF4izZMyPrYPmf3Qqtv_9Lb6QQXjAK3N8AStWMdMBaQ41OVpQZPugatO73g41OKqr69mr_frEte0xOiZ5JPljjIAkdLcIoIVjteNhR32WJ9LgnNJ9EKjQm_4MBQ/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4th century chapel, St. Pilon, on the summit of the crest of La Sainte-Baume.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sIO-pSDnSPEnNmpFa3tW0CiCYzxw0SAdUxTepomIi0yN8xdkQto1qd_4N4xY0i2QHF5L-MEwPYbCaVZR_HXLYVC-sUO7E1ZalgHwz2Zfjmtppp1Ksx8pdWWQEvSiuWHKE3hyKdlXmcU/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sIO-pSDnSPEnNmpFa3tW0CiCYzxw0SAdUxTepomIi0yN8xdkQto1qd_4N4xY0i2QHF5L-MEwPYbCaVZR_HXLYVC-sUO7E1ZalgHwz2Zfjmtppp1Ksx8pdWWQEvSiuWHKE3hyKdlXmcU/s400/008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chapel of St. Pilon perched on the cliff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95jxVy64nVwuuIFfqONcnGuJ94NltBPL77XWo_O7brzSbJ70_xAg4nljetjYwQ6B0MLMM6ezxJhHkfBeuZ2CAg1tLOrmPdeLD0Rq4uqy-XJYNUomIE4C4xvmZDurw45ePzn0j6v_geL4/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95jxVy64nVwuuIFfqONcnGuJ94NltBPL77XWo_O7brzSbJ70_xAg4nljetjYwQ6B0MLMM6ezxJhHkfBeuZ2CAg1tLOrmPdeLD0Rq4uqy-XJYNUomIE4C4xvmZDurw45ePzn0j6v_geL4/s400/023.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail along the summit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehp_eitaaUExfWW62i2SFTR2HHhDfK1g7qYFTQZXCwu1SoKY1ep_oT4ecizPd2xhv-lTmlslNn3zFKJUGg9PJJL1gKwy0AOOJXdEPw8n2mT6hBOFQyucj6Ygv0HTcqiOFHBpC7PJhZUQ/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehp_eitaaUExfWW62i2SFTR2HHhDfK1g7qYFTQZXCwu1SoKY1ep_oT4ecizPd2xhv-lTmlslNn3zFKJUGg9PJJL1gKwy0AOOJXdEPw8n2mT6hBOFQyucj6Ygv0HTcqiOFHBpC7PJhZUQ/s400/011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cliffs of La Sainte-Baume</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4v7ho1Acqapv7TByscnWHL2tNeVw1_Gxr2gpsjxsLppC-Uf3MrXZ_Nplu3RspzieXMZ3isge5F1YyeN7ZoWhsw_cRVMAXI5BaUjQ-8YprcDfkvQwSywpgNRezUb682An3jlFyHpJHT4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4v7ho1Acqapv7TByscnWHL2tNeVw1_Gxr2gpsjxsLppC-Uf3MrXZ_Nplu3RspzieXMZ3isge5F1YyeN7ZoWhsw_cRVMAXI5BaUjQ-8YprcDfkvQwSywpgNRezUb682An3jlFyHpJHT4/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small group of the pilrims from Langres who continued past the grotto to climb to St. Pilon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mx28zVQFdtqe9lGK_sFhaMsH5iDMfNsrFicUiOqjkWPgNzNjjLBM-w0I52Gy-yZwKgX890dP3T4Jp4GvTUUIT5ngeNzwzSNOC6nCWA2g53w6c7h0psXbfgFdMobuanLe6zob6y5kB1M/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mx28zVQFdtqe9lGK_sFhaMsH5iDMfNsrFicUiOqjkWPgNzNjjLBM-w0I52Gy-yZwKgX890dP3T4Jp4GvTUUIT5ngeNzwzSNOC6nCWA2g53w6c7h0psXbfgFdMobuanLe6zob6y5kB1M/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And just to remind you of where these last photos were taken, this is the cliff from the Hotellerie. The chapel of St. Pilon is the tiny square structure at the top of the cliff. The grotto is the small cluster of buildings just above the treeline at the base of the cliffs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tomorrow, after Mass and lunch at the Hotellerie, I will return to Marseille for two nights. I came to really enjoy Marseille so I want to spend another two nights there. On Sunday I will travel back to Paris. <br />
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I talked to Frere Thomas after compline tonight. I told him that I was thinking of taking the train for the day from Paris to Chartres, the last major cathedral yet to visit. He went on for about half-hour about the neccessity of visiting that cathedral and the surrounding town. Tuesday, I will take the train to Chartres and visit one of the greatest cathedrals of all.<br />
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Morning prayer at 7:30am. It is now 11:30pm.<br />
Bonne nuit.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-23482605142413093022011-06-22T17:27:00.000-04:002011-06-22T17:27:00.351-04:00Lovely Summer Day at La Sainte-BameThis morning started with my oversleeping. I knew the bells would wake me in time for morning prayer. But apparently the bells somehow do not reach this room. The only bell I heard was the bell that the sisters ring at the bottom of the stairs to announce 5 minutes before a meal. So I rushed out of bed and made it in time for the Petit Dejeuner. But it was still the start of a good day.<br />
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Another day of catechesis at the tables of the Sainte-Baume. Another nature-loving non-believer to ply me with all kinds of questions. These are people who never get to talk to a priest. So the 8:00am petit dejeuner turned into a session until 10:30. It left me just enough time to walk faster than I hoped to to reach the grotto in time for Mass. About five minutes away from the grotto, the bells rang call to worship. I arrived at the grotto just as the first reading began. One might say, "the 11:05 bus arrived". Need I say more, SJN folks?<br />
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After Mass I hiked back down the trail in time for lunch at the dining room. The afternoon was quiet. I took one of the little pamphlets that Frere Yves-Henri gave me at Fanjeaux for some afternoon reading. "St. Dominic's 9 ways of prayer."<br />
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There is a seminarian here from Paris. He is part of a missionary order that will send him to Southeast Asia after ordination for the rest of his life. His is a real gift. We had some interesting discussions at lunch and again at dinner this evening. I learned that he is returning to Paris by train at the same time I am driving to Paris. I invited him to join me in the drive, but he already has his "no-refund, no-exchange ticket" for the TGV. I can't blame him really. He will make tthe trip in 3 hours; I will make the trip in 8 hours.<br />
I don't think my little Citroen C3 will do 350 KM/hour. <br />
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At dinner tonight there was a group of French pilgrims who are planning to hike to the grotto and then up to the crest of the cliffs tomorrow. It should be interesting since I really think I will be the youngest among them.<br />
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Anyway, I'm sure there will be photos of that jaunt.<br />
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Here a few before and after photos. Some taken in the winter when I first arrived here in January, and the after taken today. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1ZZLAJNhtvtYnmVJ0Tacadet8wKFkoaPD1zic3wPoL8E-0YVGMG3vILHALFlG6oLHTjVG0hKnOyIRu9AQ-jaSWF5cikwuD8FpBQDq9isIYxCvEhen7IBGq7vbNr8Od0NEfWYgDU74KI/s1600/La+Sainte-Baume.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1ZZLAJNhtvtYnmVJ0Tacadet8wKFkoaPD1zic3wPoL8E-0YVGMG3vILHALFlG6oLHTjVG0hKnOyIRu9AQ-jaSWF5cikwuD8FpBQDq9isIYxCvEhen7IBGq7vbNr8Od0NEfWYgDU74KI/s400/La+Sainte-Baume.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 18, 2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmATkyVBo7VWl3AYdE91RcrxweNA6QwQhxqEZnwurgg4q_5gMAS_7CT0jEyEUjYWQkhmgrEQYyu_NTP9a6YbBN2RmxlVwyuuo9j1ZzykMDmEtW8xQD_L5lnS8qD0vYXYYcDjYs65OFsY/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmATkyVBo7VWl3AYdE91RcrxweNA6QwQhxqEZnwurgg4q_5gMAS_7CT0jEyEUjYWQkhmgrEQYyu_NTP9a6YbBN2RmxlVwyuuo9j1ZzykMDmEtW8xQD_L5lnS8qD0vYXYYcDjYs65OFsY/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 22, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnceAumIfUo6kF6LHHRGsXw9RgtI9KwEY3x1-5jPOyY1RREVyIPS8XjKV3Z-Er9S85RMJ_o1o8sWIofw_IS18PrHL1-nqaHkAzXEWuoAMjg1Zy8I0FjzvCQdgborPCrBdRWBLm3PQaVY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnceAumIfUo6kF6LHHRGsXw9RgtI9KwEY3x1-5jPOyY1RREVyIPS8XjKV3Z-Er9S85RMJ_o1o8sWIofw_IS18PrHL1-nqaHkAzXEWuoAMjg1Zy8I0FjzvCQdgborPCrBdRWBLm3PQaVY/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9FKjwQY3l96VXOky4nhCpj-mrpz_71AkFW17dwds-_ixF6T1AFa6oIHiGdaqefi3dUDqXbjqJwp-Vso8LV2JsdmORNWmGUtXdjXWLqcvWlpTjkQBoRC7dtXDUC2MEilHemPPNHP6-D0/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9FKjwQY3l96VXOky4nhCpj-mrpz_71AkFW17dwds-_ixF6T1AFa6oIHiGdaqefi3dUDqXbjqJwp-Vso8LV2JsdmORNWmGUtXdjXWLqcvWlpTjkQBoRC7dtXDUC2MEilHemPPNHP6-D0/s400/IMG_3542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here are a few more I took today. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrEMnWo9wTGWLEk4rUZs43Dey2579w6OE4oYN0S0DSRXb3dU0g_wESuXGDpy2Tlo84HjscO5YtzGsQNxHFg1A-eIhWmurpFVdMTDSusZI1HMRzlkwE9ndTDuqAIC6CwVn_MEEo7G4pXw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrEMnWo9wTGWLEk4rUZs43Dey2579w6OE4oYN0S0DSRXb3dU0g_wESuXGDpy2Tlo84HjscO5YtzGsQNxHFg1A-eIhWmurpFVdMTDSusZI1HMRzlkwE9ndTDuqAIC6CwVn_MEEo7G4pXw/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of this ridge is where I will be tomorrow, Thursday, June 23.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpLpeJOcgQWasghYDhoDKqflRLc0oN9pZhRx93YaVWhe6R3-dma979uC110YCzSikGP5CAEi3lqu3an9-Jq-k3Ja8UgY_Q0Zmk_arvjSP4vF6v4Lbp235aVj8k-OvmLumKiicXLKj8XE/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpLpeJOcgQWasghYDhoDKqflRLc0oN9pZhRx93YaVWhe6R3-dma979uC110YCzSikGP5CAEi3lqu3an9-Jq-k3Ja8UgY_Q0Zmk_arvjSP4vF6v4Lbp235aVj8k-OvmLumKiicXLKj8XE/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can barely make out the little sqaure building at the very edge of the cliff. This is the monastery built by the Cassianites in the 5th century. That is my destination tomorrow.<br />
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</tbody></table><br />
Well that's all for tonight.<br />
I'm sure after the hike tomorrow there will be more photos.<br />
Bonne nuit all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-62134196812740341642011-06-21T09:40:00.000-04:002011-06-21T09:40:10.324-04:00Back a La Sainte-BaumeI am back in the Hotellerie at La Sainte-Baume. I am looking forward to the three days of quiet here. Thanks to Frere Yves-Henri, I have some wonderful reading material, not that I haven't collected lots of things. I am especially going to concentrate on the little pamphlet he gave me by St. Dominic on the 9 ways of Prayer. There is something about going back to seminal writings by the great saints and mystics. I have done some of that in these 6 months. Dominic's writings are certainly among those that I should delve into.<br />
The blog will be relatively quiet in the next 3 days. But just know that I am really ready to come homed.<br />
<br />
Blessings allUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-83361325585186016572011-06-20T14:26:00.000-04:002011-06-20T14:26:41.743-04:00Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and MontpellierSince my visit to Mont St. Michel, it's been long driving days. One night in Nantes, another important college town. They host many American students. American Universities have "french" campuses there. Maybe they are worries about letting them loose in Paris. <br />
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Then it was Bordeaux for one night. I had stopped into Bordeaux a few years ago, but not this Bordeaux. I had a hotel in a very different "quartier" and it made all the difference in the world. Tonight was a nice long walk along the quai of the rivers and canals. Bordeaux, which is a variance on an old french name which literally mean, "on the water's edge" is an apt name for the place. Bordeaux is located at the head of the Gironde, a huge wedge shaped bay which opens up into the Atlantic Ocean and it is at the convergence of 4 major rivers which drain most of central France - the Dordogne, the Lot, the Vezere, and the Garonne. A nice dinner and a quiet evening in. <br />
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From Bordeaux, it was a 5 hour drive to Toulouse. I had three evenings in Toulouse. Toulouse is another great college town. It is also very important in the tradition of the Domincans. St. Thomas Aquinas in buried there in the Church of the Jacobins. Here are some photos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMP2EpeZTSSB_c1ezW8Qx8jAD_0nSKV8CAuHiLk-MM9qfFMiQXkRCuN1-m-RRjRuQO10ABYLzRZM_X7QncCvIizVM1GCQ2RVBn-vFjf0UNOOTmavPiuD_6eQWZ1tCwh9qQ4a2kUxJr7hg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMP2EpeZTSSB_c1ezW8Qx8jAD_0nSKV8CAuHiLk-MM9qfFMiQXkRCuN1-m-RRjRuQO10ABYLzRZM_X7QncCvIizVM1GCQ2RVBn-vFjf0UNOOTmavPiuD_6eQWZ1tCwh9qQ4a2kUxJr7hg/s400/006.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The austere exterior of L'Eglise des Jacobins. This is the abbey church for the Toulouse Dominican community in its early years. Dominic founded the Dominican Order, or the Order of Preachers, in 1216. Construction of this church began in 1229 and continued through 1350. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdCZdJc0Vx2AQoyKoFbhwGKMnOYaIEGB66kJBX_dakL02avwQwa-T9a2oa58ouI7A2Ms-sNz5i459-aexlnuJ-oMO6PnfWxLJBQKsDLMZxLDqYJOI6rS-amKH9QWtiUk1LJbCrB6Bk1U/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdCZdJc0Vx2AQoyKoFbhwGKMnOYaIEGB66kJBX_dakL02avwQwa-T9a2oa58ouI7A2Ms-sNz5i459-aexlnuJ-oMO6PnfWxLJBQKsDLMZxLDqYJOI6rS-amKH9QWtiUk1LJbCrB6Bk1U/s400/035.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a relatively simple contruction of two naves suppoted by a single central row of columns. The main altar is in along the side of the church and not at the end of a nave.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqya2ZvaH7li-kVJsCCxOAJh5xeG6MaU_Kgw95bbjIq-_GCs02hkiNTTqfXXBCerVwJYKaICL49kIc1cA_GSWUFTAb6-PCF0o7ZLE2pLkBvOwhyIWZjWhJTbS9TlIZzEKebhxRyPCTHk/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqya2ZvaH7li-kVJsCCxOAJh5xeG6MaU_Kgw95bbjIq-_GCs02hkiNTTqfXXBCerVwJYKaICL49kIc1cA_GSWUFTAb6-PCF0o7ZLE2pLkBvOwhyIWZjWhJTbS9TlIZzEKebhxRyPCTHk/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the main altar lies the remains of St. Thomas Aquinas, OP. Teacher and Preacher. 1215-1274. His writings form the basis of most of the catechism and theology taught in the church for 600 years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvATpE_Ut24SyGDz7Qgrc7P7d4dN8ffMzWpkFZz46nWq0YMs9Z-sRZYTT8SGo2Lainqm5nZO-uiGlOUBQgUx5vntcUa-kU8ACSQY4CaR5nVhit-aDLUMuROOkuWDcpcJovPPk1pAHCJ8/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvATpE_Ut24SyGDz7Qgrc7P7d4dN8ffMzWpkFZz46nWq0YMs9Z-sRZYTT8SGo2Lainqm5nZO-uiGlOUBQgUx5vntcUa-kU8ACSQY4CaR5nVhit-aDLUMuROOkuWDcpcJovPPk1pAHCJ8/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interesting way to look at the ceiling. Around the base of one of the pillars, there is a large circular mirror which reflects the ceiling. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVP4pYq80A6WOAjp7leYbiXLuCWbFuaUsLyRyl_UTu-QjEDhgd-YSJ7y2_1n2BO323vtaKkMeyUVU88KHfzhShIYax4cff_nOF3dPuQFpTMEYP5CUilsX-Qfi5L1k0EvvVOATWjSC4ug/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVP4pYq80A6WOAjp7leYbiXLuCWbFuaUsLyRyl_UTu-QjEDhgd-YSJ7y2_1n2BO323vtaKkMeyUVU88KHfzhShIYax4cff_nOF3dPuQFpTMEYP5CUilsX-Qfi5L1k0EvvVOATWjSC4ug/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cloister of the abbey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPxg7uNuzNvuHQMFxfxJHw4-nu2l9G5oVgvr-HTaRQCk7uhlV-ahVqE7aa0uUY0zOsG7VnkOBSpYefhlEUVHSIQx_Ti2-j6_EGFqUqeH7CVxPOFfCyaN1rktESMmkFjaKsqlkQUjg1eY/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPxg7uNuzNvuHQMFxfxJHw4-nu2l9G5oVgvr-HTaRQCk7uhlV-ahVqE7aa0uUY0zOsG7VnkOBSpYefhlEUVHSIQx_Ti2-j6_EGFqUqeH7CVxPOFfCyaN1rktESMmkFjaKsqlkQUjg1eY/s400/010.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bell tower from the cloister.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrBmHbiV1J2zFloAQeXgLvpDW1PCjIwtGwF0Z5oVBt3lmE14b4KGQ6Hz8gU1Aaz2PLKFbs-pvt8PknUFRM_r9JPNBaQ4OUzhZt_8UlLweWHnhPMbaAbuRI94RnjL0Sq69KYtATwp0PPg/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrBmHbiV1J2zFloAQeXgLvpDW1PCjIwtGwF0Z5oVBt3lmE14b4KGQ6Hz8gU1Aaz2PLKFbs-pvt8PknUFRM_r9JPNBaQ4OUzhZt_8UlLweWHnhPMbaAbuRI94RnjL0Sq69KYtATwp0PPg/s400/014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stained glass window in a small chapel off the cloister.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtBz3KChmAzhP7o-DPQA6ovtpt2EohN3Y1wNQ55WMoiYDMlTKzyYq3dmXF0GWsZT_r-33myCk7v5d8yYzaAg4auTACjlT0uQtCIYa2m3Iwbr4lTYLc29esApJDfIyDZ0NL5xtzB3ZVA0/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtBz3KChmAzhP7o-DPQA6ovtpt2EohN3Y1wNQ55WMoiYDMlTKzyYq3dmXF0GWsZT_r-33myCk7v5d8yYzaAg4auTACjlT0uQtCIYa2m3Iwbr4lTYLc29esApJDfIyDZ0NL5xtzB3ZVA0/s400/038.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very simple entrance to this beautiful place. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNFLOPcxre6e3ZkywiO24EkTCW3oix4gFTnvUDRN_VgC7VNftB9KXszq3bV1ByLGPwuMAHu1Fq2cXT53OKE6W6d_7XQ7wALIPEuUmnIWk1b5G2EANdOJcAf0Zn7alvsJzKkaBi-LlMG8/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNFLOPcxre6e3ZkywiO24EkTCW3oix4gFTnvUDRN_VgC7VNftB9KXszq3bV1ByLGPwuMAHu1Fq2cXT53OKE6W6d_7XQ7wALIPEuUmnIWk1b5G2EANdOJcAf0Zn7alvsJzKkaBi-LlMG8/s400/036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The minimal decoration at the entrance of the Jacobins Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Saturday, as I was wandering around the city, I came upon posters announcing an organ recital at the Church of Notre Dame du Taur. I was in the neighborhood and the concert was to begin in an hour, so I went. The organ recital was the last in a series, every Saturday from the first week of Easter to Trinity Sunday. <br />
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This church is built on the place where St. Sernin, the first bishop of Toulouse, was martyred in 250. Actually his martyrdom covered lot of ground in a manner of speaking. He was dragged by his feet behind an angry bull through the streets of Toulouse. This church is built on the place where his body was deposited after his death. And so the name of the this church is really, Our Lady of the Bull. "taur" the latin word from which we get the english word taurus.<br />
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On Sunday morning, I returned to Notre Dame du Taur for Mass. Again I was asked to do a reading as I entered the church. This Mass at 11:30am had many catechumens attending. I spoke to a parishioner after Mass who he catechumenate is very active in France with nearly 3 generations of unchurched French. The "new evangelization" proposed by Blessed Pope John Paul II is an important part of the life of the church here.<br />
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After Mass I continued walking down Rue du Taur towards the Basilica of St. Sernin, where St Sernin is buried. There was a huge market going on; four rows of vendors completely encircling the basilica - a big place. So I made the rounds of the market. I think this is where most people in the city buy clothes, fabric, housewares, and everything under the sun. There was surprisingly little food except for a couple of bakers, and people selling snacks to eat on the run. <br />
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The basilica was open.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VSjgJb2SUjNBBJndI1fmGgEDwedg19Sisin_8zI58oOHyzeNMJUyAueHmNnhoULpn1595DU2MNnrIrLbaSz1oO3sK4bMvazHJS4qdPyyifUQgqBnPfuO6ksC3w6LCR7J9-bjGL4gZ4o/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VSjgJb2SUjNBBJndI1fmGgEDwedg19Sisin_8zI58oOHyzeNMJUyAueHmNnhoULpn1595DU2MNnrIrLbaSz1oO3sK4bMvazHJS4qdPyyifUQgqBnPfuO6ksC3w6LCR7J9-bjGL4gZ4o/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of St. Sernin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a-gFKUBoh4I9i33gpazlvDnd6coDSVifJxLz9DmFnhMAmigKiXEQn2WlnDtkWskNiTwaEGP-q0eHoxRv6mS2PNLTrp32rHf0mHuDm696d0dsYutkzz3QXNmBNm6Hb6jNnXph4oiiIuw/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a-gFKUBoh4I9i33gpazlvDnd6coDSVifJxLz9DmFnhMAmigKiXEQn2WlnDtkWskNiTwaEGP-q0eHoxRv6mS2PNLTrp32rHf0mHuDm696d0dsYutkzz3QXNmBNm6Hb6jNnXph4oiiIuw/s400/048.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pre-gothic architecture shows the heaviness and bulkiness that was replaced by the light and soaring gothic styles of two centurieds later.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Koh_xqe8bnvQQpYIF-UAp-kYtVIEihiIKfQqBrRD261VVIINf5VmMbC8NSx2PKfH1w-zU2YfeFfmp1TUnUhnVvE8uFOkBc4vQPhBLVNDUsK8ThCk_dvr3IXo8wCjvzyH51BtMOHixqA/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Koh_xqe8bnvQQpYIF-UAp-kYtVIEihiIKfQqBrRD261VVIINf5VmMbC8NSx2PKfH1w-zU2YfeFfmp1TUnUhnVvE8uFOkBc4vQPhBLVNDUsK8ThCk_dvr3IXo8wCjvzyH51BtMOHixqA/s400/054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The choir stall in the sanctuary at St. Sernin. Most cathedrals of this period have this seating at the side or behind the main altar. Cathedrals were staffed by "canons", from which we get the word "canonical", refering to something within the structure of the church. The canons were priests, brothers, and occasionally laymen who would run the day to day operation of the cathedral and the ministry from the cathedral. In many cases they were employees of the local town, who in most cases owned the cathedrals. In France today, the government owns all the major cathedrals. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>There was a museum across the street from the basilica which picked my curiosity. The museum of St. Raymond, which occupies an old hospital from the 15th century. Today it is the municipal museum of Toulouse. The large banner hanging in front of the museum was announcing an "'Ex-pot' de restauration". With this little play on words I was ancious to get into to see this exhibition of the history of restaurants. I paid my entrance and found myself in the middle of huge rom filled with hundreds of pieces of ancient greek pottery. The exhibit was not about restaurants at all It was about the "restoration" process of the ancient pottery found in archaelogical digs all over the Mediteranean. Oh well! It was a fascinating visit and I learned new things. <br />
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But I was now hungry and found a nice little brasserie. <br />
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Today I left Toulouse and headed towards Montpellier. Again I got sidetracked. There are just too many surprises happening on this experience. My GPS started to scream at one point. IT had detected an 85 minute delay ahead on the highway. If I took the next exit, I would cut the delay to only 20 minutes. That 20 minute delay turned into 3 hours. I took the exit and came across the sign pointing to Fanjeaux. Something in head said that this was vaguely familiar. And then it came to me. Sr. Joseph Marie asked me before I left if I was going to visit Fanjeaux. Frere Henri-Dominique at La Sainte-Baume had talked about Fanjeaux. A quick look in the guide book and there it was. St. Dominic had served as the parish priest there. The town is a classic small hill town in the French country side. The center of the cluster of buildings crowned of course by the tower of the church. It was 12:30pm and of course anything that would have been opened on a Monday was shut tight for repos. As I turned the corner near the church, a Domincan priest drove by. He stopped and I asked him if Dominic's house was open. He said no but he would open it for me. I introduced my self, and told him about my January/February retreat and my upcoming gthree days at La Sainte-Baume. He of course knows all the brothers there very well. My unexpected detour turned into a nearly two hour visit of the house, and the village. Fr. Yves-Henri Riviere, op. He showed the little oratory that is built in the house where Dominc is believed to have lived during his time in Fanjeaux. All that remains of the house is a large fireplace and some beams known to be 13th century. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx8JD3YDaUC4yw8s96RcIK-tcmYaRZykDK8niqvNyD9VEcazX_CXAY_LK4mbAWhAv3vrTpMdhT1qNdwOiuE_EHBwvWGWYs_q4GM513Xr54I91BRYozJFHHV6SHPi1djQuhxga5Q9ZoS4/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx8JD3YDaUC4yw8s96RcIK-tcmYaRZykDK8niqvNyD9VEcazX_CXAY_LK4mbAWhAv3vrTpMdhT1qNdwOiuE_EHBwvWGWYs_q4GM513Xr54I91BRYozJFHHV6SHPi1djQuhxga5Q9ZoS4/s400/062.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tiny oratory with its huge fireplace and beautiful old tabernacle made from gilt panels from the Basilica of St. Maximin. (Look up the blog from late February when I concelebrated Mass there with Bishop Dominique Rey.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAqxVG9Jrhe59SeZWmSDO9IIYC7aVIxO9D82FP1CgyqAR8g84fJMA-9TqMCotuik55cs0gDg1s69LiaZBcSx9d-E817SuvmDcbw35_UfrqybSrBxtHIcuAKOeiFQrczoJVLKsbGhVQto/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAqxVG9Jrhe59SeZWmSDO9IIYC7aVIxO9D82FP1CgyqAR8g84fJMA-9TqMCotuik55cs0gDg1s69LiaZBcSx9d-E817SuvmDcbw35_UfrqybSrBxtHIcuAKOeiFQrczoJVLKsbGhVQto/s400/063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The altar in the Oratory in the St. Dominic House. The altar is facing the big fireplace of the last photo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SFlhdolAvb19GncN0fue0ueyxZan-WW1D_-zupiTirnES-7yRmJdsHxK16bndHBlviyEaWCY3ho4HEoKfENrrwvCUSrmaB03dEBGm5wWG81kq4b4tdpJ_FwJxOAGLSHkHobiUBp07yA/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SFlhdolAvb19GncN0fue0ueyxZan-WW1D_-zupiTirnES-7yRmJdsHxK16bndHBlviyEaWCY3ho4HEoKfENrrwvCUSrmaB03dEBGm5wWG81kq4b4tdpJ_FwJxOAGLSHkHobiUBp07yA/s400/060.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden at the rear of the house. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After my tour, Fr. Yves-Henri and I exchanged information and he very kindly gave me some books as a gift. "St. Dominic en Lauragais" (The account of St. Dominic in the Lauragais region, Fanjeaux.), "St. Dominic, the Apostolic Life", "Saint Dominic and his brothers, Evangelization or Crusade?" and little panphlet, " The Nine Ways of Praying of St. Dominic". Also a prayer card with a photo of the beautifully carved door in the restoration of the Oratory. <br />
<br />
Merci, Frere Yves-Henri, pour une belle visite cette apresmidi et pour le cadeau de les livres. Ces petites evenements qui ne sont pas part du plan de mon sabbatique sont les plus memorables. Je vous offert mes prieres pendant mon petit sejour a La Sainte-Baume cette semaine.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKAuXB-Z7uwetuFIwEG8T6d68j8oUSGhSvM8fPSBAfsO020umwRyIdrH65krkK2QWsIsjww68GSW5el5RHGH2jQcJiqwkn-ap_YK08rOjxR1og0-ZeNc6eskdHl4EUw4LrPqiiWipwgY/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKAuXB-Z7uwetuFIwEG8T6d68j8oUSGhSvM8fPSBAfsO020umwRyIdrH65krkK2QWsIsjww68GSW5el5RHGH2jQcJiqwkn-ap_YK08rOjxR1og0-ZeNc6eskdHl4EUw4LrPqiiWipwgY/s400/065.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frere Yves-Henri Riviere. OP</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Here are few pictures of the little village of Fanjeaux.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy04OZqqbRQAn5Ovt-2DU3qFNRZWXGSh0aPK8-QgeJTnrF5kKlErz9v05cSwZedpwUBWrCW1_CQXakE8QMNCkMbcHfJjEpfaaewWCrQWZcaDGckMRJ_VLrlvUs8S5ci58zUGNx2o4ro-U/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy04OZqqbRQAn5Ovt-2DU3qFNRZWXGSh0aPK8-QgeJTnrF5kKlErz9v05cSwZedpwUBWrCW1_CQXakE8QMNCkMbcHfJjEpfaaewWCrQWZcaDGckMRJ_VLrlvUs8S5ci58zUGNx2o4ro-U/s400/067.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church in Fanjeaux</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w7etmm3-oZg7XqOmgHSdm0RIDcLltA5gRuHMc7LfLoBXRzl4VfdOMeLus9ngQZ7BWOYaV2Y4AEqr6f-k3cKCnuNDrtT9lqw-Cbp1eKLOkL-P33xDet79HXQApGIVJwKGKDfnlH8J7J0/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w7etmm3-oZg7XqOmgHSdm0RIDcLltA5gRuHMc7LfLoBXRzl4VfdOMeLus9ngQZ7BWOYaV2Y4AEqr6f-k3cKCnuNDrtT9lqw-Cbp1eKLOkL-P33xDet79HXQApGIVJwKGKDfnlH8J7J0/s400/070.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fanjeaux Main Street.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT43B8RmekzAHxM4tBtG82YsSx7tvcdtAnwpOe0OIUUaTD5LuTlE_BJOaOiNmooasvImrtvEFBlzMddjT4rZ1xCzCex2OhfQvNqNjj12k-Lrq6p1qYVd8TtRTxrqS7Lw9MdnQLP2oLII/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT43B8RmekzAHxM4tBtG82YsSx7tvcdtAnwpOe0OIUUaTD5LuTlE_BJOaOiNmooasvImrtvEFBlzMddjT4rZ1xCzCex2OhfQvNqNjj12k-Lrq6p1qYVd8TtRTxrqS7Lw9MdnQLP2oLII/s400/068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Halle: the covered market place a block away from the church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The rest of the afternoon was on the road to Montpellier where I will spend the night before leaving for La Sainte-Baume Tuesday monrning.<br />
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As I'm thinking I am winding down on this sabbatical, the new discoveries and surprising events just keep happening.<br />
Blessings all of them!<br />
<br />
A demain.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-46153430337396940672011-06-20T13:02:00.001-04:002011-06-20T13:02:50.023-04:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-42900366807239740092011-06-17T17:13:00.000-04:002011-06-17T17:13:50.296-04:00Mont St. MichelThis has to be one of the most extraordinary places I have ever visited in the world. <br />
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Mont St. Michel is located in the north of France right at the border of Normandie and Bretagne. It is an island which was has had a monastery built on it since the 8th century. For centuries it stood in resitance to all the wars waged against Normandy and northern France. It has never once been the victim of attacks by anyone until the Second World War. The primary reason is that until hu,anity had the technology to drop bombs, it could not be successfully attacked because of the tides. Every twelve hours, the tides, some of the highest in the world, rise up to 12 meters and inundates the marshes which separate it from the coast of France. IN modern times a causeway has been built and that is no longer an issue. But in the days before mchanized war, no army could succeed in taking it in the short time required by the tides. And so it is safe.<br />
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I have tons of pictures. I will simply post them with brief captions. I think the pictures will speak for themselves. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBugTT1Z1oPVPvA4nSSPZ5wi6bsJ2zRDLgm_lwem_jpm9lJ25pnRIuIiG60qBg2mUOXyudhyphenhyphenydVgpJndmrshy9EdBqUe_9Md3GyanUiCA9axnnYlIUXsHc-burE1RS1MVGxsjKy0foHPU/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBugTT1Z1oPVPvA4nSSPZ5wi6bsJ2zRDLgm_lwem_jpm9lJ25pnRIuIiG60qBg2mUOXyudhyphenhyphenydVgpJndmrshy9EdBqUe_9Md3GyanUiCA9axnnYlIUXsHc-burE1RS1MVGxsjKy0foHPU/s400/086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont St. Michel. The monastery and the abbey church are built at the crest of this rock island starting in the 8th century. Later the village surrounding the base was built in the 11th and 12 centuries. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjT01qErZcebdfyAWQmYjOJJ8TcDQyjon11tCX90jwCKwaknkDWBlGK5c1Nx3MaiNTLgPx4GDKfzz5ExWVlIMASedzEySu6dGN-lKmzkTJ149OTZWCnIGUZ1kNfPS4ahgHtx9e672cFs/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjT01qErZcebdfyAWQmYjOJJ8TcDQyjon11tCX90jwCKwaknkDWBlGK5c1Nx3MaiNTLgPx4GDKfzz5ExWVlIMASedzEySu6dGN-lKmzkTJ149OTZWCnIGUZ1kNfPS4ahgHtx9e672cFs/s400/004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gate which millions of visitors must pass through to get into the village and climb up to the abbey and church. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkqXAId-qQ0OwdBmvJazgI4z8TkN6PAWiZuwEsGFKRGOt3SJhBEUOVjxQXsMYuposL7kebu6DLw_bl3o6qyl7vyWoeARbFKFsVaKS-vNIcosi9D3p1R69O257bDQl1FXDmasojsPCjV8/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkqXAId-qQ0OwdBmvJazgI4z8TkN6PAWiZuwEsGFKRGOt3SJhBEUOVjxQXsMYuposL7kebu6DLw_bl3o6qyl7vyWoeARbFKFsVaKS-vNIcosi9D3p1R69O257bDQl1FXDmasojsPCjV8/s400/082.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLVszPw3i3dFWjayHvp36vLFK4s4IRDYRDaj3wd1f-2PnQ5T8gLEjH2_-9p9txaQWhq_22i8ozLFQsxzSsFO8h2pD7qvUqDzoi_evYmiL1OMqF7i16PAbPOfVFfONqC2a0X25pAl1o1I/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLVszPw3i3dFWjayHvp36vLFK4s4IRDYRDaj3wd1f-2PnQ5T8gLEjH2_-9p9txaQWhq_22i8ozLFQsxzSsFO8h2pD7qvUqDzoi_evYmiL1OMqF7i16PAbPOfVFfONqC2a0X25pAl1o1I/s1600/078.JPG" /></a> </><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on the main street from the ramparts. </td></div></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLVszPw3i3dFWjayHvp36vLFK4s4IRDYRDaj3wd1f-2PnQ5T8gLEjH2_-9p9txaQWhq_22i8ozLFQsxzSsFO8h2pD7qvUqDzoi_evYmiL1OMqF7i16PAbPOfVFfONqC2a0X25pAl1o1I/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLVszPw3i3dFWjayHvp36vLFK4s4IRDYRDaj3wd1f-2PnQ5T8gLEjH2_-9p9txaQWhq_22i8ozLFQsxzSsFO8h2pD7qvUqDzoi_evYmiL1OMqF7i16PAbPOfVFfONqC2a0X25pAl1o1I/s400/078.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Major side streets look like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSLPDzv6ARhRYctyK7RVcnSNsTmEJgXyGuz0zN2IG28o-FSEiQW7m7IX2weJLr9z3HsCRaT_5nz_H9jiHdAkui_KbANyifAw5xUmulzQkSYxuTawE6twJkTGC2tQnN6BzX52ywjnKUdc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSLPDzv6ARhRYctyK7RVcnSNsTmEJgXyGuz0zN2IG28o-FSEiQW7m7IX2weJLr9z3HsCRaT_5nz_H9jiHdAkui_KbANyifAw5xUmulzQkSYxuTawE6twJkTGC2tQnN6BzX52ywjnKUdc/s400/007.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After passing all the restaurants, tourist trap shops, and hotels, the street becomes a stairway with about 200 steps up to the entrance of the abbey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX9X6R2DVFtQ1KEoydbw3Bje2qws4R2WdN4JIXK3_Ux8RO8ja31icZH4mKWZH_uGBiSSYb8eM_ybfcVhxKknxwMpkQ79Wp2zH7ZWfydOLhJlR9hpocLIvtA6EOpjHdDFPX7wO4f9kFq0/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX9X6R2DVFtQ1KEoydbw3Bje2qws4R2WdN4JIXK3_Ux8RO8ja31icZH4mKWZH_uGBiSSYb8eM_ybfcVhxKknxwMpkQ79Wp2zH7ZWfydOLhJlR9hpocLIvtA6EOpjHdDFPX7wO4f9kFq0/s400/010.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The abbey entrance perched on the edge of the cliffs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEu1TQKc1BcWwqrnh1JlTXaQbp3qaSs5w2ZuXqMXlurlFIyPJBrLtcgJCgbtIMHGjMf1Eplgg-T27qkQ7oeELd4kruvCbbIOy0X7RT6Y0jJMIledQ7GdCDCWLja9MBdSCfC85LvbovCI/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEu1TQKc1BcWwqrnh1JlTXaQbp3qaSs5w2ZuXqMXlurlFIyPJBrLtcgJCgbtIMHGjMf1Eplgg-T27qkQ7oeELd4kruvCbbIOy0X7RT6Y0jJMIledQ7GdCDCWLja9MBdSCfC85LvbovCI/s400/009.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once inside, more steps up to the terraces in front of the abbey church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6njZAWooRjqzrD8ZER8fmCzHTDPh-CfggSYVj3AwLjrSBmsv3l7AbisJwmUMjrca9qSN6-d3AUFmaYrsL4lJV0LryDUdDa6HMZh5iRH7DrmJ-8MiXkjkKhL4fTHvIKgS4O63PiKjB_mM/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6njZAWooRjqzrD8ZER8fmCzHTDPh-CfggSYVj3AwLjrSBmsv3l7AbisJwmUMjrca9qSN6-d3AUFmaYrsL4lJV0LryDUdDa6HMZh5iRH7DrmJ-8MiXkjkKhL4fTHvIKgS4O63PiKjB_mM/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The terraces in front of the abbey church with the tidal basins below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LdgBjHR3mNBE8GZv0lzJ7gNy6b_iA-oMqpcvz0HK5XCC7T1Ej5l0yo5oa26t49_lP33Z3zwYGj144BVR3yc0OaiDz_qU041sOuLlX2EzSpo8Hf70vXRhG05Xqu2vZy_B_jFDVP9l0Bw/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LdgBjHR3mNBE8GZv0lzJ7gNy6b_iA-oMqpcvz0HK5XCC7T1Ej5l0yo5oa26t49_lP33Z3zwYGj144BVR3yc0OaiDz_qU041sOuLlX2EzSpo8Hf70vXRhG05Xqu2vZy_B_jFDVP9l0Bw/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terraces in front of the abbey church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF-JA90g4Zfhc7Z3W6wMheArCoLPVVHyEwsjVCg6Wf5scd6coOiXOsHMZ1cOnd3KEvszgqzav2Sf5jdyBGYvaEhFi1PLmV-Qh6tghCw8oHco7whTz-HcyvLHJVjZdah1dpBHfRAIxWtc/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF-JA90g4Zfhc7Z3W6wMheArCoLPVVHyEwsjVCg6Wf5scd6coOiXOsHMZ1cOnd3KEvszgqzav2Sf5jdyBGYvaEhFi1PLmV-Qh6tghCw8oHco7whTz-HcyvLHJVjZdah1dpBHfRAIxWtc/s400/014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking lots are not my favorite things to photograph. But I think this is important to give you a sense of the height which the ground floors of the abbey church are located. Tour buses below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr29pFx6-iOsKyvbvtDAQITQxYcmTtrn5-M4r-R7KnL3BazWmb8ALPffOQ4oI7x3gI2Dyol7-ft1RxBJJ__cpF_V-Hh8haZdI6IvNBBslmYuD1eb71rlY6J1g4PWFze_LmvCl7Rv95wHQ/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr29pFx6-iOsKyvbvtDAQITQxYcmTtrn5-M4r-R7KnL3BazWmb8ALPffOQ4oI7x3gI2Dyol7-ft1RxBJJ__cpF_V-Hh8haZdI6IvNBBslmYuD1eb71rlY6J1g4PWFze_LmvCl7Rv95wHQ/s400/016.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church and tower. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHH_WnFgPjvB7QKfxYvhEoIaZgtzc42-k4SxOJaHi91rrPTMh3KuFp_0ZWthV0axVtfEN8DFjbAdLb7Zy9PjRuRzh8jbeqSNMA99j2-ouiOOOQ8AAXVzJ36Z4jeY_gz8EYHMfeGpTMV4/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHH_WnFgPjvB7QKfxYvhEoIaZgtzc42-k4SxOJaHi91rrPTMh3KuFp_0ZWthV0axVtfEN8DFjbAdLb7Zy9PjRuRzh8jbeqSNMA99j2-ouiOOOQ8AAXVzJ36Z4jeY_gz8EYHMfeGpTMV4/s400/017.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nave of the abbey church with the tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_PH1Tvd3zCpX9o_xJ4I9l6CwskbszeTH3kObdiXK6jeEfa-kRvrPw3eppyuk0MBX07B0HicbnpGlX-N9X4I2KEsYMegodPZNfTtBDpZFeGbGODL_r4zF1FAqaETXgNjd8b7JMoW4Sns/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_PH1Tvd3zCpX9o_xJ4I9l6CwskbszeTH3kObdiXK6jeEfa-kRvrPw3eppyuk0MBX07B0HicbnpGlX-N9X4I2KEsYMegodPZNfTtBDpZFeGbGODL_r4zF1FAqaETXgNjd8b7JMoW4Sns/s400/022.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facade of the Abbey Church. The facade is 16th century so it has the later classical lines rather than the medieval austerity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsnW3YCfNZmHQNtwgMtVm5SCstGuSU5QZ0q0ywxNfgrGhuX3K6PivyLhtjP3mCUzNM929n5zfwkH88Zs85jnT8IHcYh5Kivq4KwdtbR40TYjKBg1Zxvcga0Cn9rLuyKj2yqaNz2z3JtY/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsnW3YCfNZmHQNtwgMtVm5SCstGuSU5QZ0q0ywxNfgrGhuX3K6PivyLhtjP3mCUzNM929n5zfwkH88Zs85jnT8IHcYh5Kivq4KwdtbR40TYjKBg1Zxvcga0Cn9rLuyKj2yqaNz2z3JtY/s400/027.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo shows the two styles which co-exist in a wonderful way. The nave, foreground, is the 11th century roman style. The sanctuary at the rear is the early gothic of the 12th century. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-EfLJmDzCP4eeNijOJ_lEeVlM8-4v0DJzh4E7x8t7jORVcCLoqo70aWg2Xxpht694HeSWWIHCDLZvNuibGQj4Ni_PdZHT2Y3KISKQH2SnVp7YOEm-TfPq3xUYYtW84H0P1WHVQhOMQ4/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-EfLJmDzCP4eeNijOJ_lEeVlM8-4v0DJzh4E7x8t7jORVcCLoqo70aWg2Xxpht694HeSWWIHCDLZvNuibGQj4Ni_PdZHT2Y3KISKQH2SnVp7YOEm-TfPq3xUYYtW84H0P1WHVQhOMQ4/s400/030.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sanctuary. The utter simplicity of the rows of arches with no ornamentation emphasizes the height and draws the eye upawards to the light provided by large expanses of windows. It is very reminiscent of La Sainte Chapelle in Paris. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1GsZLqicsGR8sQiF0C7UaIGQJGdDT-lhyphenhyphensPZk8yV8Nzkr3n8muETQcGAouvnCKb3bQPvjTUmAuHfZMS9RjAZXwnXoHciS0FH6foISOOsO_FMHrnZTEUF0XAZiH7OCJgR0QT4G5XmYIA/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1GsZLqicsGR8sQiF0C7UaIGQJGdDT-lhyphenhyphensPZk8yV8Nzkr3n8muETQcGAouvnCKb3bQPvjTUmAuHfZMS9RjAZXwnXoHciS0FH6foISOOsO_FMHrnZTEUF0XAZiH7OCJgR0QT4G5XmYIA/s400/029.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the nave with the round romanesque arches and the simple wooden barrel vault at the ceiling. <br />
This is very rare and was used here to simplify the building process of carrying wood rather than stone across the tidal flats. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CtM1hqrmwRAoZO3wa4F9l7JGCfCVfiAfzWZvYUq6A-QSBTpePuChG1Cne0Zz8d9f8l1auRVmaKNNnmmOubDOMjRh5DDIz8HG65h8LtjNprAw-OWa0dUFqWsqqentd82t0i0S2Vrxotk/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CtM1hqrmwRAoZO3wa4F9l7JGCfCVfiAfzWZvYUq6A-QSBTpePuChG1Cne0Zz8d9f8l1auRVmaKNNnmmOubDOMjRh5DDIz8HG65h8LtjNprAw-OWa0dUFqWsqqentd82t0i0S2Vrxotk/s400/023.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views down to the tidal flats rom the terraces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBxmrjLzORXpFE43h2jwYp_5Jb8qoRw6Cc06342VeT1m-lx7rMERKUvhBvFTwTztgUZ7V6wO-5TtWjx_DEbmfPB8hapZ-bkYmpX0CxdlcUtXtAsKOfXt2QUYBTt9hbS32mOgQy9mCzLU/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBxmrjLzORXpFE43h2jwYp_5Jb8qoRw6Cc06342VeT1m-lx7rMERKUvhBvFTwTztgUZ7V6wO-5TtWjx_DEbmfPB8hapZ-bkYmpX0CxdlcUtXtAsKOfXt2QUYBTt9hbS32mOgQy9mCzLU/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ONe of the most beautiful cloisters I have seen in all of my travels. The gardens ofo this cloister were replanted when the benedictine sisters, who now staff the abbey returned. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0BD85GaQ6uEgaaw7gZFtHKz4gzU0nszyv_OG7nrkxqw8OogXDowJeIknGjMRALru2DMwy4AhnN69rDqDCNNKspC_8sZ7dXc-0XRFWQ_L-wI0KmAez_F1euVFraXBSHdh3h9nAs3ZKpk/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0BD85GaQ6uEgaaw7gZFtHKz4gzU0nszyv_OG7nrkxqw8OogXDowJeIknGjMRALru2DMwy4AhnN69rDqDCNNKspC_8sZ7dXc-0XRFWQ_L-wI0KmAez_F1euVFraXBSHdh3h9nAs3ZKpk/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To understand the history of these amzing monuments requires knowledge of the events of the French revolution. The religious imagery on the right, an image of St. John the Baptist was destroyed, while the the floral design was left. This is the case all over France. There was a systematic effort to blot out the signs of faith all over the country. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOji4F69acB5TrFIdRbfSSbGokXCyWb64i_L6v4qI1rdg6KYDaXfF2ZP0WYslDUQyYVQ3KjkpIA1pcVRteFR9gfOW1GmcPq3iY-1vsEyLpxgA_F5MZykjG5n54fqQiW1Y8v96y2S2N9c/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOji4F69acB5TrFIdRbfSSbGokXCyWb64i_L6v4qI1rdg6KYDaXfF2ZP0WYslDUQyYVQ3KjkpIA1pcVRteFR9gfOW1GmcPq3iY-1vsEyLpxgA_F5MZykjG5n54fqQiW1Y8v96y2S2N9c/s400/036.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roof of the cloister is supported by very slender columns. They are doubled, alternating one after the other to give great support but with the illusion of lightness. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsE-pV_9FC7OBfiJI6mTuIllZl5uXrMLV5Iv39YJLv0yWiGNxaBx7S3kBDWh8RZyuLBIowKvb2eSu0mrcZ8wHp9wZsTkIuZnXs-PqVjXGR4R1B2a9YfiJEoIFfB3qtvrhhpaep8gbDt4/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsE-pV_9FC7OBfiJI6mTuIllZl5uXrMLV5Iv39YJLv0yWiGNxaBx7S3kBDWh8RZyuLBIowKvb2eSu0mrcZ8wHp9wZsTkIuZnXs-PqVjXGR4R1B2a9YfiJEoIFfB3qtvrhhpaep8gbDt4/s400/043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful cloister. Notice the double rows of slender columns holding up a very heavy roof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3ba_d7W7iRhmwKeInL6cVipDUjy_CJKDYf4MmjzkvfYxSObHfkpWZ_hK_VZNiwRLggY5S348D-oVv7lYArztcQuMe9DyskVQoCSfJi_4XHwE0IyxTBdQJWcY5-dS74jI0wYTqtLSOIE/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3ba_d7W7iRhmwKeInL6cVipDUjy_CJKDYf4MmjzkvfYxSObHfkpWZ_hK_VZNiwRLggY5S348D-oVv7lYArztcQuMe9DyskVQoCSfJi_4XHwE0IyxTBdQJWcY5-dS74jI0wYTqtLSOIE/s400/044.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The refectory of the ancient abbey. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1IsELFfTGa8dgL1GaB8h7TuT9LFXsijlrMC-urpfRSpofSvMyxYqKICNfeOkJvGqwz_93jm6TrVIcDtMNwLS7t1kT1AlgKh8fC87V1sOaGgzRdnZjk3n-xb3xAWzZxRz1j_s_og6DRg/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1IsELFfTGa8dgL1GaB8h7TuT9LFXsijlrMC-urpfRSpofSvMyxYqKICNfeOkJvGqwz_93jm6TrVIcDtMNwLS7t1kT1AlgKh8fC87V1sOaGgzRdnZjk3n-xb3xAWzZxRz1j_s_og6DRg/s400/050.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that's a fireplace. And there are two of them. These are in the Pilgrim's Hall which were used to feed the thousands of pilgrims who came to St. Michel. St. Michel was both a stopping place for pilgrims on the way to Spain to Santiago Compostelle, and a destination unto itself. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V6nULa0sgj9GzvIOUFR3SKeGj__OTo3W_5hLZm-5GvaLufKF1AFXKl-yHiynOCkNKlIwGJCM7Z0IhziN0RAW_1eIm5tL6Bw54cPbM33ivL8jfr7W2LG1TPlgOCN9PjYxq8Jj2Dl1Ang/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V6nULa0sgj9GzvIOUFR3SKeGj__OTo3W_5hLZm-5GvaLufKF1AFXKl-yHiynOCkNKlIwGJCM7Z0IhziN0RAW_1eIm5tL6Bw54cPbM33ivL8jfr7W2LG1TPlgOCN9PjYxq8Jj2Dl1Ang/s400/058.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is something you don't see every day. This huge wheel (see the man standing behind it) was used to operate an elevator to bring supplies and building materials up to the abbey. Men would walk inside this wheel and it would turn to raise the sleds up an incline on the side of the mountain. Think of human hamster wheel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_UMsQr9hOd9pXShugif-UHxW9xT41KeN065rSn9jTnFxA6XurZz3oaOFUHbzWVDkW0vMTmiQgtKjiCJJ6GgYVmwRyTTIOYxhbjF3UEqqkBcTHtA0ij9E-B0KM0Qdq-FYr46Yh8V5QMY/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_UMsQr9hOd9pXShugif-UHxW9xT41KeN065rSn9jTnFxA6XurZz3oaOFUHbzWVDkW0vMTmiQgtKjiCJJ6GgYVmwRyTTIOYxhbjF3UEqqkBcTHtA0ij9E-B0KM0Qdq-FYr46Yh8V5QMY/s400/075.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the ramp which guided the specially built sled which was hoisted up by the wheel located in the openning which you can see in the wall at the top of the picture. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvMBl-49j-0nfXtcuJgEMGaFecZ1QVjwK6yE10c-95Hw9jtiyNIzVn9JkRSaxNJPpVEcZJ0p3ZmzEn-y1fyixwICy666-F8ArNp7i-1K8sDjAKgziIqKabnhRwgY7fPX8nzGY8gGR-Pk/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvMBl-49j-0nfXtcuJgEMGaFecZ1QVjwK6yE10c-95Hw9jtiyNIzVn9JkRSaxNJPpVEcZJ0p3ZmzEn-y1fyixwICy666-F8ArNp7i-1K8sDjAKgziIqKabnhRwgY7fPX8nzGY8gGR-Pk/s400/084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of the ramparts built right down to the edge of the sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPxAhYm2CBaAY0lPk1KHh3jCld6fZ5nmV_eO68RLmlqiXMM_kKeKivod7c16PdDea10hFb8kKdvON_UXpfCX4lh3V8xCofgDfixmU2w9MUOSOUFrFV8rkapc6T0Kl2Fz63qAsNa1F5fg/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPxAhYm2CBaAY0lPk1KHh3jCld6fZ5nmV_eO68RLmlqiXMM_kKeKivod7c16PdDea10hFb8kKdvON_UXpfCX4lh3V8xCofgDfixmU2w9MUOSOUFrFV8rkapc6T0Kl2Fz63qAsNa1F5fg/s400/039.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The abbey gardens below the terraces in front of the abbey church. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6tAB-IEjfC8k7HIIbbBbWpLD15Z8yxdwaBHVWpjj0xJCo_tNJ7Zxd25TaTntJKthpTRoZjOVN7Er4piTJ5dy5fp4LJ8ZXgK2zvh1ai1oFW0MkvYZiI4eetixqCXRTQ-YmGyzRaE2k9A/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6tAB-IEjfC8k7HIIbbBbWpLD15Z8yxdwaBHVWpjj0xJCo_tNJ7Zxd25TaTntJKthpTRoZjOVN7Er4piTJ5dy5fp4LJ8ZXgK2zvh1ai1oFW0MkvYZiI4eetixqCXRTQ-YmGyzRaE2k9A/s400/074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rooftops of the village looking down from the stairs approaching the abbey entrance. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP60DD3QGwzTUR6b1YGtZvWkJUIVkEGYdy8WrfpEj3M6AnKpg52yinvK3wFzLThW9nLLjvCBaQkqrHGjBsg4lz6Irg3Vg-gDY7AgDilWbeZRUDjC7OHjAPhi0Rttg6VLYlkOdmO4tezMg/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP60DD3QGwzTUR6b1YGtZvWkJUIVkEGYdy8WrfpEj3M6AnKpg52yinvK3wFzLThW9nLLjvCBaQkqrHGjBsg4lz6Irg3Vg-gDY7AgDilWbeZRUDjC7OHjAPhi0Rttg6VLYlkOdmO4tezMg/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village scenes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vBuSsuayTWMRb-F00MrroPtiUJLxucSO5rolac6JUbSrFSiTsHGpMMZT60raciHwlU_nraTQD4lT_1BRwP6oKTwNECMqs0EHxzpg677HMCgUUHbgj9DvPRfxIg7JgmfyJE7RUxB6TXc/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vBuSsuayTWMRb-F00MrroPtiUJLxucSO5rolac6JUbSrFSiTsHGpMMZT60raciHwlU_nraTQD4lT_1BRwP6oKTwNECMqs0EHxzpg677HMCgUUHbgj9DvPRfxIg7JgmfyJE7RUxB6TXc/s400/079.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village street.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplqESbsn-omM3zuBKX3PJc39_-AYQFSmeL30wI21tp9_vbyOEE8u7VUZiC0qpvZPaoMLUcpK20CveukFTm6IUNmCNCphgfQlvQOeE0K7m2NTfqkVN88GiewAG1pbYW9tpEd4frk9S0dA/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplqESbsn-omM3zuBKX3PJc39_-AYQFSmeL30wI21tp9_vbyOEE8u7VUZiC0qpvZPaoMLUcpK20CveukFTm6IUNmCNCphgfQlvQOeE0K7m2NTfqkVN88GiewAG1pbYW9tpEd4frk9S0dA/s400/071.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the steps approaching the abbey from the village.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4MmNESE5TVIosIbMwCLe5Kk4o59JmDJiOzA6-yJpM8eZGG8XnFqPG4GJoVnVFlyZ5f0MmWvHwluUYFPh8BhmSb-g1Lc44sNtYjD88LU42fNFsQPzktY8XyR2gsnrzlA_qYm89ujvKKM/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4MmNESE5TVIosIbMwCLe5Kk4o59JmDJiOzA6-yJpM8eZGG8XnFqPG4GJoVnVFlyZ5f0MmWvHwluUYFPh8BhmSb-g1Lc44sNtYjD88LU42fNFsQPzktY8XyR2gsnrzlA_qYm89ujvKKM/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look back at the island as I am leaving to head down to Bordeaux.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This was a remarkable day. Mont St. Michel will be one of the highlights of this whole experience. I was at Motn St. Michel on Wednesday, June 15th.<br />
Incase you may have noticed that I have slowed down in the postings on the blog, you are right. I am counting day at this point. There are so many things I wanted to see. It is becoming clear that I won't get to all of it. It just may require a return to Europe at some point in the near future. Quel surprise!<br />
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Tonight I am in Toulouse. I will visit the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas tomorrow. Then I head back to La Sainte Baume for a few days of final retreat. Before coming home on the 29th, I will spend three nights in Paris. <br />
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I am not promising any more blogs after this - well maybe after the tomb of Thomas Aquinas tomorrow. <br />
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The three days at La Sainte Baume will be one's of quiet. <br />
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Three nights of Paris will not!<br />
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In any case. I will home next week.<br />
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Blessings to all<br />
<br />
A bientot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-64644887237790417262011-06-13T14:07:00.000-04:002011-06-13T14:07:46.596-04:00Famous and Not So Famous CathedralsMy posting this evening will include three locations. Lille, a lively university city in the north of France not far from the Belgian border; Amiens, a medieval city with rich history; and Lisieux, site of the new basilica in honor of St. Therese of Lisieux.<br />
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I took myself to Lille because of the things I heard and read. The churches are rather average considering the others in France. It sustained huge damage in WW II and so most of the pre-war buildings are gone. The churches, those that survived the French Revolution, sustained some damage, but none that required building new structures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL0hXJv34mgtBB54ky9FYWkI4xoP32ln9aR03Xsqv2tY8uqyMWEmbZn1hUhxFmaW9UqMOt83FeEOaqtrb4GCBMQWkXlZDjIevAnDDXhchICzIjFgjHnFajjOMCGu-0-C3eq5NG8wMRi4/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgL0hXJv34mgtBB54ky9FYWkI4xoP32ln9aR03Xsqv2tY8uqyMWEmbZn1hUhxFmaW9UqMOt83FeEOaqtrb4GCBMQWkXlZDjIevAnDDXhchICzIjFgjHnFajjOMCGu-0-C3eq5NG8wMRi4/s400/010.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the view from my hotel room, the Citadine Apart'hotel chain. I have come to really enjoy these places which includes a full kitchen in every unit. Very nice for breakfast and late night snack. The silver dome in the foreground is a large mall which includes the big flat roof below my window. The hotel is connected to that along with about 6 other hotels and a huge parking area. The building with the steep sloped roof with two rows of gables to the middle left is a medieval guild hall, one of the few 12th century buildings to survive. The tall tower in the center is the Hotel de Ville, or City Hall. The square dome is the Lille OPera house. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMTC1zqz1FYPetHdnE7jn6WQvNKzkW1snILmJAtblufxrNaajS3kpt51IRHPBbjcF3v3ZbpY901XGuTkKXRXYVnjKDttja-dFXU1ysIKnAEZge_VHwCODZEOti9K8sgjO53kfTF5Q83Y/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMTC1zqz1FYPetHdnE7jn6WQvNKzkW1snILmJAtblufxrNaajS3kpt51IRHPBbjcF3v3ZbpY901XGuTkKXRXYVnjKDttja-dFXU1ysIKnAEZge_VHwCODZEOti9K8sgjO53kfTF5Q83Y/s400/009.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main square of Lille. The blue glow of dusk oer the building shows how late it gets dark at this northern latitude. This picture was taken at 11:00pm. Its nearly two weeks away from the longest day of the year. The 45th parallel, the point on the earth that is halfway between the north pole and the equator is roughly the border between northern Vermont and Canada. The 45th parallel is nearly 250 miles south of me here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I visited the Musee des Beaux Arts in Lille. There was a special exhibit called "L'art de la Pensee". or <em>The Art of Thinking".</em> It was a series of paintings from Madrid, Utrecht, and Naples, by artists who painted the portraits of some of the great thinkers of the world - starting with the ancient Greek philosophers, Saints, like Paul and Jerome, and then into the Middle ages with Thomas Aquinas, Dominic, and many more. The exhibit was beautifully done. At first glance, one is looking at a collection of portraits. But the trained art observer will see much more. And the genius of these artists is the ability to convey the philosophy, theology, and ideas of great writers and thinkers with subtleties of color, light, texture and subject. It was a real education in my appreciation of art and art exhibits. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlT2wMlYmOps1UoT-s64UBrMShSc5CYcwWhD5vMN1D6NbURexcx7w2IvJxO4TbuIaU9DQ0Mrtpphvws4wCsl3Y-NqwNBLFJ4V_x0x5MNvVPEraV54TdOqiSxvMX06FIda-0bkgIAubSQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlT2wMlYmOps1UoT-s64UBrMShSc5CYcwWhD5vMN1D6NbURexcx7w2IvJxO4TbuIaU9DQ0Mrtpphvws4wCsl3Y-NqwNBLFJ4V_x0x5MNvVPEraV54TdOqiSxvMX06FIda-0bkgIAubSQ/s400/002.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After my visit to the art museum, I attended the Saturday Vigil Mass at the church of St. Etienne. This renaissance style church was originally the chapel of the Jesuit University in Lille. The original St. Etienne was destroyed by the French Revolution. They never attempted to rebuild and simply started to use the Jesuit Chapel which was actually next door the original parish church. Like most of the other Masses I have ever attended in France, 15 to 20 minutes before the Mass begins, a few parishioners who look like the run the place are frantically running around recruiting lectors, collectors, Eucharistic minister, and tonight 12 people to form a procession to retire the Paschal candle from the sanctuary to the baptistry with the end of the Easter season. So I accepted the invitation to do that. It seemed like an interesting idea. I know need to do some research in the instructions of the Roman Missal to seed if there any reference to this ritual. It just made a great deal of sense to me: We process solemnly with the Paschal candle into the Easter Vigil; why not solemnly process out with it to the place where it will be used in baptisms? We'll see. Good ideas are to be found everywhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5C9c2iVKqVmni8jhofMAxqYiiVRY6YZuPhGvUksnuBi2gH8POnxFtQ26uXWd0dbR__4b0ZU9L1IHS2D54oNXaOFsotMspUgUCnP7M4mbxneyY2fy6fLf_vyi31mhYZx1OOPkBpwsSi20/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5C9c2iVKqVmni8jhofMAxqYiiVRY6YZuPhGvUksnuBi2gH8POnxFtQ26uXWd0dbR__4b0ZU9L1IHS2D54oNXaOFsotMspUgUCnP7M4mbxneyY2fy6fLf_vyi31mhYZx1OOPkBpwsSi20/s400/003.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The busy streets of the Uniersity City of Lille. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sunday the 12th was a long day of driving - about 4.5 hours. But I decided that I would make the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Amiens my major stop of the day. I left the hotel about 10 am and arrived in Amiens about noon. I knew a few things about this wonderful cathedral. One fact is that its gothic nave is the highest in all Europe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9sjG9EChRVTd1Da65A6zbCx82vLWIEELsbRBi0nmrc8uVA31uh9Px59LVWIziJgm6gV_igdiqEoQWnwx8Qnwy_GzZA3vBimwCJ_rBgTaH0yQvx3zNf4RSxuFcXOGXJwsyoY3Wtu2rtQ/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9sjG9EChRVTd1Da65A6zbCx82vLWIEELsbRBi0nmrc8uVA31uh9Px59LVWIziJgm6gV_igdiqEoQWnwx8Qnwy_GzZA3vBimwCJ_rBgTaH0yQvx3zNf4RSxuFcXOGXJwsyoY3Wtu2rtQ/s400/011.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the Cathedral of Amiens. Amiens was another city that sustained a great deal of damage in WW II. But here the bombing was done by the Allies, therefore the great churches and monuments were spared.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFeXsEZ8a45IcNvBTdNriqg4AQn5GXzglP_76W22ngvRSc8yZpBVkIvE7VjDzPvcOLhgbHATS7kAbqzTNhvtlpTc4Iup0od7xYcECbt8YFW8vGDUYcSEp3p8y9Ov4whgM9rVRQ1PSVkk/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFeXsEZ8a45IcNvBTdNriqg4AQn5GXzglP_76W22ngvRSc8yZpBVkIvE7VjDzPvcOLhgbHATS7kAbqzTNhvtlpTc4Iup0od7xYcECbt8YFW8vGDUYcSEp3p8y9Ov4whgM9rVRQ1PSVkk/s400/013.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cathedral's facade is known for its great symmetry until you get to the height of the towers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKokjQN6OnI64tPd-HhR0w7w5I6cQ1-Wjo15kB0oVQwII-k-mqLN6bNatkkipScEc9hlHdUliN_R1yG56BrUoJ5bXF9a8HUup6hE3xwpyjGBz6lSrzIaxuM3_rbshCyVm48Gh0aPlwATY/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKokjQN6OnI64tPd-HhR0w7w5I6cQ1-Wjo15kB0oVQwII-k-mqLN6bNatkkipScEc9hlHdUliN_R1yG56BrUoJ5bXF9a8HUup6hE3xwpyjGBz6lSrzIaxuM3_rbshCyVm48Gh0aPlwATY/s400/014.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arched "porches" are deeper than most of the other gothic cathedrals and allow for greater detail and storytelling in the design. One of the commentaries I read about this church inludes a reference to Marcel Proust writing about a journal by John Ruskin. Ruskin was an architect, furniture designer, publisher, artist, social philosopher, and atheist, who spent a great deal of time studying this cathedral. He called it, "the Bible in Stone". I have read some Ruskin in the past and now I have to research this particular reference. "The Bible in Stone" is an appropriate way to describe all these places. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmM2UGxjaebwDLpKV8eQhZxbgNng9Aa3CO3LR6u2yiPphp76avlLGJcLrGJqBl95AnRbYQPxY7VnOkj3_Xk9lKCU65DyE25hY4A8FlU-G5x-IMoIUDDDk3-EOaoUP-KYRuhnZ0rWdMIc/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmM2UGxjaebwDLpKV8eQhZxbgNng9Aa3CO3LR6u2yiPphp76avlLGJcLrGJqBl95AnRbYQPxY7VnOkj3_Xk9lKCU65DyE25hY4A8FlU-G5x-IMoIUDDDk3-EOaoUP-KYRuhnZ0rWdMIc/s400/015.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angels and saints greet you as you enter the central door of the Cathedral. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA25lxytX6Bo7K7ipnI7i47Glf30RZOFrJ_86HmFgOv2F5ZkeZzty-OY14IpG9Mr29IKjbGRLr7oXh5a8C7wxciJ5qGjGsUbYSvJ3XU9_AuVwm6N_FjqzaNqMJL5c8Z6JfJAeBx305Q4/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA25lxytX6Bo7K7ipnI7i47Glf30RZOFrJ_86HmFgOv2F5ZkeZzty-OY14IpG9Mr29IKjbGRLr7oXh5a8C7wxciJ5qGjGsUbYSvJ3XU9_AuVwm6N_FjqzaNqMJL5c8Z6JfJAeBx305Q4/s400/032.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nave looking back towards the central door of the facade. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5nBDG7qoaoMnbcB7g5Dfxw_ly4SOcxdLONExsDhoA4Jgm4I0q4p0KMhyphenhyphenBiSLIJy53R__DFFnVV7M_6FYifV1Sg-h6g4XV-ZxLa7uGtSxcmLpEiUm9F2VqV4PUh0XnEU6z6yp809krVA/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5nBDG7qoaoMnbcB7g5Dfxw_ly4SOcxdLONExsDhoA4Jgm4I0q4p0KMhyphenhyphenBiSLIJy53R__DFFnVV7M_6FYifV1Sg-h6g4XV-ZxLa7uGtSxcmLpEiUm9F2VqV4PUh0XnEU6z6yp809krVA/s400/018.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angel crowning the top of the high pulpit holds an open book and points to the words, (in Latin), "Do this and you will live". The platform of the pulpit is supported by the figures of Moses, Isaiah, and St. Paul. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UWoe3vRcw7tOaug_LZ0XMdYAh8oktF64fgaZpGg-JHcFcbCsaACdTomRcZoomXiMaFCF7L68EZQHDWqt9ocE7oq6dZCj6Q6A8yv-52FdDwla9cTDjk0WigbF19senWWvJUIQZFLlVTQ/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UWoe3vRcw7tOaug_LZ0XMdYAh8oktF64fgaZpGg-JHcFcbCsaACdTomRcZoomXiMaFCF7L68EZQHDWqt9ocE7oq6dZCj6Q6A8yv-52FdDwla9cTDjk0WigbF19senWWvJUIQZFLlVTQ/s400/020.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Figures in the proch of the south transept each hold an item important to the liturgy, from left o right, a scroll for the Old Testament, a book for the New Testament, a ciborium for the Eucharist, and a Thurible, incense signifying our prayers rising up to heaven. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OgOr6RYzRhYMo1oADz4-IEbQRLs_RjByIJPEXHTqxryZke3iFUjzLHI07x8cuWHAKsS8EMyYkBz7jzGf8OUq1fwJAbnbWB19Zd_6WDXCKV77EGniYD5Qa75fHM9Dez8kN2Pz-dCdHF0/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OgOr6RYzRhYMo1oADz4-IEbQRLs_RjByIJPEXHTqxryZke3iFUjzLHI07x8cuWHAKsS8EMyYkBz7jzGf8OUq1fwJAbnbWB19Zd_6WDXCKV77EGniYD5Qa75fHM9Dez8kN2Pz-dCdHF0/s400/031.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A veiw of the apse and the main altar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki-dDfATY-HH0iNC0CFuUnc_oKqPm6S2PbuDSH1BddUkaXbRS7NYlCGjlpOW0DOai8SLrNb2d_IN9WSX7I7_99veIEnRl7FjoP0Hf2FDIkvqPsVldriYf5XauVHUIxcq4kQXleAYFzfg/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki-dDfATY-HH0iNC0CFuUnc_oKqPm6S2PbuDSH1BddUkaXbRS7NYlCGjlpOW0DOai8SLrNb2d_IN9WSX7I7_99veIEnRl7FjoP0Hf2FDIkvqPsVldriYf5XauVHUIxcq4kQXleAYFzfg/s400/028.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The transepts are extra deep to provide the additional support to the very high central nave. Consequently the crossing of the nave and transepts is much brighter because the additional wall space left more room for windows. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7to01fvOnyqDJLs9wuW8kGcDVUu_nZXjyLsWsmrYBGdIct4XfnU_DVTsKesVD_0W1YpPaTe7SQJSV6vEZLJxNC-Aenx12DNnFjG1CxPBUQSyPGu91EINSUMYz0-3cfG_LeUEKqMh6MZY/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7to01fvOnyqDJLs9wuW8kGcDVUu_nZXjyLsWsmrYBGdIct4XfnU_DVTsKesVD_0W1YpPaTe7SQJSV6vEZLJxNC-Aenx12DNnFjG1CxPBUQSyPGu91EINSUMYz0-3cfG_LeUEKqMh6MZY/s400/026.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the north side of the Ameins Cathedral from about 2 blocks away. Not only is it the highest gothic nave in Europe, it also sits on a rise of land that makes it even more dramatic. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFljkZC-EcRnqs5TxBXdcVMMFkqEaDGgBK-3QQVMMjO4c7UqCMxQgWdUYJjbSaejnLFsbG5rzGOrwjfRrlG-DS6ASMBTqS8Q6L0k-1QW3eLThn3X0YVCb9uqL42ptpeOmb4pKMVVCu3eA/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFljkZC-EcRnqs5TxBXdcVMMFkqEaDGgBK-3QQVMMjO4c7UqCMxQgWdUYJjbSaejnLFsbG5rzGOrwjfRrlG-DS6ASMBTqS8Q6L0k-1QW3eLThn3X0YVCb9uqL42ptpeOmb4pKMVVCu3eA/s400/023.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two blocks away from the cathedral, old homes and shops line a system of canals. These are at the back of the buildings. The fronts are on small streets. The canals were used to transport items to the homes and shops from the warehouses on the larger canals and riverfront, thus keeping the streets more passable. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After my visit to Amiens, I continued on the remainder 2.5 hour ride to Caen.<br />
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I checked in my hotel and asked about the state archives that I hope to visit on Monday to do some genealogy research. "Oh, they won't be open tomorrow. It's a holiday." I was told. Now I love France and enjoy being here, but there are a few thing that are just hard for me to figure out. Less than 1% of this Catholic country is practicing, a significant percentage claim to be atheists. The feast that closed most of the country on Monday is Pentecost. GO FIGURE!!!<br />
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So the change of agenda for today was to visit Lisieux. If they closed the basilica of St. Therese of Lisieux on Pentecost, we are in trouble. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjeMiHS9fcOBtS9winVx-RcTWBIIGYvM6UKB04mbsXpvSSi8H999CB77w93Sc1pyEI3j5k1L-f29xJlA2O3HnJd9_i2NIRzUug2l4TrF7by4AodFo07r10yR_JUBbITJPqtaMB29zmCA/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjeMiHS9fcOBtS9winVx-RcTWBIIGYvM6UKB04mbsXpvSSi8H999CB77w93Sc1pyEI3j5k1L-f29xJlA2O3HnJd9_i2NIRzUug2l4TrF7by4AodFo07r10yR_JUBbITJPqtaMB29zmCA/s400/035.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basilica of St. Theresa of Lisieux consecrated in 1954</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmIXkgOB-HRKOcy1-5LCObMxeY7EfIOKcMGgtdslatOLSdw0vae0VA2PSi97epzivCN-Lx9nB8X9SQW9sph-hlOejIDPEVpGEEvCPdeaScUfouWNwPObjVkJM1RMsVAbSD_0MKZHGh7c/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmIXkgOB-HRKOcy1-5LCObMxeY7EfIOKcMGgtdslatOLSdw0vae0VA2PSi97epzivCN-Lx9nB8X9SQW9sph-hlOejIDPEVpGEEvCPdeaScUfouWNwPObjVkJM1RMsVAbSD_0MKZHGh7c/s400/036.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior is draped with the banners of the Vatican colors in honor of Blessed Pope John Paul II, beatified on May 1, 2011. In 2000, Blessed John Paul II declared Therese of Lisieux a doctor of the church along with Theresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0ybfngLG8o_oA3UqMELB94T4vmfkBDQa_5r0YxPk0th8YGxem_zlkfFO0vIcktF8rgGhu3_OcHbfENRnZQ4d-9rNkAQ4YhyNtSaQxoVa7Hv2QXsQBePB020YWbiA94HDov9uPAFohQM/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0ybfngLG8o_oA3UqMELB94T4vmfkBDQa_5r0YxPk0th8YGxem_zlkfFO0vIcktF8rgGhu3_OcHbfENRnZQ4d-9rNkAQ4YhyNtSaQxoVa7Hv2QXsQBePB020YWbiA94HDov9uPAFohQM/s400/039.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of the dome and mosaics which cover every flat surface of the building. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYiaBWkUZEVX5jLZC1bJjjRfPvoQcH8YvXI3lqjDbkGXayNZxk7Bf8vfMOBrk0IFvUvJLP5zl8RT49SvgIABXapUnZeLOz7foWIgQlOuSPNZTsl6lmCgGf0o0JmdJ8UUx-CY_YUm6Xh0/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYiaBWkUZEVX5jLZC1bJjjRfPvoQcH8YvXI3lqjDbkGXayNZxk7Bf8vfMOBrk0IFvUvJLP5zl8RT49SvgIABXapUnZeLOz7foWIgQlOuSPNZTsl6lmCgGf0o0JmdJ8UUx-CY_YUm6Xh0/s400/042.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaics of the apse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the basilica, I walked around the grounds for a while. The Carmelites, the order to which St Theres belonged, have a large convent here and the is located just at the edge of the city. There are beautiful grounds and they are very peaceful for walking, meditation and prayer. I visited the book shop, of course, and I purchased "Les Oeuvres Complete de Therese of Liseux". You may recall the lectures at Rome on the Women Doctors of the Church. I decided then that I will read some of their writings. The book I purchased to today is in French. I took with me out into the basilica gardens and spent some time reading Therese's poetry. It is not complicated French, after all, as the introduction says, she received no formal training in poetry, or writing other than the compositions expected of every shool girl in France at the time. So I enjoyed reading and reflecting on some of them.<br />
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After leaving the area of the Basilica, I found my way into the center of town. I wanted to visit the Cathedral of St Peter in Lisieux, and because the road approaching the town today was plastered with posters and signs anouncing a street festival, I had a dual agenda.<br />
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I found street parking since after all its Pentecost, a national holiday. The street festival was taking place in the large square right in front on the cathedral. I found a few food booths, and enjoyed some local delicacies sitting on a park bench with local children running all around me. There were small kiddy carnival rides there too.<br />
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After a bit of lunch, local Andouillette sausage, delicious regional cheese, bread, and handful of homemade fudge caramels with raisins inside, I headed to the door to the cathedral.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPXczpk59DI3p2TB1i1fj9QUL-txW-baf7T_aNvc_pxn9IxwhaOkiPCfg71tp-ai28edSyn-weVKFixrukUpE8zAPKR-elZi9XTMRl5iEj9kAPFYsV-EI3ajcfEVEAjcoO9qfFyOevSE/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPXczpk59DI3p2TB1i1fj9QUL-txW-baf7T_aNvc_pxn9IxwhaOkiPCfg71tp-ai28edSyn-weVKFixrukUpE8zAPKR-elZi9XTMRl5iEj9kAPFYsV-EI3ajcfEVEAjcoO9qfFyOevSE/s400/050.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The approach to St. Peter Cathedral in Lisiex. The style is a Norman/gothic style of the 12th century. The architecture of early Normandy is characterizd by lower, more squat rounded arches. They have not yet discovered that rows of higher, narrower, pointed top arches can carry just as much weight as the short fat arches of the older style. This church shows an integration of the two styles as they were learning the techniques. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtIJBlk8tqDzWYHq1vV7lKvuO9-rkNfRLstGuIq3BtwGMV0VzThN_nq_QQcZmGl0-PDPgTHW7xAqM_IVmkwCFOJUO0rpeiM3Er9FOsPP4eBP264D3oit-a4qxzcl7II6rWPNCd0IQ_y4/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtIJBlk8tqDzWYHq1vV7lKvuO9-rkNfRLstGuIq3BtwGMV0VzThN_nq_QQcZmGl0-PDPgTHW7xAqM_IVmkwCFOJUO0rpeiM3Er9FOsPP4eBP264D3oit-a4qxzcl7II6rWPNCd0IQ_y4/s400/051.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nave looking towards the sanctuary and the rear chapel. The windows you see at the back of the church are on the end of another chapel behind the altar that extends about another 100 feet beyond the wall of the apse. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WL40Iq3tB9oGDMMKX5UXq7c_hXA-C8sIfaOaVzmveLMUKGdpGz1aSlfxzWjibPoH-EbB7LP5X0FPN4LOvNoRBUabgp64R9lmK1nCguTa0ntotGMtEGSVc2TxoCq9RkWbaW7bLNNJdak/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WL40Iq3tB9oGDMMKX5UXq7c_hXA-C8sIfaOaVzmveLMUKGdpGz1aSlfxzWjibPoH-EbB7LP5X0FPN4LOvNoRBUabgp64R9lmK1nCguTa0ntotGMtEGSVc2TxoCq9RkWbaW7bLNNJdak/s400/052.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side of nave shows how the combination of round and only slightly pointed arches indicates a transition from the pure Normand, into the gothic period. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was driving back to my hotel in Caen, about 45 KM distance from Lisieux. I needed a bit of diversion from Romanesque, Normand, Gothic, High Gothic, Baroque. I decided to stop in LeroyMerlin, France's "Home Depot". I was actually surprised to see that it was open on Pentecost Monday. Anyway, it was fun. Home Depot in the US needs to get a bit a bit more style. <br />
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So tomorrow I will spend the day at the "Archives Departementale". After the time there I will drive to a small country hotel about 10 KM from Mont St. Michel. The camera battery is charging as I complete this posting this evening. I am taking no chances. Wait till you see this place.<br />
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A demain<br />
Bonne nuit a tous.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-45383104155061599682011-06-09T13:23:00.001-04:002011-06-10T03:48:44.666-04:00My Day in ReimsToday was another entertaining, educational, and inspiring day - as many have been. With only one full day in each city from now on, I will have to choose carefully what I want to see. <br />
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I started today with a visit to the Basilica of Saint Remi. I had not heard of it before. But Antoine, the sacristan at St. Jacques church, told me with such enthusiasm that I should not miss it. So I took his advice. What a treat! <br />
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Saint Remi was Bishop of Reims in the 5th century. He was known for his great intellect, his skill in preaching, and his great kindness and charity. He baptized the Clovis, King of the Francs in the baptistry of a cathedral that existed on the same place as the 12th century current basilica. Recent archaeology onder the cathedral has discovered the site of the baptistry and today there is a small plaque in the floor in the center of the nave marking the place. Clovis' wife, Saint Clothilda was already a believer and the conversion of the King is credited to her prayer and the bishop's ministry. This set into motion the place of the church in the future nation of France. <br />
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I arrived just as the 11:15 Mass was ending. A few minutes after the priest had left the altar, the organ music began. a group of about 40 people were seated in the center of the nave in front of the big pipe organ. I later learned that it was a group of German organists and organ enthusiasts on "pilgrimage" visiting the great organs of northern France. Traveling with them are organists of some reputation in Germany who each take a turn giving a short recital. That was a real bonus. I decided to just walk around the church, let the sounds and sights inspire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7UZ4XDV5vYt-GblL-8J2K1Vel3blI_1G49WVgpKI_zni1KR_2LdiooZtPeiDZ8PfaFORpiJ88boRV2KE9xOulUCiY_Ph2M5OfnRR_L2Gs0GEU6D73xDtgKa4RNZhTMbkFUmA99QYmEY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7UZ4XDV5vYt-GblL-8J2K1Vel3blI_1G49WVgpKI_zni1KR_2LdiooZtPeiDZ8PfaFORpiJ88boRV2KE9xOulUCiY_Ph2M5OfnRR_L2Gs0GEU6D73xDtgKa4RNZhTMbkFUmA99QYmEY/s400/001.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The facade of the basilica of St. Remi. This church is considered one of the great examples of an integrated Romanesque and Gothic styles of the early 12th century Romanesque is generally characterized by the round arches; Gothic by the pointed arches. In this style, while the arches are pointed, they are not the tall points of the later pure gothic to be used in the cathedral. You'll see below when I get to the visit of the Cathedral. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKLLPBIXqlXgWKEzIAArXRrflog7WhnbNFJPliHfYjpFpbryqwac-vvipyL4kuWt8vLm9c_dsolRRsdqGYsXVlLQz30iK1LaPhxaz4uIqEfh7K9EPGy8KEnYoVTL38TwD1-eSk5Bukj4/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKLLPBIXqlXgWKEzIAArXRrflog7WhnbNFJPliHfYjpFpbryqwac-vvipyL4kuWt8vLm9c_dsolRRsdqGYsXVlLQz30iK1LaPhxaz4uIqEfh7K9EPGy8KEnYoVTL38TwD1-eSk5Bukj4/s400/003.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the nave towards the sanctuary. The vaulting of the ceiling is a les pointed arch. The rows of arches at the lower level are round. This is typical of the blended Roman/Gothic style. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCZKjYh6uOe94HvgB-HI6Be3E2GIsdicHBHEVSeya57iziE4BurhW11QK_PZMJ7iXIAb-dtSLqZzcl5r-zuHJxqEhoK7_2Xbue2vzmce0LB7KtvgJtcM7ySDivlCbUtJRJ3ug72mYDHY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCZKjYh6uOe94HvgB-HI6Be3E2GIsdicHBHEVSeya57iziE4BurhW11QK_PZMJ7iXIAb-dtSLqZzcl5r-zuHJxqEhoK7_2Xbue2vzmce0LB7KtvgJtcM7ySDivlCbUtJRJ3ug72mYDHY/s400/004.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A better view of the sides of the nave with the round arches inside the pointed gothic details above. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZW_bV7ho29pVp3PPWBEuSMki1hYl9DOqAesY2iVy3Fk6aJTMTbCGFRnLOuPiKYI6q_TzcjQsl10ZJwPpucKTO-p88Gijoci60stB1BaPmWp1BESKPy8qLtqxIx7Vg1LHOr7rL0fmZzM/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZW_bV7ho29pVp3PPWBEuSMki1hYl9DOqAesY2iVy3Fk6aJTMTbCGFRnLOuPiKYI6q_TzcjQsl10ZJwPpucKTO-p88Gijoci60stB1BaPmWp1BESKPy8qLtqxIx7Vg1LHOr7rL0fmZzM/s400/006.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grand organ suspended from the side of the nave. Most of the pipes are actually on the gallery behind the pipes. This gallery runs all along the side of the nave. The organist is seated behind the lower set of pipes. Where you see the light glowing between the levels of pipes, there is the console. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbWxyvIsNzL9Ue5KpN4RufsmIdHqACHwHcplydgyHZrJN_iXyHDxAZaGlXbdlAG3MGPoBnTE8zf6cIygOqYeVt3qN4lsrdQhZp0YpZWHvOlUNEAgCvcXjUqTMqZBQ3ZzY7C__tfiaBCM/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbWxyvIsNzL9Ue5KpN4RufsmIdHqACHwHcplydgyHZrJN_iXyHDxAZaGlXbdlAG3MGPoBnTE8zf6cIygOqYeVt3qN4lsrdQhZp0YpZWHvOlUNEAgCvcXjUqTMqZBQ3ZzY7C__tfiaBCM/s400/018.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main altar and the apse with the ambulatory surrounding it. The small structure in the center behind the altar is the mausoleum of Saint Remi. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Dlt4F8xCJLpGc099gES_5T7fndFrmF0i0msrV7e2ZhJRWXa6EDANZmbJ8Vtj4WQebI9H9TBbdsVcP4aiYuYKz4GJnA-tO1evL2dygOTNw2YKb2hyphenhyphenmEV2TsfOrSuBgegc0sq-DvlnhvY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Dlt4F8xCJLpGc099gES_5T7fndFrmF0i0msrV7e2ZhJRWXa6EDANZmbJ8Vtj4WQebI9H9TBbdsVcP4aiYuYKz4GJnA-tO1evL2dygOTNw2YKb2hyphenhyphenmEV2TsfOrSuBgegc0sq-DvlnhvY/s400/009.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the midst of the grandeur, the soaring vaults, the massive columns, the huge space, one finds everywhere small spaces tucked away in the edges of the side chapels. This one especially moved me. A tiny chapel off the transept contains only a votive candle stand and a medieval sculpture of the suffering Christ, head crowned with thorns, hands and feet bound, whip marks across his body, and pain evident in his face. He is alone. There is no other figure with him. I am guessing, because I found no commentary in the guide book about it, that it is the moment after the scourging and crowning with thorns. It is as though He is alone with his thoughts and the knowledge that the fullfillment of his earthly ministry is about to come to an end. Home-prepared bouquets and a potted plant were the only ornaments in this space smaller than our adoration chapel at SJN.<br />
Magnificent!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaC83UmDmxqJUk9bTnnHU58dCpRNealReD9NdgMwBpLeRZddHVNfzpuTOsRnaEB9e5NsJh_CXHofxnvf_R-gL7RdlyA8TxwRJHcAWFFZ_Jkawmj-qQoYgTIaXAR0yQLpXonDXu0V8BM4/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaC83UmDmxqJUk9bTnnHU58dCpRNealReD9NdgMwBpLeRZddHVNfzpuTOsRnaEB9e5NsJh_CXHofxnvf_R-gL7RdlyA8TxwRJHcAWFFZ_Jkawmj-qQoYgTIaXAR0yQLpXonDXu0V8BM4/s400/013.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another "Calvaire" in another small side chapel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNLRfY5kZkPFSdEYiE5_WvEJIWqWPwethctSfE0WlxOsCJ2v8z8GqrxUSMRUa3n_sTZRDNu90chPP2hc8EB5BqiG17i-_sF-r4j3eZwD7VdVusQwwsgpdRcu-IhRSQFqbEUNmuztwX_Y/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNLRfY5kZkPFSdEYiE5_WvEJIWqWPwethctSfE0WlxOsCJ2v8z8GqrxUSMRUa3n_sTZRDNu90chPP2hc8EB5BqiG17i-_sF-r4j3eZwD7VdVusQwwsgpdRcu-IhRSQFqbEUNmuztwX_Y/s400/008.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ambulatory. In an architectural basilica, the side ailes continue around the back of the sanctuary. It allows you to walk around the back of the altar and reach the other side of the church. The only example of this we have in the Fall River Diocese is St. Anne's Church, Fall River. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp140qA_74SEbl2VWiA54yslp9DL4v3LVj1q5-EEl8STwS6fdId649kB0-BRgSgR6S34SeKxCWT6NTOraFaoiWF0kMEDl7-l-dfO13-d0nhcWRu-ytjtnYtmA08Bf1vpM38uwTFKK-4k/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp140qA_74SEbl2VWiA54yslp9DL4v3LVj1q5-EEl8STwS6fdId649kB0-BRgSgR6S34SeKxCWT6NTOraFaoiWF0kMEDl7-l-dfO13-d0nhcWRu-ytjtnYtmA08Bf1vpM38uwTFKK-4k/s400/007.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "crown", the only light hanging in the basilica is about 15 feet in diameter. It contains 96 candles, one for every year of St. Remi's life. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByOeIDL8LqNVNwmtzcGXXD1wi4BA58wr2wWUizCN29poZ5dFg2c5PNcgrAumTZc39j9KStZ4avpB_gX7pbILqX8xjSd2fw52vbVdktFrMR7hennl9cQ6vzXkjFfRMRBySlEQTJh71he8/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByOeIDL8LqNVNwmtzcGXXD1wi4BA58wr2wWUizCN29poZ5dFg2c5PNcgrAumTZc39j9KStZ4avpB_gX7pbILqX8xjSd2fw52vbVdktFrMR7hennl9cQ6vzXkjFfRMRBySlEQTJh71he8/s400/021.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sculpture behind the tomb of St. Remi depicting him anointing Clovis after his baptism. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYsyoMLpxWsq99sJcFtsHvws-qBu-Gi45mOXVRicKZmJbHXv-Gm1eH3ulFWqdC30KOJetEDHH1sn-fTFx5bMIwFGx1nk8DY-eFHf0mZsoPQ1sK8auMETFH7Bh8ci1u3wVNrGu9GsXMn8/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYsyoMLpxWsq99sJcFtsHvws-qBu-Gi45mOXVRicKZmJbHXv-Gm1eH3ulFWqdC30KOJetEDHH1sn-fTFx5bMIwFGx1nk8DY-eFHf0mZsoPQ1sK8auMETFH7Bh8ci1u3wVNrGu9GsXMn8/s400/023.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baptistry in the basilica. The sign hanging on the wall says, "pierres vivantes". It is the second of two sign, the other hanging out of view on the left wall. The whole phrase says, "Vous etes les pierres vivantes" which means, You are the living stones. In a space where you are surrounded with all this masonry, it is an apt image for reflection in the space where initiation into the church occurs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After the visit to St. Remi, I had a bit of lunch at another great little discovery, a piano bar located across the sreet from the basilica. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. A little light jazz and piano music starting tonight at 9. I may have found my venue for dinner.<br />
<br />
After lunch, I took the bus towards the cathedral.<br />
<br />
I am going to add on to this post later. Check in again for the rest of it.<br />
I'm heading out for dinner.<br />
A bientot.<br />
<br />
WEnt out for dinner last night to the same spot I had lunch. <br />
<br />
Had a wonderful time. I got a table right next to the pianist, who was a university student majoring in music. Played both piano and the acordion. After we started to chat, he segued into "New York, New York", which brought about 5 patron from the other room to stand around the piano. Not knowing there was an American there, they struggled through the verses.<br />
I had had enough. I went up to stand next to the pianist who was grinning at what was about to happen. I said, "On commence encore". And the pianist and I started in on the song all over again. Anyway, I spent the rest of the evening with these folks. <br />
<br />
The highlight was at 11PM, when it finally got dark out, the "spectacle" was a out to begin. The whole bar emptied and went out into the street facing the Cathedral which is only one block away. To celebreate the 800th Anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral, there is a lazer show on the facade. It lasted about 30 minutes and included images of the whole cathedral in beautiful color. One thing I learned today, is that most of the grey stone cathedrals we see today were not first built that way. They polychrome, that is painted in bright colors. Statues highlighted, arches defined, reliefs, windows, all brightly colored. The light show included a range of music including chant, medieval organum, rennaissance polyphony, and contemporary original compositions. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.<br />
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Here is a picture that I had to take my life in my hands to obtain. Standing in the middle of the busy street facing the cathedral, I had to wait for the traffic lights to change and the busses to get out of the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_aw5s-Y6i7TGiN5McD-TOrd5rz2Fnv5y1A56qnp-ZK20P3hFnVsxDmlhae0kPoK4LJmb-7N4nUt95fWU6RpG6oxjdB6p7keMBr-RkfoD3VBnKz6iCVxPXVniGHkAV4odN-s8PKgM7uQ/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_aw5s-Y6i7TGiN5McD-TOrd5rz2Fnv5y1A56qnp-ZK20P3hFnVsxDmlhae0kPoK4LJmb-7N4nUt95fWU6RpG6oxjdB6p7keMBr-RkfoD3VBnKz6iCVxPXVniGHkAV4odN-s8PKgM7uQ/s400/084.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reims Cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJtgdljk_r0LmjRr7zycenwYXNnSqd51giib6JPqdsBFh5udJ8yjuUWsGDkzfa12nu-m47VAd-xvIsxSuAM9R_RLK48ztqmDLhNivhLkeq45MXbJaZGszXbykAy_utD-U25fBG20cpAA/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJtgdljk_r0LmjRr7zycenwYXNnSqd51giib6JPqdsBFh5udJ8yjuUWsGDkzfa12nu-m47VAd-xvIsxSuAM9R_RLK48ztqmDLhNivhLkeq45MXbJaZGszXbykAy_utD-U25fBG20cpAA/s640/082.JPG" t8="true" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the south side. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUcDS44V6Y8NQddV8L_G24nNjh3lBHBaOuUdSKrJUsGDgYvQEtBo_6iLJM_6ChKNmlbBIDaDXxuUk6GnXcvaOBD2firu9LJP7OqGkr7gTe9jcdiOMY8_llxbs5By795VMCbnT49wunGI/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUcDS44V6Y8NQddV8L_G24nNjh3lBHBaOuUdSKrJUsGDgYvQEtBo_6iLJM_6ChKNmlbBIDaDXxuUk6GnXcvaOBD2firu9LJP7OqGkr7gTe9jcdiOMY8_llxbs5By795VMCbnT49wunGI/s400/028.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The north-west corner showing the recent cleaning. It was purposely left this way to show people the future effect of the restoration. The work has begun at the rear of the cathedral.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFccwgSmrZxWBE8OTxij5bLjKiAkxkzYqip5fwVmx26OU8T6jcuaoMmaL3H2ovfOPkqU3hpqlFeJ4AL0ERGh883EAorFI7kohwl4EtITJBFbTsC0TyI60dIESnR4QVg-B6OuxmxpSUlwc/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFccwgSmrZxWBE8OTxij5bLjKiAkxkzYqip5fwVmx26OU8T6jcuaoMmaL3H2ovfOPkqU3hpqlFeJ4AL0ERGh883EAorFI7kohwl4EtITJBFbTsC0TyI60dIESnR4QVg-B6OuxmxpSUlwc/s400/029.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the portal in the facade.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jnNa7B4P_HfiOxw1rdvsWHq2aBBMBJZIUSd7Y9rzTZ3NPo4BKd7edfZhUQGu3tMwsUI0qpIbbWFiGPFNcT_hVa37TpPnYY68Q02UCrNYV_GdPXJZPf_8JAkFb-xStIZM6dAE7_RUF3g/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jnNa7B4P_HfiOxw1rdvsWHq2aBBMBJZIUSd7Y9rzTZ3NPo4BKd7edfZhUQGu3tMwsUI0qpIbbWFiGPFNcT_hVa37TpPnYY68Q02UCrNYV_GdPXJZPf_8JAkFb-xStIZM6dAE7_RUF3g/s400/040.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWrXw_QjuD-4LlK6Ke4Slx2mJDko-E-yLBrBT7epKi6lY3sco8MmOPFg9u1NcclLt3jcPIOcWhEeamlBH7AY5ATWCWNq16y-ZXInOcvmyUGDhatuqa1YOiEPnSTmE1z9SlAdar9FM5X8/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWrXw_QjuD-4LlK6Ke4Slx2mJDko-E-yLBrBT7epKi6lY3sco8MmOPFg9u1NcclLt3jcPIOcWhEeamlBH7AY5ATWCWNq16y-ZXInOcvmyUGDhatuqa1YOiEPnSTmE1z9SlAdar9FM5X8/s400/054.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took the tower tour. There was the guide, Pauline, and two young women. It gave us lenty of time to explore and ask many questions. This is the attic. In WW I, the Germans bombed the cathedral, for two reasons. The towers provided a strategic lookout point to observe the movement of troops, and the cathedral's destruction was a symbolic strike at the heart of the city. In the fire, the roof collapsed but most of the walls remained intact. Our tour guide, Pauline, explained that the cost of the reconstrution of the roof was underwritten by a donation from John D. Rockefeller, JR. In the donation, there were two stipulations: The materials to be used must be modern and non-combustible. So an intricates system of steel reinforced plates, pieced together like a 3-D puzzle forms the "inverted ship hull" designed in the traditional gothic arch to support the roof. The stone vaulting seen inside from the floor is below this catwalk. The second stipulation was that the peak of the roof must be decorated with a row of "fleur-de-lis".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH15UEDJEXX2O50hG0R4_dmZs4vHuREv7HW7YBI7JRJmSudJnF5h1kqIrIMON0YBSzi_UaHynnzqGzwUoL1oB_gypzNfJM-3DiQL4ydw2vcgeIdqK3BJj411PsuLNBPH5LOaBx8-aD96A/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH15UEDJEXX2O50hG0R4_dmZs4vHuREv7HW7YBI7JRJmSudJnF5h1kqIrIMON0YBSzi_UaHynnzqGzwUoL1oB_gypzNfJM-3DiQL4ydw2vcgeIdqK3BJj411PsuLNBPH5LOaBx8-aD96A/s400/055.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The space above the crossing of the nave and transepts. This supports the central tower housing the 14 bells, the largest weighing 2 tons. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dTOoMd5PCx4voXeSYucs_y2vYDE5qjHDgEEek5BFjCgo4QtZHS6f5Ql3qy9WmEqgw8YJ2AJ4l-wIqCMFgyiE0hTO3mgvONKyZi8nRO9tJvdyDYfco6eX2zK7HLXlyTS_b9bgmPBA5p8/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dTOoMd5PCx4voXeSYucs_y2vYDE5qjHDgEEek5BFjCgo4QtZHS6f5Ql3qy9WmEqgw8YJ2AJ4l-wIqCMFgyiE0hTO3mgvONKyZi8nRO9tJvdyDYfco6eX2zK7HLXlyTS_b9bgmPBA5p8/s400/052.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the city from the roof.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9yd1LvqoNoP3lWl0GSiwr0ko1jv2eH8cwgu-lKTPyyHVeVukCxN8SbfczkQx4mzeEmocqZEnC8y9ldGBNEtOQenf8GVqaxGMbyf9uJVKI4rdun-_MBu_7zheRANdMoCFcUwKDfxwVOA/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9yd1LvqoNoP3lWl0GSiwr0ko1jv2eH8cwgu-lKTPyyHVeVukCxN8SbfczkQx4mzeEmocqZEnC8y9ldGBNEtOQenf8GVqaxGMbyf9uJVKI4rdun-_MBu_7zheRANdMoCFcUwKDfxwVOA/s400/064.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on the flying buttresses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29BbT3BRgdldewtRwIlzzkcqadORCmLjqb-PFspwNEfBzuBGrihvRhWoxhQhGeZqT1Em-vqUvFog30znvAU7sVvwQJYhx4jYBx9svtpntUal9PmlTla28ijbLklAHhzJzhmGPMCF3Kpk/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29BbT3BRgdldewtRwIlzzkcqadORCmLjqb-PFspwNEfBzuBGrihvRhWoxhQhGeZqT1Em-vqUvFog30znvAU7sVvwQJYhx4jYBx9svtpntUal9PmlTla28ijbLklAHhzJzhmGPMCF3Kpk/s400/072.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lest we think the medieval's had no sense of humor. The workers were allowed to carve and place caricatures of their own faces as their signature on the masterpiece they helped create. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzRCIOzCl86qy4T36Uu6n3-tD8zyNq-9pBXfK_6Xn6BrkdaF7eed11fIDyyv2NHRTRBYRGefFXlRZ_bxDoIvnvgwh1weNy3I_5QmwI32DG2aFNxIdopQkSsSBqaOXYCd1REKo11iSRjA/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzRCIOzCl86qy4T36Uu6n3-tD8zyNq-9pBXfK_6Xn6BrkdaF7eed11fIDyyv2NHRTRBYRGefFXlRZ_bxDoIvnvgwh1weNy3I_5QmwI32DG2aFNxIdopQkSsSBqaOXYCd1REKo11iSRjA/s400/076.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The north side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Xvx02IZ1zfBhnCP1ut_VUzwA7-Sv8GzlvElEniziuh6hdW8OWHBttBLIdN5hhhuAPT38HL_f0cHOw3ZCxmPrVg0C_pN5WY4Ny1bUgAkvc7tzUH09OStM9Fl9TTYQZ73uAcMpOPhJH94/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Xvx02IZ1zfBhnCP1ut_VUzwA7-Sv8GzlvElEniziuh6hdW8OWHBttBLIdN5hhhuAPT38HL_f0cHOw3ZCxmPrVg0C_pN5WY4Ny1bUgAkvc7tzUH09OStM9Fl9TTYQZ73uAcMpOPhJH94/s400/061.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide, Pauline, did a wonderful job in her explanations. She took this photo standing on the south transept.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5duYOHgKk6BffTqihtdCH6uC01xvZUPEDOdeQdjj6TB8B0fvROnm0Nvab1pQsftGqFMaioedHthuyqTxMxt8EMzQAFMxi37OF3a6toRkdX5jcvoesGOEkyBrd36h0qpIJ4ADp_vnKig/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5duYOHgKk6BffTqihtdCH6uC01xvZUPEDOdeQdjj6TB8B0fvROnm0Nvab1pQsftGqFMaioedHthuyqTxMxt8EMzQAFMxi37OF3a6toRkdX5jcvoesGOEkyBrd36h0qpIJ4ADp_vnKig/s400/031.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The double rose windows in the facade. View from the interior.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qxlh2dUX85SeAlCTPtM2UQnpl-RzFxJCG3lOSgp1tjB8T17Ri9Qw-8_x4ZyXxqzDRCy7ISfVPxyr2JbTFcYaLlC1BxYDUFF4nNbXpUKDT3VMob4Qn6XJxSRb5WYETGduvuDKlRj71MI/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qxlh2dUX85SeAlCTPtM2UQnpl-RzFxJCG3lOSgp1tjB8T17Ri9Qw-8_x4ZyXxqzDRCy7ISfVPxyr2JbTFcYaLlC1BxYDUFF4nNbXpUKDT3VMob4Qn6XJxSRb5WYETGduvuDKlRj71MI/s400/032.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The organ free-standing in the nave. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today I head farther north to Lille, then its west-bound to Normandy and Brittany.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-86907171736927992182011-06-08T18:41:00.000-04:002011-06-08T18:41:39.869-04:00I'm in ReimsThe day of travel was another one filled with exciting discoveries. As I am driving from one city to another I am deliberately avoiding the toll highways. Two reasons. Actually three reasons. So far I have saved about $100 in two days from not paying tolls. The car gets much better gas milage at the lower speeds than at the 130km/hour speed limits on the toll highways. And third, I get to turn off the road at will to check out anything that remotely seems interesting to me. <br />
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Let me continue with last nights posting because I was not sucessful in uploading all the pics I wanted to. <br />
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Before arriving at Reims last night, I pulled into a small town called Beaujeu. The signs about a medeival town and an 11th century church caught my attention. I drove into a charming town and pulled up to a beautiful church. There was notice in the parish bulletin asking for volunteers for a newly formed committee. They are planning the anniversary of the parish's founding. Would you believe - 1000 years. A PARISH MILLENIUM CELEBRATION. The parish of Notre Dame in Beaujeu, France was founded in 1013. My God!!! We worked hard over a 25th anniversary.<br />
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Anyway, here is pic of the inside of their church. Another beaitful 12th century gothic, wonderfully intact.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwl9Af7Fcsqq-7aG1mjGmHwmLvcakGEi737cvsKgIGOcCe_y0Jn1ddL-dEwFHaOvjnhQTbS-k6FmZR8PVhAAuHwYdyNTKqIrb_2SfJ5qt1KWgDBVF3GHeVAjDbT-abHY57oFJre-K4Og/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwl9Af7Fcsqq-7aG1mjGmHwmLvcakGEi737cvsKgIGOcCe_y0Jn1ddL-dEwFHaOvjnhQTbS-k6FmZR8PVhAAuHwYdyNTKqIrb_2SfJ5qt1KWgDBVF3GHeVAjDbT-abHY57oFJre-K4Og/s400/017.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame de Beaujeu in the Beaujolais region. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>As I turned to leave, I put my hand in the holy water font and noticed a sign that I had missed on the way in. It says a great deal about this parish community.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinD94Ca01hbAsYoK9AniQTgYhRefpL8a1vysIJZIJ3KEOeIv3nAyzjuOpe9FVk-9T5vt358ZhD78a-7zMd2BsSDGmiaEhHRByXjHDENE_Ooc5t-Es628aZq5UxkSL2fFFdP8XCogo50VY/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinD94Ca01hbAsYoK9AniQTgYhRefpL8a1vysIJZIJ3KEOeIv3nAyzjuOpe9FVk-9T5vt358ZhD78a-7zMd2BsSDGmiaEhHRByXjHDENE_Ooc5t-Es628aZq5UxkSL2fFFdP8XCogo50VY/s400/018.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its a small sign in plexiglass over the holy water font at the entrance of the church. It translates, "In passing, allow yourself to be (literally) "penetrated" (meaning filled to the core) by the beauty of this holy place. Look, and be silent. The Lord and these stones have something to say to you." </td></tr>
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Driving into Reims, I stopped at the village on Cluny. It was already late in the afternoon. Unfortunately, as I got there,, the skies opened up. I was looking forward to visiting the remains of the Abbey. In its heyday, it was one of the largest and most influential abbeys in Europe. But like many of these great places, it was destroyed in the French revolution. Many of the monks were executed. Today, of course the French goverment that was formed by the revolution now heralds the value of this place as a major example of patrimony in the French history, as they collect entrance fees to the ruins of what was the largest church in Christendom before St. Peter's in Rome. Ironic, isn't it?<br />
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Before arriving in Reims, I stopped in a small town to find a place for lunch. Joinville, France. A sign with the picture of the street running alongside the canal caught my attention.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGfbx_otkX1HcYBWC_c-NGbZSihO6zUK0yOkZkLaWt8wlKtLHlSXu8O4uj4OO11_318WmdOHAsw067qHhpniKsMf8AkzzZeoOtuKGTbfSO9ruNdLrl00eBU_DcGHJYr9OpOWwN5zTQ0g/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGfbx_otkX1HcYBWC_c-NGbZSihO6zUK0yOkZkLaWt8wlKtLHlSXu8O4uj4OO11_318WmdOHAsw067qHhpniKsMf8AkzzZeoOtuKGTbfSO9ruNdLrl00eBU_DcGHJYr9OpOWwN5zTQ0g/s400/017.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joinville, France. The canal that joins the Saone and the Marne rivers runs along the central street. This canal is an important economic tool for this area. The Saone River clows into the Mediteranean, the Marne flows into the English Channel. With this canal built in the 15th century, you could take a boat from England to the Mediteranean without entering the Atlantic Ocean. The steeple above the rooftops is - you guessed it - another 12th century gothic church. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsfFbGT_l1ZRUUWwAaifuNQtCQQ7vvr-eGUeoBdrm42ZbjiRf7hGTpBu9Aa1FfRsQxvNfM43BE8PyYAEVABLMIpQ23pmIEqjHcAjpmuctzfMyMd1-7_baz6qaPpyT-6b82E_jfkZFPgA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsfFbGT_l1ZRUUWwAaifuNQtCQQ7vvr-eGUeoBdrm42ZbjiRf7hGTpBu9Aa1FfRsQxvNfM43BE8PyYAEVABLMIpQ23pmIEqjHcAjpmuctzfMyMd1-7_baz6qaPpyT-6b82E_jfkZFPgA/s400/002.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of Notre Dame Church, Joinville. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dLQ0c4OSYygllZbsQt-mSbccXHHC7iSKAQkN59vIv4Om4tKgK2bGM-aawlElS1FQ5CC8xhEnK6m-qna6dQ4TGimr36Ebuorv09afFJROXwF0_VjPhvkEaw7jDxE2C1NfSrsypEzP8-k/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dLQ0c4OSYygllZbsQt-mSbccXHHC7iSKAQkN59vIv4Om4tKgK2bGM-aawlElS1FQ5CC8xhEnK6m-qna6dQ4TGimr36Ebuorv09afFJROXwF0_VjPhvkEaw7jDxE2C1NfSrsypEzP8-k/s400/006.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IN the rear of this church is a 13th century "calvaire" of calvary. It is a traditional grouping of persons, always including, Mary, Mary Magdelene, and St. John, over the dead body of Jesus. But they also include figures of people who could not be there, Because they are contemporaries of when the statue was carved. In this case, St. King Louis the 9th of France, Jean Joinville, the titled lady of the town who gave the art piece, as well as other personages from the time the statue was carved. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2C0MmNXsnLJEf5FBCPPgAMkV-XyYGlP1kCSA5Id7JyKyDRM5dr305xXPE5VrL7n2Pect2wnDfFB_ZuNO2DiB20pjFbImnx7ZcPfcpncCFn4b7CcNds27ByWm1FpC7GVK_ET4jIJQd-P0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2C0MmNXsnLJEf5FBCPPgAMkV-XyYGlP1kCSA5Id7JyKyDRM5dr305xXPE5VrL7n2Pect2wnDfFB_ZuNO2DiB20pjFbImnx7ZcPfcpncCFn4b7CcNds27ByWm1FpC7GVK_ET4jIJQd-P0/s400/004.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stained glass windows in the clerestory, or the high wall above the arches in the nave are all of the Jerusalem Cross, from the crusades, and the "fleur de lis", the symbol of the Monarchy in France, as well the symbol for the Virgin Mary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztJHZSGNnRbSDMOo5-_fSZ1S9kXP-Z423ehQxcNUIm9Lt_MFCFomdZnyJR8ceL8C2lRtEcEymMwj2i5ritPCrWwxlKMq4dLhDWBD6MY2376UZYoidgi6GUrS1pAKNewabHi8TqfKkSdo/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztJHZSGNnRbSDMOo5-_fSZ1S9kXP-Z423ehQxcNUIm9Lt_MFCFomdZnyJR8ceL8C2lRtEcEymMwj2i5ritPCrWwxlKMq4dLhDWBD6MY2376UZYoidgi6GUrS1pAKNewabHi8TqfKkSdo/s400/012.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reliquary containing the "sash" of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. This band of tapestry cloth which is wrapped around the roll was given to this parish by St. Louis de France, on his return from the crusades. </td></tr>
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After I get back, remind me that we have to some classes on the use of relics in the church. This band of cloth purported to be the sash of St. Joseph, cannot possibly authentic. It is embroidered with French words, has the fleur de lis all over it, and includes images of France that could not possibly be known at the time of Jesus. And still this "relic" is the center of a huge annual celebration. Let's talk about this when I get back.<br />
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Today I arrived in Reims at about 3:30pm. Checked in to my hotel and headed out as soon as possible. I decided to wait until tomorrow when I would have more time to visit the Cathedral. Instead, I found a "coiffeur" and had my hair cut. (I think the last one in Europe before I get home). I wandered into the Church of St. Jacques Compostello. It is another magnificent 12th century gothic, beautifully preserved. It is another living parish. As I walked, there were three elderly ladies sitting at a table right in the entrance. There was a sign, "Acceuil". Welcoming area, or reception. They were distributing leaflets about the church and thier parish. And of course asking where people are from. I had a great time with. In a short while, as I was walking around the church, a gentleman approached me and said the ladies at the entrance told him I am a priest. He is the sacristan. He invited me to the Mass at 5:00pm tomorrow. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYArXqJHXZVyaqcw84VWRBRoKjEmY3OI-8ZIW_S4OLy8VibAGqKp3KiaoBKlHWR-aGpcLk3V788Os7w_52qct4VHNwvCQpdwB2yEjhstPQs6FqxRh588D9Cq2SgWPbrjjPaLEs7FsHJ60/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYArXqJHXZVyaqcw84VWRBRoKjEmY3OI-8ZIW_S4OLy8VibAGqKp3KiaoBKlHWR-aGpcLk3V788Os7w_52qct4VHNwvCQpdwB2yEjhstPQs6FqxRh588D9Cq2SgWPbrjjPaLEs7FsHJ60/s400/021.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nave of St. James Church, Reims. This is in a high gothic style. It has the balustrade above the arches, which the other examples I have pictured in the past days do not. Also the size and style of the pillars alternates as the arches are set towards the front of the church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hBmIDtI5gQzw2-IfW_bxnzIlKDGmlci3OkzAQSbeWSL9Z-JYzn6btD4FbzG0s3f3_7czdF-mbp0-Uc5bYNzifYi8YqNz5XTGvaijI9r4703ixSvD4iA2sGy4ZEtipXJmaalQ4HCF_kg/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hBmIDtI5gQzw2-IfW_bxnzIlKDGmlci3OkzAQSbeWSL9Z-JYzn6btD4FbzG0s3f3_7czdF-mbp0-Uc5bYNzifYi8YqNz5XTGvaijI9r4703ixSvD4iA2sGy4ZEtipXJmaalQ4HCF_kg/s400/022.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The transept chapel containing the altar of the Blessed Sacrament. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was told by the sacristan that I had to visit the Church of St. Francis in Reims. He seemd to imply that he thought it is more beautiful than the Cathedral which draws hundreds of thousands of people to Reims. <br />
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I will report on that tomorrow.<br />
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Glad to be back on line.<br />
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Blessings everyone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-17471807331779305392011-06-07T17:25:00.008-04:002011-06-08T18:04:30.861-04:00I'm back. Visited Ars today<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am back. After a few days of being locked out of the blog, I again have access. The problem with the blog was exactly what my computer techie friend at CTS Computers in Taunton (Sound like a Commercial? It is. They are the best.) said it would be. The WiFi server at the Lyon hotel where I was staying had filters set up. I am on the road again and the Wifi here is fine. There are no interruptions. </div><br />
And I'm glad, because I had a terrific day. It was one of the highlights of the experience so far. Ars-sur-Formans is the fulll name of the town, St. Philomena is the parish. St. John-Marie Vianney, the patron saint of all pastors, served 41 years there. I arrived at 10:30am in time for the 11:00am Mass. One of the Benedictine Sisters at the Pilgrim's reception area had all the information I needed. So I presented myself in the sacristy with 5 other priests. The basilica was full. The celebrant introduced us all and noted that I was here because of six month sabbatical and that I was here to celebrate my 29th anniversary of ordination. I explained that it was really 2 days ago, but travel issues as they were caused the delay. It was a joyful celebration. The music was accompanied by one of the sister on a cithara, and instrument similar to a dulcimer. I thought the sound would be lost in the big space, but the accoustics took care of that. It was heavenly.<br />
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Another surprise that made it very special was because of a young Polish priest who arrived a few minutes before Mass would start. The celebrant said that in honor of the Polish priest we would use Blessed Pope John Paul II's chalice. When the venerable Holy Father died, he bequeathed his chalice to the basilica at Ars to be used by priests from all over the world who come there to celebrate Mass.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISWrJCbA5LsWuSXk6azx4st-_r8eEfzgmpOQghb3ZzTqAGMko_aix_l8kbng3f2XW7hv47H5afAH0-jWOKEVYSzPjjyouwh7leaY5vrgWm40-i67uE2BJeSvovHmeiI3If2UyYhBZsVY/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISWrJCbA5LsWuSXk6azx4st-_r8eEfzgmpOQghb3ZzTqAGMko_aix_l8kbng3f2XW7hv47H5afAH0-jWOKEVYSzPjjyouwh7leaY5vrgWm40-i67uE2BJeSvovHmeiI3If2UyYhBZsVY/s400/002.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed Pope John Paul II chalice from which I shared Holy Communion with other priests today.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmaDeNbQSLt7SWvi22OUVp6fr_YoN3wlNH48CwE8qqlg6afmSfkkHIchf2HN0ixKCFougv8jjt7ZP8Vz5W-nSAK64SgQYzQ13XCE0yZtiOGU1zpVhniFKa0vIb_aq4uivHBg0W43HNfc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmaDeNbQSLt7SWvi22OUVp6fr_YoN3wlNH48CwE8qqlg6afmSfkkHIchf2HN0ixKCFougv8jjt7ZP8Vz5W-nSAK64SgQYzQ13XCE0yZtiOGU1zpVhniFKa0vIb_aq4uivHBg0W43HNfc/s400/001.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Exterior of the basilica dedicated to the memory of St. John-Marie Vianney and also the parish church of St. Philomena's parish in the village of Ars.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkviuUq0lpq3qcCPmYbR9ePWSRoo8lfOdL-wPRlOltcgkzUPCFt3VhMRTWBM3X9lwPmmCbLEEXJv9YbIEO1PHPMiRVtVyxJoJk91THRvV0O6bvaTd3pK2rpDuy8FO3rjADsara-aOcaTg/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkviuUq0lpq3qcCPmYbR9ePWSRoo8lfOdL-wPRlOltcgkzUPCFt3VhMRTWBM3X9lwPmmCbLEEXJv9YbIEO1PHPMiRVtVyxJoJk91THRvV0O6bvaTd3pK2rpDuy8FO3rjADsara-aOcaTg/s400/003.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of the basilica. It is not a very large space. In square feet, it is not a whole lot bigger that St. John Neumann. Of course the space divided by columns and side chapels makes it look really bigger than it is. The basilica consists of an octagonal space below the dome about 25 feet in diameter and small side chapels. The place where the congregations sits holds about 100 people. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIadYIgkWszSjhGW4BpAdowppX-NkuEuav7V-JL2NWNXDdPnhFgRSv557pat-Cs3thT4oCHddSZqQMoUy7pX24A9jTFybTJJhSBin-uTCq5zQlVAp9uyPZF61KZkdKImkSLVt1m7w3IE/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIadYIgkWszSjhGW4BpAdowppX-NkuEuav7V-JL2NWNXDdPnhFgRSv557pat-Cs3thT4oCHddSZqQMoUy7pX24A9jTFybTJJhSBin-uTCq5zQlVAp9uyPZF61KZkdKImkSLVt1m7w3IE/s400/004.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side altar with the body of St. John-Marie Vianney lying at the altar. At the time of his cannonization, his body was exhumed and found to be intact. His body is clothed in Mass vestments with a wax mask on his face. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEp059eQaE6hTy5kEm2Dg07PefRLl8022AauAPcCtR8vsYTtKRKHHsoX6go6xV338ZPoLdUdtGh1VA4eQAAhMU0isb2uWCdFJ7ZxrrUD1QVpCUQ7C8cvl14nehOZtAcGVvdCxVGwnIl6M/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEp059eQaE6hTy5kEm2Dg07PefRLl8022AauAPcCtR8vsYTtKRKHHsoX6go6xV338ZPoLdUdtGh1VA4eQAAhMU0isb2uWCdFJ7ZxrrUD1QVpCUQ7C8cvl14nehOZtAcGVvdCxVGwnIl6M/s400/008.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the center. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePIRVISiLR3VQc2fEgbMlp7C8ADyckYataqQu56cZ6PxdhqEI8OxI31uIaghdZzpjQoPQk23F7JOCAPhQwiQTNE-MOZWRlIS99HWM7D7son4vyHZqCz9lhVyjmjszM0p8tdSDytXfOqA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePIRVISiLR3VQc2fEgbMlp7C8ADyckYataqQu56cZ6PxdhqEI8OxI31uIaghdZzpjQoPQk23F7JOCAPhQwiQTNE-MOZWRlIS99HWM7D7son4vyHZqCz9lhVyjmjszM0p8tdSDytXfOqA/s400/010.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The courtyard of the rectory next to the church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG76DqnlfI86d_15azqIVOriMiK7unQ5H0x42_rDkEr8uOK5dMACKWjTVVe6ipKXpcVbUxkbuQ0snFpi7zjmEzqHJBpA-7iCPKfnUPICPwcbSlh0ETX0dlxlRCqEA4V4JHapifDz8jZvc/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG76DqnlfI86d_15azqIVOriMiK7unQ5H0x42_rDkEr8uOK5dMACKWjTVVe6ipKXpcVbUxkbuQ0snFpi7zjmEzqHJBpA-7iCPKfnUPICPwcbSlh0ETX0dlxlRCqEA4V4JHapifDz8jZvc/s400/012.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An open shed and stable in the back.</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6RrGrIiTCiObnNI8GCvDhFkdJKvIUx9GHNTKXma-UHT_7EdLqjn1b_AMzIoRPQuJ9pb2cdnHJ-sLYiKYxeKDVzZu9DSKGjxtSzlJyQKjFBjtNcxuohJhBAf1DerC60ahtYP5uQua_Os/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6RrGrIiTCiObnNI8GCvDhFkdJKvIUx9GHNTKXma-UHT_7EdLqjn1b_AMzIoRPQuJ9pb2cdnHJ-sLYiKYxeKDVzZu9DSKGjxtSzlJyQKjFBjtNcxuohJhBAf1DerC60ahtYP5uQua_Os/s400/016.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. John-Marie Vianney's library</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrCABcVaFVksZxdNLDgyQLgBeOhyphenhyphenMFyq14bLy-1kaPsHdXVkAANRKI0eK4K-E7T0HDimPK4ixQvlXu-IYAL852mAThDux4dug1HHt4Gdhq_s4oH867uNDWhyphenhyphenk5Z4fHwjyXAo5SCPb0S0/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrCABcVaFVksZxdNLDgyQLgBeOhyphenhyphenMFyq14bLy-1kaPsHdXVkAANRKI0eK4K-E7T0HDimPK4ixQvlXu-IYAL852mAThDux4dug1HHt4Gdhq_s4oH867uNDWhyphenhyphenk5Z4fHwjyXAo5SCPb0S0/s400/015.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His bedroom and bed where he died.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-61868334932553828692011-06-03T17:19:00.000-04:002011-06-03T17:19:18.469-04:00Just pictures of mountain flowersI was struck as always by the variety of flowers blooimg in this high country. It is still very early spring in this region and this elevation. In another two weeks, these mountain meadows will be in full bloom. Planning is everything, isn't it?<br />
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Some of the flowers I can identify, others that are nameless are still beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d8AyJTeAh-PCnOLh4OqL1eWyYrXCx4QmFAJFA25szfCckZRLiOegjzzMXuh1Jisk5g9e5yY-2WYmvjgQyhPLVmq1Wla1FbwrZPzxoDPKo7f56ScTJbxGgFrVRBruzvD-1WAry1ZMW7c/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d8AyJTeAh-PCnOLh4OqL1eWyYrXCx4QmFAJFA25szfCckZRLiOegjzzMXuh1Jisk5g9e5yY-2WYmvjgQyhPLVmq1Wla1FbwrZPzxoDPKo7f56ScTJbxGgFrVRBruzvD-1WAry1ZMW7c/s400/055.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anemone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrJo04Q24C0sk3JwhADd3KC5x6DzUNQJwIvDgcKm3PVO77W3Fnrr7-uy6JfNA2Dyk5ZPEU6FjermGoJ4lSYTIqhozNH_Gbsj2Wx_Hey0ASYW5_rYgYITv_tjHq2HHTr_7P6HmqFg5P0A/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrJo04Q24C0sk3JwhADd3KC5x6DzUNQJwIvDgcKm3PVO77W3Fnrr7-uy6JfNA2Dyk5ZPEU6FjermGoJ4lSYTIqhozNH_Gbsj2Wx_Hey0ASYW5_rYgYITv_tjHq2HHTr_7P6HmqFg5P0A/s400/056.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These look like tiny peonies, but the leaves say that they are another plant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgejX07hA0n7JBm94Pp0_ITRgEQ3-xNlhBHFcTsYC0bB90jnCx8CwXGfzsIuG3lSLrLd7-IeQyhceTfUTUhVI5ZOAJjHADeVZ2Id43UAkNPuZ5cVELBCDLds-0CHOouwHh9SePe8PB80/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgejX07hA0n7JBm94Pp0_ITRgEQ3-xNlhBHFcTsYC0bB90jnCx8CwXGfzsIuG3lSLrLd7-IeQyhceTfUTUhVI5ZOAJjHADeVZ2Id43UAkNPuZ5cVELBCDLds-0CHOouwHh9SePe8PB80/s400/068.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvd_OBj14wCGvg4vBZL6YazenIHb_LJ30O3dgrICt9138jz-PFiaZRcUvwG_4evdOsKDZXo3k1DaeZtrwezqJ4j0C1TkP2GsNS_fpFVQ0qQpbFM4RK2PuRfK3q20R9X03zwFyaK4qnjQ/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvd_OBj14wCGvg4vBZL6YazenIHb_LJ30O3dgrICt9138jz-PFiaZRcUvwG_4evdOsKDZXo3k1DaeZtrwezqJ4j0C1TkP2GsNS_fpFVQ0qQpbFM4RK2PuRfK3q20R9X03zwFyaK4qnjQ/s400/064.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiytevrstCm02mWVFg6CF2HXKmru8UfVtldfdOX9NoVY7g6hn6tTkY-xbGubwZajwH1zgc0Mqs3jqRPKcJ4903_lz4hyphenhyphen18-agyZElMAZbUNf2bzQGhFX4mCtbbdjcFQOXCIpJu0axO8yM/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiytevrstCm02mWVFg6CF2HXKmru8UfVtldfdOX9NoVY7g6hn6tTkY-xbGubwZajwH1zgc0Mqs3jqRPKcJ4903_lz4hyphenhyphen18-agyZElMAZbUNf2bzQGhFX4mCtbbdjcFQOXCIpJu0axO8yM/s400/066.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2R3mkExlVMkJUylzcAk3RCaakuhpgcD8gBxcyYxUptp2yEBk_hABIjgitC4tJ_UUA5qTjKVD-cJgiCov6qxM7DAz6bP1OXeBWzbR0cjVtXWwGz9PpRpN4B5QvUc1iB7r8asUxERL230/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2R3mkExlVMkJUylzcAk3RCaakuhpgcD8gBxcyYxUptp2yEBk_hABIjgitC4tJ_UUA5qTjKVD-cJgiCov6qxM7DAz6bP1OXeBWzbR0cjVtXWwGz9PpRpN4B5QvUc1iB7r8asUxERL230/s400/072.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXWVRoidanyiYhlvGG7a3tIwyBRdKJ7tuarr7UN8ErxaY0eK8DE48ZswkngggFZ-oEDfhcvjmm6GWo16O9YNES2TOUogqbdBI2MkP8HewF_1DP1pgiI9Voq5uecMAXQGN5mFgFuWmGHQ/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXWVRoidanyiYhlvGG7a3tIwyBRdKJ7tuarr7UN8ErxaY0eK8DE48ZswkngggFZ-oEDfhcvjmm6GWo16O9YNES2TOUogqbdBI2MkP8HewF_1DP1pgiI9Voq5uecMAXQGN5mFgFuWmGHQ/s400/065.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z5Dx3cC88eXmbKJheQyV9zqknQPd0jFT2tC954sqLQYmqS4mVF4bXjaJTM5TzAT4maRMXkdOLgflAcGnRYNeXo5qTzV-WzEmGD-5r6flzyaGnKU6TjZeo2AuM-xdoW2o5Ey2haS4Q_0/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z5Dx3cC88eXmbKJheQyV9zqknQPd0jFT2tC954sqLQYmqS4mVF4bXjaJTM5TzAT4maRMXkdOLgflAcGnRYNeXo5qTzV-WzEmGD-5r6flzyaGnKU6TjZeo2AuM-xdoW2o5Ey2haS4Q_0/s400/069.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw72nWj6z3R9NH0WaSLge2b6ww_ULgF6L3L5KmdnZ8isTaTNixs0yFrC00sTDrzhBHuvh3B8Q-atjj5FDAcEMDrUwlPCplSCvahm9oervGvhS9xiKigAwYtm7ZCPedBm0UHucStUqnzg/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw72nWj6z3R9NH0WaSLge2b6ww_ULgF6L3L5KmdnZ8isTaTNixs0yFrC00sTDrzhBHuvh3B8Q-atjj5FDAcEMDrUwlPCplSCvahm9oervGvhS9xiKigAwYtm7ZCPedBm0UHucStUqnzg/s400/073.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And Finally<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD6NyR5BYwpZTCmQf3EohUDfGKONP7IzcvMxvJTM1EUV6Rf84MHljdYyBhTR1jnZpIoLcj3pmPCPaIjxyBdjfxM-aQcgVoc3QSGjpPOoMiLxEqsETQy_YcX06cq6LHN4k6r3yJ7KmaGY/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD6NyR5BYwpZTCmQf3EohUDfGKONP7IzcvMxvJTM1EUV6Rf84MHljdYyBhTR1jnZpIoLcj3pmPCPaIjxyBdjfxM-aQcgVoc3QSGjpPOoMiLxEqsETQy_YcX06cq6LHN4k6r3yJ7KmaGY/s400/071.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Escargo on the hoof.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelDXEK9x6dhBiIaGR6DQv4MCxQhEcwpvHx8e0pE3nXeLNFRJwJXNbRy3GfIZf050LfkgextvY5LgJucvg4iqq2iZAQEzSLIplXu7xntc9u9WbioVJLhv2HUFvj7NN63HG_XN2HUtmaTc/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelDXEK9x6dhBiIaGR6DQv4MCxQhEcwpvHx8e0pE3nXeLNFRJwJXNbRy3GfIZf050LfkgextvY5LgJucvg4iqq2iZAQEzSLIplXu7xntc9u9WbioVJLhv2HUFvj7NN63HG_XN2HUtmaTc/s400/070.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-13863156241477763072011-06-03T16:55:00.001-04:002011-06-03T17:01:11.909-04:00To Grenoble and the visit to LaSalette.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It appears that once I log on to this internet server, I have a total of 30 minutes before it shuts off. 30 minutes is not a lot of time to do a blog. So there will be a series of short blogs again. Be sure to look back. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The drive from Torino to Grenoble took me through some more rugged mountain terrain and very narrow and curving roads. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here is what they look like. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr_vjN6vpD4BU8jLPLyDlj-WoungWo8R0z2sUzhlrKAbQySR30FclWmKZMwP_j3BzWJd_gnM_uBYYS2ZmMbsucSa_6AB0eqgsMcHb9lwmqy_V3VgZ6tMRfl4TYPRIq33LmLi4ZwKOwEg/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr_vjN6vpD4BU8jLPLyDlj-WoungWo8R0z2sUzhlrKAbQySR30FclWmKZMwP_j3BzWJd_gnM_uBYYS2ZmMbsucSa_6AB0eqgsMcHb9lwmqy_V3VgZ6tMRfl4TYPRIq33LmLi4ZwKOwEg/s400/027.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway E-74 between Torino and Grenoble.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDHHR3I_Cfu_DjDVw0QNmvD8Ke1CRmhLdPrmu0gGuxjbpnRW2ssYtK5CeVen38ge_-pFO3kHCat6BXczfG7bTKEOFtShii2XwTbN600pBMI2SCrT_IO0GeQaWO89UMO7CwJUqRr8Ih0I/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDHHR3I_Cfu_DjDVw0QNmvD8Ke1CRmhLdPrmu0gGuxjbpnRW2ssYtK5CeVen38ge_-pFO3kHCat6BXczfG7bTKEOFtShii2XwTbN600pBMI2SCrT_IO0GeQaWO89UMO7CwJUqRr8Ih0I/s400/021.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway E 74</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOI6ricKqN4cvXEDxF7b2GPgSctlHL0ndvrLuhDJySnkjdFNB6hnB9G3Q4MOmyETXuZKQlmDPs7fq5nOyra_pd6GguUU3pS4NOWxZ-klWthYKiv-UVMdQcJ3OqF7fPvheUCZflko_AJwE/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOI6ricKqN4cvXEDxF7b2GPgSctlHL0ndvrLuhDJySnkjdFNB6hnB9G3Q4MOmyETXuZKQlmDPs7fq5nOyra_pd6GguUU3pS4NOWxZ-klWthYKiv-UVMdQcJ3OqF7fPvheUCZflko_AJwE/s400/025.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HIghway E 74</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2kI-uW06Lk9a-ug6c8u03PlMm6hckRFE6f1fqbgRqB6OG8OUELUdionG4In7mLG4n9k_qZsV-AZNGS70d-Rq7Plx5ucYAZjmudlOTDl_QVagm9epPPaV_hSIKl3FpWh-tzvPHQ1IpF4/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2kI-uW06Lk9a-ug6c8u03PlMm6hckRFE6f1fqbgRqB6OG8OUELUdionG4In7mLG4n9k_qZsV-AZNGS70d-Rq7Plx5ucYAZjmudlOTDl_QVagm9epPPaV_hSIKl3FpWh-tzvPHQ1IpF4/s400/010.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fortress of Exilles. This fortress stands on a ridge in the middle of a valley formed by near shear cliffs on both sides. It has been considered a strategic location since the 9th century when the first forstress was built here. It has been expanded many times over the years and was in constant use until after WW II. It was abandoned in the late 1940 after WW II. In 1990's the Italian government began a restauration and turned it into a national monument open to the public. Here are a views inside and out. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY0N_-lu3-VmhdzwQyf-ebowcmQA1wyGyPLHIyUZmo5ND41Kr867ms5qsFXBbDi4tgm-CoHCbEYj7epULeJZEE0UtIlPCVcoRNuZE4vbJwCeChRecUXkAgKhTHnTS8Xhg-GJ6unwUfOI/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY0N_-lu3-VmhdzwQyf-ebowcmQA1wyGyPLHIyUZmo5ND41Kr867ms5qsFXBbDi4tgm-CoHCbEYj7epULeJZEE0UtIlPCVcoRNuZE4vbJwCeChRecUXkAgKhTHnTS8Xhg-GJ6unwUfOI/s400/012.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The central courtyard and parade grounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHWMQ6gs-KVAiRj-i8H-4f7va874AcaK57khK-yNrRWdMs8NqAs5QSRFGH11vJksK8aO84LPLyPqBgrlyU0l8J4PV1nL3xMn7l0jBeIiLmXcjKMY93ZeNIVHesrME-yOWLDA6iTGain4/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHWMQ6gs-KVAiRj-i8H-4f7va874AcaK57khK-yNrRWdMs8NqAs5QSRFGH11vJksK8aO84LPLyPqBgrlyU0l8J4PV1nL3xMn7l0jBeIiLmXcjKMY93ZeNIVHesrME-yOWLDA6iTGain4/s400/011.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The approached is a maze of ramps and gates separated by moats. Sucessive kings and nations who have controlled this site continued to add defenses to make it harder to lay siege.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIA48SNv5532_AUp32RqO8e2SIGHHJuNtuTpKxYWyN01HKf-JCWELbcvCAY-yFkqiAhPx2L1THc66sMvYunbALMU0WzrGmC-JhOCyK0NCxetdFADGIzo0XQUKpieBANbXxhqbcBBjv9s/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIA48SNv5532_AUp32RqO8e2SIGHHJuNtuTpKxYWyN01HKf-JCWELbcvCAY-yFkqiAhPx2L1THc66sMvYunbALMU0WzrGmC-JhOCyK0NCxetdFADGIzo0XQUKpieBANbXxhqbcBBjv9s/s400/032.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continuing along the route, the highway hugs the side of the cliffs and passes through tunnels like the one in the picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Grenoble is located on a large plain formd by the Isere river. The "old city" is tiny for a city of this size. The rest of the city is unremarkable in everyway. Blocks of early 20th century buildings, and beyond, blocks of 1960's and 1970's apartment buildings. I was glad to use this place only as the base for visiting the mountain and village of LaSalette and the LaSalette Shrine.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXSjeZQU_4X_RhyphenhyphenPvr1GJhr6jr7QayM01RvMn6BSp30IxqT11ggWqNHc6aA6R5adWXqQtl7Om6EiAzFqm8QD__SMhmdtzJeQ2Fnb-KjAkVzGkSLtlMhyphenhyphenW2QZ0MwiVAvkBWIvQ0Oi9N4M/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXSjeZQU_4X_RhyphenhyphenPvr1GJhr6jr7QayM01RvMn6BSp30IxqT11ggWqNHc6aA6R5adWXqQtl7Om6EiAzFqm8QD__SMhmdtzJeQ2Fnb-KjAkVzGkSLtlMhyphenhyphenW2QZ0MwiVAvkBWIvQ0Oi9N4M/s400/034.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the approach to the village of LaSalette, about 40 mile south of Grenoble.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZq0KSD5hpRYB2O3eiaAVxJ1XqAgCe58ECW9SXEKnAYUgoPW6Fyy-nlrz5LtjueCl8DbGT0in2sR4XGHWRMS-WRtuGjxQaK1i5CbivCetnscWojpIvlawRMhIaOvVNZBf5y3B1JFcwMAQ/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZq0KSD5hpRYB2O3eiaAVxJ1XqAgCe58ECW9SXEKnAYUgoPW6Fyy-nlrz5LtjueCl8DbGT0in2sR4XGHWRMS-WRtuGjxQaK1i5CbivCetnscWojpIvlawRMhIaOvVNZBf5y3B1JFcwMAQ/s400/036.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basilica built in the 1860's to commemorate the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to two shepherd children on this mountain. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgwNRKEZjvp5wo3imCecrCozhpChoGxZ7bh6wxNBa4yO6BG5NBDkYSEITvSrLGGddfu_PYXsFSr-2p4mxsuECcrc0-5sgHfytvedR1-bX-TGs-ydn2Ywd_XRBSVqewThnlUwIS_9rkT0/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgwNRKEZjvp5wo3imCecrCozhpChoGxZ7bh6wxNBa4yO6BG5NBDkYSEITvSrLGGddfu_PYXsFSr-2p4mxsuECcrc0-5sgHfytvedR1-bX-TGs-ydn2Ywd_XRBSVqewThnlUwIS_9rkT0/s400/039.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of the Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS6Wz_d7X1j_bTqrI-EAXxQNIs9gjm9j6PRsLtGAjLm-mSGXdTT1TnoAhLCoOVWrfF0j71wZ1TEkU7YrRJ4HstqFa_1BZ3C35NrxdYGtvCwh8q_w6wT1ZU6ik5pBhrmzQatiXfAwrJzw/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS6Wz_d7X1j_bTqrI-EAXxQNIs9gjm9j6PRsLtGAjLm-mSGXdTT1TnoAhLCoOVWrfF0j71wZ1TEkU7YrRJ4HstqFa_1BZ3C35NrxdYGtvCwh8q_w6wT1ZU6ik5pBhrmzQatiXfAwrJzw/s400/078.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The romanesque interior of the basilica. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484AcvKRh0zi057dsyXIunAeUEpQUT81TRRHo2GB_7BoupmRyhzihv_jZ8elPzkh-0Xfg_L8K7GfWUjVD2nGmvB_ACFmsFgbPdGsFFwtHG9vqDnoD9_abICHarwaOaCpdI3vUXmk1W58/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484AcvKRh0zi057dsyXIunAeUEpQUT81TRRHo2GB_7BoupmRyhzihv_jZ8elPzkh-0Xfg_L8K7GfWUjVD2nGmvB_ACFmsFgbPdGsFFwtHG9vqDnoD9_abICHarwaOaCpdI3vUXmk1W58/s400/042.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view of the Mountian of the aparation of LaSalette that I have been seeing as a poster in the lobby of the retreat center of LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro, MA. When I first was this picture, I said, "I will go there someday" TODAY WAS THE DAY.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb81dIi5fQm1E097BOf8afaYKR6kaHLOuaiQTYl8YZIz1Br9zZm9whcgTYO3_h_BAy6B4uZfnbCApxpmLkC1Qi5XvaCi9mOBOF4qBNzXRWGSljJcWJiu0g6OxMualbgX-JGq5-B6XEylU/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb81dIi5fQm1E097BOf8afaYKR6kaHLOuaiQTYl8YZIz1Br9zZm9whcgTYO3_h_BAy6B4uZfnbCApxpmLkC1Qi5XvaCi9mOBOF4qBNzXRWGSljJcWJiu0g6OxMualbgX-JGq5-B6XEylU/s400/054.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From this rock outcropping and the trail approaching it - YES, that clump of rock hanging off the side of the slope is the trail, and YES, I hiked it - I spent about an hour in prayer and reflection. Here are the pictures rom this spot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_4LtVcV-PkCa7229yc178VZOIN_i3A5TJh4D93tRGPeA4fqW8gM1VucFPkqJUpeO0Xgape06Ww-GlpnNDRca7kDcqAbULxGv3Grj_DQwtF7uKnZaHRupQ07u4_-oRHNe56dIF4690IQ/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_4LtVcV-PkCa7229yc178VZOIN_i3A5TJh4D93tRGPeA4fqW8gM1VucFPkqJUpeO0Xgape06Ww-GlpnNDRca7kDcqAbULxGv3Grj_DQwtF7uKnZaHRupQ07u4_-oRHNe56dIF4690IQ/s400/044.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the basilica from my rock perch, 2 Km by winding trail. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And to prove I really was there:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvABCgCR60SEkXeawd3sc1QV2-KTLPu7Z-m05cc4j0SLotDS_rfU5ItFiekKYaV1kePZhwZkPx6MNwNcvfiQDN6_SuMAZJpoXnNDNqU5SwV-0bxOO___b_IPjoH0Dr9Rn5Q5r4KtRxzc/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvABCgCR60SEkXeawd3sc1QV2-KTLPu7Z-m05cc4j0SLotDS_rfU5ItFiekKYaV1kePZhwZkPx6MNwNcvfiQDN6_SuMAZJpoXnNDNqU5SwV-0bxOO___b_IPjoH0Dr9Rn5Q5r4KtRxzc/s400/046.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two young German hikers were glad to take this photo for me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpoS7QlTLnYlTL6twGUcaXRCmKI9SY7W23hneDp6ldtrkGmSJuxxOcYkg24Dms1YqrzawGiSh51aNQ05nBpPJ_yWKbfGyjhVnhGYc7pBrawSvKtdEyhMbFCFJxds2jSB7o0cHFKoqf2U/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpoS7QlTLnYlTL6twGUcaXRCmKI9SY7W23hneDp6ldtrkGmSJuxxOcYkg24Dms1YqrzawGiSh51aNQ05nBpPJ_yWKbfGyjhVnhGYc7pBrawSvKtdEyhMbFCFJxds2jSB7o0cHFKoqf2U/s400/075.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the Basilica.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I am going to post this now. But check out the posting of the close-ups of the mountain flowers that were just starting to bloom in the alpine spring. You saw the snow still on some places of the very high country. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">To be continued.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-72498591800397920842011-06-03T16:14:00.000-04:002011-06-03T16:14:30.031-04:00Lots of InformationHello Everyone. I am in Grenoble. I spent a beautiful day at the LaSalette Shrine. I have loads of pictures but I am onloy hoping I can post them. The internet service here at this hotel is very strange. What's more. Yahoo.france has comandeered my computer it seems. It wants to overide all my settings and so prevents me from getting on line to the sites that I need for travel, personal matters, and blogging. So here goes.<br />
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Two nights ago I was in Turin, or Torino, in Italian. It is a beautiful city. Even though it was raining it was a pleasure to walk around because, like Bologna, many of the sidewalks are covered. Here is a pic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrPRpTpwiHWewdG0s16CCkNMSdDY175maK0F_4urKFY105jUsv9cUbbRhTmyDw9YosL8xk97GNc3dowrehjAEd-MDOokjdZfvx58Znvs2iBVRIHxJbpzPORbNUxYcFTfIATjqmKuB34c/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrPRpTpwiHWewdG0s16CCkNMSdDY175maK0F_4urKFY105jUsv9cUbbRhTmyDw9YosL8xk97GNc3dowrehjAEd-MDOokjdZfvx58Znvs2iBVRIHxJbpzPORbNUxYcFTfIATjqmKuB34c/s400/002.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">Hundreds of city blocks all covered with these beautiful arcades. Even the cross streets are covered in most places. </div></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I went to two museums. One at the Academia del'arte. It is the major art school in this city and has been training artists for nearly 6 centuries. The museum has great works and many of the best copies of major works from all over Italy. These are used for training students in the techiniques of the masters. I also went to the Galleria Sabauda, two floors in the Museum of Natural History. This collection was a donation from the Bishop of Torino in the 16th Century. It includes some of the most important religious art outside of the Vatican Mueums. Of Course, No Pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">There was one painting call "the Passion of the Christ", three centuries before Mel Gibson used the same title for his movie. It is relatively small painting about 2.5 feet long by 2 feet high. One starts at the upper left corner where the scene is the Triumphal Entray into Jerusalem. YOu then follow once scene after another and it tell the entire passion story - all the way to the upper left hand corner where there is a scene of Jesus appearing to the Disciples at the Sea of Galilee. That scene is less than half inch long and about 1 one third inch high. The whole canvas is a series of miniatures. As I was studying the canvas, a small group was led by a guide who, in my estimation, left out many of th details. One of the women in the group asked about certain scene, Herod and Pilate, riding horses side by side. So I chimed in saying that was the part of the story that says Herod and Pilate became friends after this incident. So the guide asked me how I came to know this painting. I responded, "I don't. I know the Gospels". And then proceeded to name about 12 more of the miniature scenes the tour guide missed, or simply didn't know. I had a great time.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few more scenes of Torino.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBfpJ7xF0ajmnegjCpvEdZ3k5dm-J1RYK2qnSeQcymQVVaEKJWW8Pxozt6gDrMLMSVUB19zVyErnZWjtxgctkZdI4tU9zvHf69AnMQKvccGwNoRqGIWsfRoGPqmNHW_k2Ve3WTZb9s0g/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBfpJ7xF0ajmnegjCpvEdZ3k5dm-J1RYK2qnSeQcymQVVaEKJWW8Pxozt6gDrMLMSVUB19zVyErnZWjtxgctkZdI4tU9zvHf69AnMQKvccGwNoRqGIWsfRoGPqmNHW_k2Ve3WTZb9s0g/s400/004.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The royal palace, now the center of the regional government of the state to which Torino belongs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9vSBWDSwJiQ3XyyUoKuqjqokIt6W79I8OOKYg3u8j3mazTO1_AwDNILRtNIsLmLW48yQgvaXZHby7o6X4dBB7_BZJ-mCqH07J_QkHPjWBx8ChfGaDeuUPLOgoXZA8lVZKiiXf5tK32E/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9vSBWDSwJiQ3XyyUoKuqjqokIt6W79I8OOKYg3u8j3mazTO1_AwDNILRtNIsLmLW48yQgvaXZHby7o6X4dBB7_BZJ-mCqH07J_QkHPjWBx8ChfGaDeuUPLOgoXZA8lVZKiiXf5tK32E/s400/008.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gallery covering a series of streets like the one in Naples, although a bit smaller scale. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The one disappointment was the visit to the cathedral and the display of the Holy Shroud. The cathedral is rather uninteresting and the shroud is not usually open for display. The shroud is the reason I put Torino on my agenda in the first place. However, I discovered a beautiful city which deserves a return visit sometime.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0MSEZEmwd4rJHJc5jsnz1XfCWI9T7JBsLqpoZK23Z5p0i8Jz6f5l1wa9u35HoZqNR4ibtZlkWF_TJyWziFX0gMa2FMAMDSodYxzlxUKlkFA_vyH7kxx-t4hMiKljIQt4ePtxzOJc_NY/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0MSEZEmwd4rJHJc5jsnz1XfCWI9T7JBsLqpoZK23Z5p0i8Jz6f5l1wa9u35HoZqNR4ibtZlkWF_TJyWziFX0gMa2FMAMDSodYxzlxUKlkFA_vyH7kxx-t4hMiKljIQt4ePtxzOJc_NY/s400/005.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral of Torino. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm going to save this post now. The internet is starting to do some strange things. So I will log off and log on again. Be sure to check back.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-75915494307669198152011-06-01T03:17:00.001-04:002011-06-01T03:29:12.845-04:00Drive to TorinoI got the camera to download properly, but the photos from yesterday's posting are still lost in computer limbo. I will continue to work on it because those photos with the Garde's are worth seeing. <br />
M. et Mme. Garde, je suis desole que les photos de notre belle soiree a la cote de Marseille ne fonctionne pas. Alors, je vous les envoie par e-mail. <br />
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Now onto the drive to Torino.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWwS7n697qU5CTp3cyqkOz_qhOr6sjNWaw8wkPSg2kCYDrX1Yzh-GMG_i9v1b-yOIsQaDxB8QtxjUHhyphenhyphend_hIzHF1jCPbsVwbHZ5RVvKV_ThjuG-FYpFRCORastGAHBJV4NMO25u2bfK8/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWwS7n697qU5CTp3cyqkOz_qhOr6sjNWaw8wkPSg2kCYDrX1Yzh-GMG_i9v1b-yOIsQaDxB8QtxjUHhyphenhyphend_hIzHF1jCPbsVwbHZ5RVvKV_ThjuG-FYpFRCORastGAHBJV4NMO25u2bfK8/s400/004.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what parts of France looks like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Most people think of France as roling hills covered with grape vines, sunflower fields, and acres of lavender. Here is another view of France - at the Italian border in the southeast. This is the road - 200 Kms long from Menton, the eastern most city on the the French riviera, as it travels north back into Italy towards Torino.<br />
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Here are some other views. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo68JmNzhj_T1Z-wpH6nevIgXLnmx1lhzcbEzabGswyH-MZDoiUfJ6t_GbPiucV2ROm-i5z3S5JHpiA1o1wE_ePDQMyb2eiylhn0-XSlwZTgmVuJk5riK4LAi2HHanoyumEAUxFMx4m1s/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo68JmNzhj_T1Z-wpH6nevIgXLnmx1lhzcbEzabGswyH-MZDoiUfJ6t_GbPiucV2ROm-i5z3S5JHpiA1o1wE_ePDQMyb2eiylhn0-XSlwZTgmVuJk5riK4LAi2HHanoyumEAUxFMx4m1s/s400/003.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road follows this stream through this gorge for nearly 50 km.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicF_puIDoghxbNJ8rD6MGFFqu6C_G0_rMptPpRCwKshy__1_J8ud6pNIw4Ar1qfCLtAnh8bPO14kjFA7lfo6uhuPS_nwbRcejK-RVwzjG0biRF1OU66t0a8AyVQdsdqEXtUzadrxpkAJY/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicF_puIDoghxbNJ8rD6MGFFqu6C_G0_rMptPpRCwKshy__1_J8ud6pNIw4Ar1qfCLtAnh8bPO14kjFA7lfo6uhuPS_nwbRcejK-RVwzjG0biRF1OU66t0a8AyVQdsdqEXtUzadrxpkAJY/s400/005.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The town of Tende. Any relatively flat space usually has a small town built on it. This is Tende, the largest town on the route north on the E74. Tende is famous for the tunnel through the mountain named the Tended tunnel. It is 15km long, or approximately 11 miles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cW1OSHloErVOLKbvb_O1AtSXGwwVmOPrfggXODh2COGPG_HK8_muNqo_UPVm6zCPynFROH3ULXP7h7HklgAyhSZRmx0xKpNUL5-Ui8dOvB3OJKWyxvrJzr5IVjrWNA2qjAPvTp5O86Y/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cW1OSHloErVOLKbvb_O1AtSXGwwVmOPrfggXODh2COGPG_HK8_muNqo_UPVm6zCPynFROH3ULXP7h7HklgAyhSZRmx0xKpNUL5-Ui8dOvB3OJKWyxvrJzr5IVjrWNA2qjAPvTp5O86Y/s400/007.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view back down the valley taken while I was waiting for my turn to enter the tunnel. It is a one-way travel. Cars and small trucks have to wait in line for the light to change letteing you pass through. The wait was about 20 minutes with about 30 cars ahead of me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>More of Torino later today. What a beautiful city!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-84279622510392806702011-05-31T03:22:00.000-04:002011-06-01T03:24:36.528-04:00Visit with the Garde's and in Sanremo, ItalyThis posting has no picdtures because somehow the settings of my download from my camera got changed. I have the pictures in the camera but I can't seem to get to download properly. That is disappointing because I have great photos of the Garde's and I at table, the spectacular coastal land and seascape of Marseille. I will try to get these posted somehow.<br />
<br />
Saturday, I checked out of the hotel and drove to Auriol to visit M. and Mme. Garde. It was good to see them again. Their hospitality continues to be so gracious. I arrived and Mme. Garde had hoped to visit Notre Dame de la Garde. But they had read my blog as they have been faithful followers. They saw the pictures I posted the day before. So they were now switching to plan B. We left for the waterfront section of Marseille that I had only seen from the small tourist "train" that took me up to the basilica the day before.<br />
<br />
While Marseille is a very large city, there are sections of it that you would swear were miles away in remote areas. East of the city is a rugger coastline that has small fishing villages, intlet, and coves with crashing waves, caves, and rocky islands. <br />
<br />
After touring around the coastal road, we stopped in a little fishing village to one of the Garde's favorite pizzeria. We had a table right at the edge of the dock. You would never know you were within the boundaries of a city of nearly 3 million. <br />
<br />
More later. Hopefully I can get those photos up on line. <br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-77971070337827617122011-05-27T13:22:00.000-04:002011-05-27T13:22:40.653-04:00Visit to Notre Dame de la GardeToday, I visited one of the great Marseille landmarks, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. I have seen it years ago, but since then all the mosaics have been restored. When I was at La SAinte-Baume, you may recall that I met two people working on the restoration of the HOtellerie refectory floor. They had worked on the mosaics of the Basilica. <br />
<br />
The cornerstone of the basilica was laid in 1853. It is a memorial for sailors lost at sea and a call to the Blessed Mother to protect sailors. It stands on a rocky hill overlooking the whole city.<br />
Here are a few views.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDP3MPWdba3m4szmNCr-5LeoF0kryvmmGeHmrqLybNLI6NAh9jEfc42i4LZ5ivXonrQDR9qgVUvMNg8Q1It9fvL5LVWMY28Lvley5PJMPR_Tv6rxx8HjW-RwhEpim2PVWTsJODmD8vlFY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDP3MPWdba3m4szmNCr-5LeoF0kryvmmGeHmrqLybNLI6NAh9jEfc42i4LZ5ivXonrQDR9qgVUvMNg8Q1It9fvL5LVWMY28Lvley5PJMPR_Tv6rxx8HjW-RwhEpim2PVWTsJODmD8vlFY/s400/004.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Notre Dame de la Garde from the Old Port. It is about a mile away. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yOD1cwcLH_ndSO4a3fLwxoCYiu-A_mv_VTx6Viqq6xYIpS7ielVvoJDguaX46xCC1va5f6HAUzwFZZw4nsC57RaIQCsYn6ZNgBvd0al-F3LEpXyBIqhvJJGHowGwHCaifUvN-BlCdiI/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yOD1cwcLH_ndSO4a3fLwxoCYiu-A_mv_VTx6Viqq6xYIpS7ielVvoJDguaX46xCC1va5f6HAUzwFZZw4nsC57RaIQCsYn6ZNgBvd0al-F3LEpXyBIqhvJJGHowGwHCaifUvN-BlCdiI/s400/003.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PqijgjcjK1F8B3lsT7qOGjQ95dy3kq7kDuP3qEGy4Bt3PAMJB78FwytujEub-NfG9rPw9_Awfz49SvlqhHPtEwahzNAIWiOLQMV7cfNs7UybnR3joWR5PtHPgXLzvlyTHps3RkSDZFk/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PqijgjcjK1F8B3lsT7qOGjQ95dy3kq7kDuP3qEGy4Bt3PAMJB78FwytujEub-NfG9rPw9_Awfz49SvlqhHPtEwahzNAIWiOLQMV7cfNs7UybnR3joWR5PtHPgXLzvlyTHps3RkSDZFk/s400/017.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the terrace in front.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGcyrNx9_Sok_tible4rTwvUqH1s9REU0KSapCJ4wPislniaGDWlft2hfILXeNDj9VADUXMsTBp_kHxgJya7j3-TCqUR9__KqIlDOPl5f9aaX1HU7bGqlG5y5edjpoHYsinRLYROM0NI/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGcyrNx9_Sok_tible4rTwvUqH1s9REU0KSapCJ4wPislniaGDWlft2hfILXeNDj9VADUXMsTBp_kHxgJya7j3-TCqUR9__KqIlDOPl5f9aaX1HU7bGqlG5y5edjpoHYsinRLYROM0NI/s400/009.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the old port.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwYBlxgEGYfwBLUm-_gioWonuIlizDPgSX336_LBcg4YktYL7K-lycaXauBYFNQXF5gmRu9nt_S3cUg3dcEzxHKH2Ep1hPwYQ5q8nXOHKAxJVGH70EcrfO2tFF8Vi2WD8yGu9oTM3PoQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwYBlxgEGYfwBLUm-_gioWonuIlizDPgSX336_LBcg4YktYL7K-lycaXauBYFNQXF5gmRu9nt_S3cUg3dcEzxHKH2Ep1hPwYQ5q8nXOHKAxJVGH70EcrfO2tFF8Vi2WD8yGu9oTM3PoQ/s400/012.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the north.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT6Cc6vPPJ7Xm2Xm4wEYSvwUmSpIbhFWSjRv2fDRAfEcHTI1ia7p9cBJGbCE_blOLWJIDkF-0Z7gs-ZgdeK-Xqli0x3znIDy8OxlFlOqWGOYYQr8ypaOjOM6cirWz2KE93fW5nUWpYII/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT6Cc6vPPJ7Xm2Xm4wEYSvwUmSpIbhFWSjRv2fDRAfEcHTI1ia7p9cBJGbCE_blOLWJIDkF-0Z7gs-ZgdeK-Xqli0x3znIDy8OxlFlOqWGOYYQr8ypaOjOM6cirWz2KE93fW5nUWpYII/s400/014.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the south-east.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAnAaiTyXI7Gk3MFzmuB9q6Jm2lsO2kNewjBDB6ApBU7CVZV905rWpPL5k4hXcHxRo1w_UUuBCLjIW54cdXEnMtrCzh5NOgKt_LmTdyS1r7pzhiG7l737_tuM9n1muNwOqDA1m-Ej3eU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAnAaiTyXI7Gk3MFzmuB9q6Jm2lsO2kNewjBDB6ApBU7CVZV905rWpPL5k4hXcHxRo1w_UUuBCLjIW54cdXEnMtrCzh5NOgKt_LmTdyS1r7pzhiG7l737_tuM9n1muNwOqDA1m-Ej3eU/s400/018.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the nave and sanctuary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTruesfmUq6PJc-UN5yFqdOuSIq7LT5_3Ma4ZbvILykGeTl-PyGnBCcFXyC0j2VySBSY6mt7tXPW5gpcaXjC3ZM4wZQtIwtxTsuE1J150w06iyk7PGewtOQ9wHymZkTHUTIOtv8XaOOwc/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTruesfmUq6PJc-UN5yFqdOuSIq7LT5_3Ma4ZbvILykGeTl-PyGnBCcFXyC0j2VySBSY6mt7tXPW5gpcaXjC3ZM4wZQtIwtxTsuE1J150w06iyk7PGewtOQ9wHymZkTHUTIOtv8XaOOwc/s400/019.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ceiling vaults - all mosaics<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ulGXZDmDRH7bnaUIarw3iaAGDkE-vlKQgtBsa73vnjwWct81-H74I_M1gqUNhNIXRmUurw5DIpzNiP6JrALA4xKCUqwwKUQRKL23neo77oWRH9qYpwE6-ntPnpVHMApKGr0VgVtda20/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ulGXZDmDRH7bnaUIarw3iaAGDkE-vlKQgtBsa73vnjwWct81-H74I_M1gqUNhNIXRmUurw5DIpzNiP6JrALA4xKCUqwwKUQRKL23neo77oWRH9qYpwE6-ntPnpVHMApKGr0VgVtda20/s400/025.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanctuary</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw595x2wP9lzHAWvObVKvLZ9bKLy1f2Gcou4Lptc5uFIqvHTlGpDfj9yPrbLny8Ys03ymlkRPAfmcdj5vZZi2pSRG0wN6MsezPIpyZUnhpMXJQ8TWD5SZxIwWBcMHJeu1_hGdf7FzLWc/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw595x2wP9lzHAWvObVKvLZ9bKLy1f2Gcou4Lptc5uFIqvHTlGpDfj9yPrbLny8Ys03ymlkRPAfmcdj5vZZi2pSRG0wN6MsezPIpyZUnhpMXJQ8TWD5SZxIwWBcMHJeu1_hGdf7FzLWc/s400/024.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Models of ships hanging from the ceiling</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkr2w39LPzZDJpVsScwRb7KKAP204B2PzGdDsrMuToxMKkoUEZPhBgwHpMSSfVfUdY3Pzyw_gpbehGeflUdJnwOH30-3VEKKQR8WL9nD4h8_iWuyTZTQ7z6VW97qWEyEnw-lvr5tboLI/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkr2w39LPzZDJpVsScwRb7KKAP204B2PzGdDsrMuToxMKkoUEZPhBgwHpMSSfVfUdY3Pzyw_gpbehGeflUdJnwOH30-3VEKKQR8WL9nD4h8_iWuyTZTQ7z6VW97qWEyEnw-lvr5tboLI/s400/023.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More ship models<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYigE3qLadx60QrA9SGpP0EMZhbAAWN8nSoA5Qun-9r1w0sereVO8hw5NTqmRdRf_fhc0at9TrDWDnNqRABfoz7DjPjS3fxzj9j5bHdmVwKnuV8mi4dD3qt6KvzfXtZyMAeUylXTA6yLE/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYigE3qLadx60QrA9SGpP0EMZhbAAWN8nSoA5Qun-9r1w0sereVO8hw5NTqmRdRf_fhc0at9TrDWDnNqRABfoz7DjPjS3fxzj9j5bHdmVwKnuV8mi4dD3qt6KvzfXtZyMAeUylXTA6yLE/s400/029.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the Apse mosaic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY6xuaSu8KCpnSBLV14joW68UdfoMrFN8mb18_-MoQlY0CsQpo9tLDld6tJNAqspdd7NekLQC3u-RALVHmenmpSmAb-5ThjGt4_02t2aZa0VGqd6DBB3NpPx90h1qjgUUokhQqOIQ8uQ/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY6xuaSu8KCpnSBLV14joW68UdfoMrFN8mb18_-MoQlY0CsQpo9tLDld6tJNAqspdd7NekLQC3u-RALVHmenmpSmAb-5ThjGt4_02t2aZa0VGqd6DBB3NpPx90h1qjgUUokhQqOIQ8uQ/s400/030.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaic floors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP93fbECJkbyPXXpGZ3vaU1IWzytp79K2k1WjGIW51cjmV-Dj7z56d0fW547SoQZoDMQOX-Tb7U7bnLKhXS3NXhFxiVAfQ_s1R_4J1T_V0WTSrhKfq-DdqIZvFKR-JuXLT5SSA37_VjM/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP93fbECJkbyPXXpGZ3vaU1IWzytp79K2k1WjGIW51cjmV-Dj7z56d0fW547SoQZoDMQOX-Tb7U7bnLKhXS3NXhFxiVAfQ_s1R_4J1T_V0WTSrhKfq-DdqIZvFKR-JuXLT5SSA37_VjM/s400/028.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View into the dome. <br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This evening I will take myself to the Old Port. There is a square that is filled with restaurants. <br />
<br />
I will be driving into Italy again this week. Destination is Turin to see the shroud. I will then turn west over the alps towards Grenoble and the LaSalette shrine. More to come soon.<br />
<br />
And for all of you who may be following the blog and don't know about the St. John Neumann Lakeside Family Festival, go to <a href="http://www.sjnfreetown.org/">http://www.sjnfreetown.org/</a> and click on Lakeside Festival. There are many pictures of past festivals. See what I am missing this spring.<br />
<br />
A bientot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-65987272659880472082011-05-27T11:40:00.002-04:002011-05-27T12:30:21.602-04:00Today is blog catch up.I am in Marseille.<br />
Tomorrow I am visiting overnight with the Garde's. Then I hit the road. <br />
In the meantime, I am thinking about everyone with the Festival. Praying for nice weather because I understand that its been a rainy spring back home. Good luck everyone!<br />
<br />
So let me backtrack a bit. I had a great 5 days with Bob and Inez Roy and their friends in Pernes-les-Fontaines. It seems like the Roy's are meeting people on their own and introducing them to the other people. So now because of Bob and INez, it appears that there are French people who did not know each other before the Roy's came along and now they are good friends. Is anyone surprised?<br />
<br />
Here are a few pictures from the days in Pernes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBRMUPT1wHpOeOyZfS-KU3CSqSfTJfx4eqG22EX0pGXdCpUpayElndsi2yDFVTB-wVawlFpv9xO7CGo7FJX-QPa38Gj1uU_KlrJbhaG-dRWpFwteuWPJWa_H23FAPNzYWphzK0LqZbic/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBRMUPT1wHpOeOyZfS-KU3CSqSfTJfx4eqG22EX0pGXdCpUpayElndsi2yDFVTB-wVawlFpv9xO7CGo7FJX-QPa38Gj1uU_KlrJbhaG-dRWpFwteuWPJWa_H23FAPNzYWphzK0LqZbic/s400/016.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
The Paella that Max prepared for all of us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7vy4bUvpFCUQ1xOtJWkcmm3oq5cJZ_IuHauguZJpX_78UOKfxX3TCLLBdkNQYPxppwRuRJMidkVL5DTn1ak9mELwEgOg2qX2qskc_mG3EqjBX5zszk3SJpQ0DiIY-sgTDjNTinu8GHE/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7vy4bUvpFCUQ1xOtJWkcmm3oq5cJZ_IuHauguZJpX_78UOKfxX3TCLLBdkNQYPxppwRuRJMidkVL5DTn1ak9mELwEgOg2qX2qskc_mG3EqjBX5zszk3SJpQ0DiIY-sgTDjNTinu8GHE/s400/002.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob and Inez and I headed out one day on a field trip. North of Pernes in Mont Ventoux. WE visited a little village, Brante, perched on the side of a mountain facing Ventoux. This is the view from the terrace of the little place where we had lunch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPvfRDkUKY4eYjo4OFcHn-W8rCT27EkI9gi9cmL9fLEClSqP1YuSusDG0h5IXbcXDkVnkzmjai_6XE4uxnO8WdeLCqilr-se5C5br_I9jbVjYUdydtrPL4B1q7KqExthxkruEMGSQsUk/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPvfRDkUKY4eYjo4OFcHn-W8rCT27EkI9gi9cmL9fLEClSqP1YuSusDG0h5IXbcXDkVnkzmjai_6XE4uxnO8WdeLCqilr-se5C5br_I9jbVjYUdydtrPL4B1q7KqExthxkruEMGSQsUk/s400/005.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The terrace at La Poterne in Brante.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwBBPfATAlDveC0UQt606EFq89dM_Q89_g0rLrBtibg8rQNk63zJsC3G2w9ktWtbJFzYTWsoCZ8vxhY81b87KOwQOrPn_a31_z67fFvhOeo2U_fuEpcMxN9EgQbgt207-S2rZAs1oUrE/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwBBPfATAlDveC0UQt606EFq89dM_Q89_g0rLrBtibg8rQNk63zJsC3G2w9ktWtbJFzYTWsoCZ8vxhY81b87KOwQOrPn_a31_z67fFvhOeo2U_fuEpcMxN9EgQbgt207-S2rZAs1oUrE/s400/007.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from the terrace and towards the slopes of Mont Ventoux.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfko1syn365mAZgzR2KsTaK0d-4V8jMgfbZDbkYIEXRTNSScsg0KSmDW0ZUwaLCT7HDs5A2X7dotJ-kuKrz6AxAluHXQJP_n8NBdb3eNz5C6v21rzi7dQviTW2tcPDbt87hTwCbPOFpU/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfko1syn365mAZgzR2KsTaK0d-4V8jMgfbZDbkYIEXRTNSScsg0KSmDW0ZUwaLCT7HDs5A2X7dotJ-kuKrz6AxAluHXQJP_n8NBdb3eNz5C6v21rzi7dQviTW2tcPDbt87hTwCbPOFpU/s400/008.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical house in this area of hillside towns.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEavCg3qS4QWTT6Jd3yInivZZ0oHcZf12c1a-j6_w_4aqTDdOnieATgY96MM6gg0MXu7vEF9fvjweyaH53yVzXmawL4hJwgNsV2Fp-SguzJjzFvkZwG-IRSKT04dzy2hBBq8w-4B_cGU/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEavCg3qS4QWTT6Jd3yInivZZ0oHcZf12c1a-j6_w_4aqTDdOnieATgY96MM6gg0MXu7vEF9fvjweyaH53yVzXmawL4hJwgNsV2Fp-SguzJjzFvkZwG-IRSKT04dzy2hBBq8w-4B_cGU/s400/010.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the center of the little twon of Bannon is a bookstore, 3 stories of books. It is a destination for people all the way from Paris. I'm standing next to terrific sculpture of books carved out of a tree trunk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0Btf0LeC94o-2aatxz_G1cr_0EYjAtkVs2BS56ahwqrKvALiF9rLJ7DnQdxcQJ3TfTM9ZVww37GkW_40Wb8Lsj3_WUGsctNwCiQj731Xxnbh2MHMmr_lTAz_PVDAd3JpV46ehMTUtOI/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0Btf0LeC94o-2aatxz_G1cr_0EYjAtkVs2BS56ahwqrKvALiF9rLJ7DnQdxcQJ3TfTM9ZVww37GkW_40Wb8Lsj3_WUGsctNwCiQj731Xxnbh2MHMmr_lTAz_PVDAd3JpV46ehMTUtOI/s400/015.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like a cold one on a steamy afternoon. It's even more fun when the name of the place is "La bar de la paroisse", or, The Bar of the Parish. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j_O6dhIwTWF9tj0k7Q_WCANSnc55XToQaBAxWKfmGjJeSaZRQVqqtCXXTXjoXfUnjxk5bTQusr5_3DNbyI34q4N26OO7UxU-xxPCqudokTmR2utOF5irD9VO99c2Vr5qRO2rhJYwxX4/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j_O6dhIwTWF9tj0k7Q_WCANSnc55XToQaBAxWKfmGjJeSaZRQVqqtCXXTXjoXfUnjxk5bTQusr5_3DNbyI34q4N26OO7UxU-xxPCqudokTmR2utOF5irD9VO99c2Vr5qRO2rhJYwxX4/s400/019.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Years ago, Bob's interest in cars took him into a small car museum. The owner, Pierre, and his family have become good friends. The museum has expanded to include a wonderful little cafe with an automotive theme. Bob and Inez hosted a party there on the last night of their 2011 France stay. Julie and Gregoire are to Inez's left. They are a couple who staff the tourist office in Pernes-les-Fontaines.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxoGs9oCHRP183JTtfjnahM9iufOXEjw8Qu81b76oeLCWCQ991Fllzznm3ZBNl3Q3GMnlVUmJVHmsgX4YXG2FLW2tRwFWSW6O4TAnremIFnsY9jbVqUq8Kb_dGw_bNHZDTYSNsWnvASM/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxoGs9oCHRP183JTtfjnahM9iufOXEjw8Qu81b76oeLCWCQ991Fllzznm3ZBNl3Q3GMnlVUmJVHmsgX4YXG2FLW2tRwFWSW6O4TAnremIFnsY9jbVqUq8Kb_dGw_bNHZDTYSNsWnvASM/s400/021.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right to left: Georges, and Jeanine, who have visited in East Freetown, and Marie-line, the proprietor of the "gites" where the Roy stay. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgR6hweyyHqYV2WL7Uc6XEcsdg-RfnJiDOTbuZkz1rBG-szNjrZIQqlCcq2dkUOMl7P7i38m4A8BRzf7NYjkKZa_6LNqkERDM2NuGl-EJvggyD3MLGutgfteeRilDpwal1Neol693RVI/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgR6hweyyHqYV2WL7Uc6XEcsdg-RfnJiDOTbuZkz1rBG-szNjrZIQqlCcq2dkUOMl7P7i38m4A8BRzf7NYjkKZa_6LNqkERDM2NuGl-EJvggyD3MLGutgfteeRilDpwal1Neol693RVI/s400/022.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left is Max, Marie-line's husband.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh0zFFkN2cPXSCxfeGnVW1Oiz3dDQwCN5a3tpeBzNPCFlpC8giMs6-NbqMWbMYbOlze2T7eWuGh3IPbfGMhiGt0WWXL4si3MBQ6FxxlrPguBDxvsPz5F_hqN4CMyjprDXupWE9MLOpAk/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh0zFFkN2cPXSCxfeGnVW1Oiz3dDQwCN5a3tpeBzNPCFlpC8giMs6-NbqMWbMYbOlze2T7eWuGh3IPbfGMhiGt0WWXL4si3MBQ6FxxlrPguBDxvsPz5F_hqN4CMyjprDXupWE9MLOpAk/s400/020.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzette and Patrice, relatives of the Museum and Cafe owner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One morning, we were taught by Natalie, Marie-line's sister to make fresh mayonnaise. So delicious! Another recipe to add to the repertoire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j4UoHAzPUwslZEVc5VjT_gS58cEbwQMNsUsc6vtPyCVPooK0WUVZmJTcL0a1JljSfiZ-pwEs6CEUtu_9ybQgpfzha3zwMguNE5iVZ4evA_54b8ztLjDk7M4OW8yiNSH1CZPSKzNkiLg/s1600/class+going+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j4UoHAzPUwslZEVc5VjT_gS58cEbwQMNsUsc6vtPyCVPooK0WUVZmJTcL0a1JljSfiZ-pwEs6CEUtu_9ybQgpfzha3zwMguNE5iVZ4evA_54b8ztLjDk7M4OW8yiNSH1CZPSKzNkiLg/s400/class+going+well.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayonnaise class going well</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyDGz6fWZx7fdjcOcDvF9E2nvW6EqTSsJuBjP3eqnv6yT2YPCbzcUw3VGtE8KDoKH5KlGn9wQve7XG8wQKsqKfqo1FpwC52Lj9GNGulsRuhYEQhvny2uZwRtrj2zIh7u5j6nJ_4E-Zao/s1600/Success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyDGz6fWZx7fdjcOcDvF9E2nvW6EqTSsJuBjP3eqnv6yT2YPCbzcUw3VGtE8KDoKH5KlGn9wQve7XG8wQKsqKfqo1FpwC52Lj9GNGulsRuhYEQhvny2uZwRtrj2zIh7u5j6nJ_4E-Zao/s400/Success.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefJRxq5a3cyvsXPDi5qEhlvSaYsS8wwryWs53Pbt9IUUhZUIOCmjsHnZ74NSHjEpQn2_6Ay6xH-JOC42xAGzs-8kphi4AZaSLTgmN7Urqkc_MluvoGK4rofM1tWLTf5S9Gx9P6TjDnXA/s1600/Preparing+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefJRxq5a3cyvsXPDi5qEhlvSaYsS8wwryWs53Pbt9IUUhZUIOCmjsHnZ74NSHjEpQn2_6Ay6xH-JOC42xAGzs-8kphi4AZaSLTgmN7Urqkc_MluvoGK4rofM1tWLTf5S9Gx9P6TjDnXA/s400/Preparing+dinner.jpg" t8="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing dinner for Max and Mari-line - Traditional New England Fish chowder.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I3fyxP6344Yc_irwuoK5FKal6hfcJS_YPfelTXOGd44mKq7ikksqLnOkxskQPIdNlSLo-dIw9COGfqRZAP_OuM5CDgcEHxXEH1Pm2O_Kl86y4UjuO3CrhpJ0U98g1ZpYtrVNfSEkTc4/s1600/at+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I3fyxP6344Yc_irwuoK5FKal6hfcJS_YPfelTXOGd44mKq7ikksqLnOkxskQPIdNlSLo-dIw9COGfqRZAP_OuM5CDgcEHxXEH1Pm2O_Kl86y4UjuO3CrhpJ0U98g1ZpYtrVNfSEkTc4/s400/at+table.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At table for traditional New England fare in France. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I left Bob and Inez at the airport. I figure they must be home by now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wishing everyone a great time at the festival. SJN at its best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings everyone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-12220263748742610652011-05-23T09:43:00.000-04:002011-05-23T09:43:04.314-04:00At Pernes-les-Fontaines with Bob and InezAfter a great week of cooking and touring in Siena, I am now in the village of Pernes-les-Fontaines with Bob and Inez doing what do you think - cooking.<br />
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I have very limited internet access, so this will be very brief. <br />
<br />
Our hosts, Marie-line and Max Hermann are gone for a few days to a family reunion. We expect them back later today and they are expecting dinner.<br />
<br />
Yesterday and again this morning, Bob and Inez and I hit a few of the local daily markets and purchased what we need for dinner. I will be making a big pot of traditional New England Fish Chowder (clams are not available). This is a combination of flavors the french are not accustomed to.<br />
<br />
So in the meantime, it is back to the kitchen.<br />
<br />
Ciao Oops, I mean, bonne journée!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-78016341784354636152011-05-19T16:36:00.001-04:002011-05-19T17:21:58.269-04:00Two more great days in SienaHere are some more pictures of two great days in Siena.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was market day. I was sitting at breakfast and two women were talking about the town market that was taking place today. I am talking about Wednesday. Every town in Europe - well at least Italy and France - have their market day. The museum ticket I bought is good for three days, so I will be going to the market today. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKjMxp7HmwWVHuOV5sDa3zHlZZJ1icK7LEv4a3KPt7UqqXJ6p3Z9wZ8y2maFgjvsIF6tSLb2IM4soOBRYhLFZ5cv6ADSWhCHW3pJLoE_dP7vBPLvMReTIszsyM1r8FgGsiX-ToXgTM18/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKjMxp7HmwWVHuOV5sDa3zHlZZJ1icK7LEv4a3KPt7UqqXJ6p3Z9wZ8y2maFgjvsIF6tSLb2IM4soOBRYhLFZ5cv6ADSWhCHW3pJLoE_dP7vBPLvMReTIszsyM1r8FgGsiX-ToXgTM18/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The town market sell everything under the sun. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEIGiPCJYQSo4_2F_94ErT48lQ4AvqX6FRHXxbPvH_jPd63lsxo7FgrCQkkSInvGWoWkDg9uixiiD4MIoeJBvBe5UiIDYtT3KvjRXLgjKHjIOibHZbj5Z4p0O9Cr5B8lW3rstsFvsnMg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEIGiPCJYQSo4_2F_94ErT48lQ4AvqX6FRHXxbPvH_jPd63lsxo7FgrCQkkSInvGWoWkDg9uixiiD4MIoeJBvBe5UiIDYtT3KvjRXLgjKHjIOibHZbj5Z4p0O9Cr5B8lW3rstsFvsnMg/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a haven for anyone who likes to shop. I ended up buying two pairs of shoes. I saw the same shoes at an Italian store at the Prudential Mall for $100 more. What a bargain. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F7rXHQwHImkGgkE8ldCDgL6Wgxm8gnEd1G9jTG1ccdLVywDOySCD-Deyd2nyXw8nJi2ZsY5mEP4E6FgbABQaLdopRXYh3tt7CGZMpOhqomlH-iv8gEITL6lg7Hd8tOi8GdTaC-t3Yjg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F7rXHQwHImkGgkE8ldCDgL6Wgxm8gnEd1G9jTG1ccdLVywDOySCD-Deyd2nyXw8nJi2ZsY5mEP4E6FgbABQaLdopRXYh3tt7CGZMpOhqomlH-iv8gEITL6lg7Hd8tOi8GdTaC-t3Yjg/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lady is cutting slices of meat from a roast pork, Called "porchetta" in Italy. It is about 4 feet long and roasted with hebs and cheese. She sliced several slabs of this delicious meat and made a sandwich for me. A shady spot under a tree with a half bottle of red wine. Heaven!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUq2S3QNGK_NG8dRo3Yk_6PvGhtKA9a9sENnpjrafnad3m6CWWSkaxquHnAennJgBNhql-FOq-Vr7_nuRuUhINnVNAuvioSIQw9_5uwfgJmiTOlsAxuX2E01BBbwxYK5SlfyxvX1JvQ4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUq2S3QNGK_NG8dRo3Yk_6PvGhtKA9a9sENnpjrafnad3m6CWWSkaxquHnAennJgBNhql-FOq-Vr7_nuRuUhINnVNAuvioSIQw9_5uwfgJmiTOlsAxuX2E01BBbwxYK5SlfyxvX1JvQ4/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is porchetta</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLewbsSaJYVqAQoL2PqhzysMUX6zmAzna8cwsAvYoTwd3gtW737-eGDbvSrO8ZR-doSW0Be3y4ENanFevWl-nmXPwZUhm4vjnL8Nuh_avjtuls3-3Suj6LSBMovafmsGO_5J3JTg9aDs/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLewbsSaJYVqAQoL2PqhzysMUX6zmAzna8cwsAvYoTwd3gtW737-eGDbvSrO8ZR-doSW0Be3y4ENanFevWl-nmXPwZUhm4vjnL8Nuh_avjtuls3-3Suj6LSBMovafmsGO_5J3JTg9aDs/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only in Italy would I buy food from a market with this ad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEwYKIalAYbl4oARJQA7FfXSB92-OUCkAMZAxPqorID2yEfhMwU8s6kpc5FWdMU5j5jS4ddrljRzi6g6mRDOZ0Z-rNt_ZuuhhMSmAbbKqCqC72UU1AHUarD4pApjM0sosTi3n_PW03yg/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEwYKIalAYbl4oARJQA7FfXSB92-OUCkAMZAxPqorID2yEfhMwU8s6kpc5FWdMU5j5jS4ddrljRzi6g6mRDOZ0Z-rNt_ZuuhhMSmAbbKqCqC72UU1AHUarD4pApjM0sosTi3n_PW03yg/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And don't forget the cheese.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIJqmK__pQtwp6XLBcuENY3NAx7WOJI4fIuUJ6xy9p8YyOWYkusheA07Ufkp5d1udLMXNrdfOwA8Srb7Ajg16gY3HLziAES3T9X0k896CDdtd9Dx2Y4XQOV3mPJn5TDuamlg9GpQnJQw/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIJqmK__pQtwp6XLBcuENY3NAx7WOJI4fIuUJ6xy9p8YyOWYkusheA07Ufkp5d1udLMXNrdfOwA8Srb7Ajg16gY3HLziAES3T9X0k896CDdtd9Dx2Y4XQOV3mPJn5TDuamlg9GpQnJQw/s400/015.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The market was located around the base of this 16th Century fortress. At the top of the walls, and inside the fortress are a great park with sonderful views of the city. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBFbz42fDrkc-Vf6J6ZDESstSIFdrk27kEFLwdIvLnZd9h0HhthgiMi0Rxmcc3kHdNiaSbMIz94LUiDOvZBpkJXsTzBXhUV0cMLwArFqU5b9y8Q5HgmNNsdW7JkcCCaicUmpqj8YBzDQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBFbz42fDrkc-Vf6J6ZDESstSIFdrk27kEFLwdIvLnZd9h0HhthgiMi0Rxmcc3kHdNiaSbMIz94LUiDOvZBpkJXsTzBXhUV0cMLwArFqU5b9y8Q5HgmNNsdW7JkcCCaicUmpqj8YBzDQ/s400/012.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Duomo from the fortress. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhqPpkAVJnAVogvRcGnu5KOsHzec7n30hGTCsijOzKfb9qCBHhrTdVCfoJvRWdf-gl3sK-rmdh6euQ81keF4hq7N5FDVMlkk030VWMMGnAD49UbId4qvnIBjQWd8wYTB89Xjcldb46W0/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhqPpkAVJnAVogvRcGnu5KOsHzec7n30hGTCsijOzKfb9qCBHhrTdVCfoJvRWdf-gl3sK-rmdh6euQ81keF4hq7N5FDVMlkk030VWMMGnAD49UbId4qvnIBjQWd8wYTB89Xjcldb46W0/s400/014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canopies of the market from the fortress walls. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a morning of shopping and sight-seeing at the fortress, I returned to the hotel for a late afternoon reposo. <br />
Wednesday night was another evening of cooking classes. <br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiWHeeyzMn4M89RbKEtNaa8BzghzXM38oIyBqnxQR9sVLGbQLo4SH9AUWdxknkAkXf9lGQgvHgV3clvxc8UEpDGobHOsKeO0MRTOCYWyzwzS-kL7xW-dcqQwG5FLuInegQ2AaxVGp8q8/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiWHeeyzMn4M89RbKEtNaa8BzghzXM38oIyBqnxQR9sVLGbQLo4SH9AUWdxknkAkXf9lGQgvHgV3clvxc8UEpDGobHOsKeO0MRTOCYWyzwzS-kL7xW-dcqQwG5FLuInegQ2AaxVGp8q8/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't like to start with desert? Dough for almond biscotti prepared for the oven. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHgWLx6NhzBN6Q1Gdm5Bnstel2pftVZpqZ6I4gwFZoo9e2pcHkJVNcNC106xPKO6NISb6FqUPjlw0fLJsN-LYJwdiNbfla-Yvx5hiAfKc0Wom4o8vihpq7JKvySrg43BawMP9wdti5Gc/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHgWLx6NhzBN6Q1Gdm5Bnstel2pftVZpqZ6I4gwFZoo9e2pcHkJVNcNC106xPKO6NISb6FqUPjlw0fLJsN-LYJwdiNbfla-Yvx5hiAfKc0Wom4o8vihpq7JKvySrg43BawMP9wdti5Gc/s400/025.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the hot biscotti to prepare them for the second baking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQnPt0_HygyZR_08sv7D5EVHD9dWM8u8QptuL2P6WrK9SsorT9M0KzdyADAa2W5XP5QAXVu4pOZDkccxN5KefbcsGvqHGSSHI9hq4FSs31KfaovVBDEWpE8aaS4bfgPDHxzdZcW2ENjk/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQnPt0_HygyZR_08sv7D5EVHD9dWM8u8QptuL2P6WrK9SsorT9M0KzdyADAa2W5XP5QAXVu4pOZDkccxN5KefbcsGvqHGSSHI9hq4FSs31KfaovVBDEWpE8aaS4bfgPDHxzdZcW2ENjk/s400/032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg dough ready to be shaped and rolled into raviolis stuffed with spinach and mozzarela. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs1zmbe2f5ioZAI-VLjN_2rlMo7oIvWhGv_s8TPeCFqya6gVZlvwlcMyuvr8DJ8_8NVqqm3O7J911LJycTb0siId8F2zSkIspcA2Rv-YisQ0mggJC_b7hAYY215dcrg5F06xM2S2vzfM/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs1zmbe2f5ioZAI-VLjN_2rlMo7oIvWhGv_s8TPeCFqya6gVZlvwlcMyuvr8DJ8_8NVqqm3O7J911LJycTb0siId8F2zSkIspcA2Rv-YisQ0mggJC_b7hAYY215dcrg5F06xM2S2vzfM/s400/036.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making raviolis from scratch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Gbl3tmglBE61hf23gGtBOpYOof6zrAgXCV2lLWKMb41N9JffU9be0MGOasSArlJ8VH-8VONLEuCNMAkiqW08OYU_riA5q60jCf7yEzTjGu4YwnCmVqE6lRANvKFvH38n1yZ3bsfdc78/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Gbl3tmglBE61hf23gGtBOpYOof6zrAgXCV2lLWKMb41N9JffU9be0MGOasSArlJ8VH-8VONLEuCNMAkiqW08OYU_riA5q60jCf7yEzTjGu4YwnCmVqE6lRANvKFvH38n1yZ3bsfdc78/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our dinner. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After dinner, there was the long climb back up to the hotel. As you can see from pictures, Siena is built on the crest of a mountain. All the side streets are very steep, some of them are actually stairs up to the top. After dinner, I walked up the 100+ steps back to my hotel<br />
<br />
Thursday morning was another gorgeous day in the town. Today was a visit to the museums that I had not seen. <br />
<br />
The Pinacoteca, or the painting museum, was great. It was mostly religious art taken from abandoned churchs, confiscated churches, or churchse destroyed in earthquakes, fires, wars, neglect, or outright confiscation by civil authorities. It was an amazing display. I'd estimate that 90% of the art was religious. I was able to learn many of the symbols which are included with various saints. When looking at art from the middle ages or rennaisance, it become easy to identify particular saints because they are usually depicted with specific symbols. Some of the symbols are the instruments used to torture of martyr them, or symbols associated with thei ministry. For example, Stl Paul is usually protrayed as bald, holding a book and a sword. St. Peter is always holding keys. St. Catherine of Alexandria hoking a book and the wheel with knives used to execute her. St. Cecilia is usually shown with a small pipe organ. The list is endless. Seeing these in the all the art of this museum helped me to learn all these symbols. By the end of the tour, I was able to identify the saints without reading the labels. <br />
<br />
I visited the "Opera di Duomo". this museum is dedicated to the construction of the Duomo and all its subsequent improvements and renovations. There is a tower nearby that offers a spectaculare view of the city and wurrounding areas. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgdEn9FVDMphwVU-MIJ8nQxT0WJjxnrYdY5G_HtzesSKTp6jYH_nmTDNamQ7RfSwD2qfCJou8kYyhT8-DNQ319D52dXly5ShUnTy61o3aRxReZC8ZT_KnneZelU0PItb9KqJyV-aDywg/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgdEn9FVDMphwVU-MIJ8nQxT0WJjxnrYdY5G_HtzesSKTp6jYH_nmTDNamQ7RfSwD2qfCJou8kYyhT8-DNQ319D52dXly5ShUnTy61o3aRxReZC8ZT_KnneZelU0PItb9KqJyV-aDywg/s400/050.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down onto the Duomo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N5toDLR3mKSckif4tfwSAXoN0nh3Mk7LYLpIbMng0Tqf2nMehjOVRZSiDMk6oFlenV-SDgS0h8EadJ_WSRRzL4TmeifM3oD8YvWipnQ-ybueDkQAve4-TcEYHMOcKwGHCyhlfumBFhc/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N5toDLR3mKSckif4tfwSAXoN0nh3Mk7LYLpIbMng0Tqf2nMehjOVRZSiDMk6oFlenV-SDgS0h8EadJ_WSRRzL4TmeifM3oD8YvWipnQ-ybueDkQAve4-TcEYHMOcKwGHCyhlfumBFhc/s400/054.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across the rooftops of Siena into the distant hills of Tuscany. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BOBVLMZgro9CJEHvkRTtsfpQpo1zrYd-z_b2CGzgXNr3CvuxzCL-oZTFQ774t3CdhbS0Yf2GUJ8_VbqD6vBFxP-R9HlV7ARuITdJz3E6h6LDxqFm5zJd91w3Thq9gSplquyCgmAeo_I/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BOBVLMZgro9CJEHvkRTtsfpQpo1zrYd-z_b2CGzgXNr3CvuxzCL-oZTFQ774t3CdhbS0Yf2GUJ8_VbqD6vBFxP-R9HlV7ARuITdJz3E6h6LDxqFm5zJd91w3Thq9gSplquyCgmAeo_I/s400/057.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into the Piazza di Campo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi9diKanxR88Cl9KFWRRHMklbKBUwuQOslEh-FrFtluJzd_kUthkxBLCz127Dms01hZeAl629rzr7UWy9eaaxvuc8SDzgL7TqPbmuTcfIMg1WbA4IVpJu3_3Owf86AqujlRIEB40Qosg/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi9diKanxR88Cl9KFWRRHMklbKBUwuQOslEh-FrFtluJzd_kUthkxBLCz127Dms01hZeAl629rzr7UWy9eaaxvuc8SDzgL7TqPbmuTcfIMg1WbA4IVpJu3_3Owf86AqujlRIEB40Qosg/s400/058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the duomo with a bright blue Tuscan sky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFHA5xF0T2KsjodDNSwvPWTDwu7QVmc95B2x5tHsnYQ5TFqtZjBB69kK7Ms_UY_WKaHyfdOuy9m0KxXpbmlwyYMwm4iNxoFmg5ujSkJraA3x3AxaQTH2S9TmEYfglCPruAE_NMvTS4sc/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFHA5xF0T2KsjodDNSwvPWTDwu7QVmc95B2x5tHsnYQ5TFqtZjBB69kK7Ms_UY_WKaHyfdOuy9m0KxXpbmlwyYMwm4iNxoFmg5ujSkJraA3x3AxaQTH2S9TmEYfglCPruAE_NMvTS4sc/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking class tonight. Are we sipping the wine or pouring it into the food?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9mSxG38qexFaXoFbU-y779tV3X7oSDhvn5_hSGfcqIsDJgBw7mtn0RGpOKUQHNCE7mey2vuLx0cu3S4D3wuVQqzZocgzRLG2Hvoj4gWPupcN8_r8Xn-3_C6JW0-OeFNYjXQyUPL_ZJw/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9mSxG38qexFaXoFbU-y779tV3X7oSDhvn5_hSGfcqIsDJgBw7mtn0RGpOKUQHNCE7mey2vuLx0cu3S4D3wuVQqzZocgzRLG2Hvoj4gWPupcN8_r8Xn-3_C6JW0-OeFNYjXQyUPL_ZJw/s400/070.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilling vegetables.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBO7tLVA5WlQh8L8IKYc9WYoOy-vCUgi-jLXMRuURiBgvBboMDhqUkj26-U1t8BQEIOhxwT3GWJzMIN_6DJivKPxNNVMoIkWipTq8GNHxSfA9_LhKJfhhlhcvFd6SUW7qxk5HSrYj0_c/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBO7tLVA5WlQh8L8IKYc9WYoOy-vCUgi-jLXMRuURiBgvBboMDhqUkj26-U1t8BQEIOhxwT3GWJzMIN_6DJivKPxNNVMoIkWipTq8GNHxSfA9_LhKJfhhlhcvFd6SUW7qxk5HSrYj0_c/s400/072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My job was sauteeing chicken with mushrooms and onions. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MSwtRK87ONtUDSpLi1CXvvZgspqyfZ9IvkzafAg5ZMuUt9n7MgHxccCOZ4-socluNxQk1DNbWwl_dpkT8jglfCJgC7gpnNjlCNAStyythtKlpHvZoCB3z3-F7bengs-WXubudh6uAz0/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MSwtRK87ONtUDSpLi1CXvvZgspqyfZ9IvkzafAg5ZMuUt9n7MgHxccCOZ4-socluNxQk1DNbWwl_dpkT8jglfCJgC7gpnNjlCNAStyythtKlpHvZoCB3z3-F7bengs-WXubudh6uAz0/s400/074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baked caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarela, bread, and arugula. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOrzd4f5vDpLtu6QLOJwYGJi0tq-aMU8_1UVgt5uE1ciNpxhOuYIwZYKyE2mS8cnCUgsEHJ_GTpesxjsTfyjRrdNtmhAjz_vHCOfHbrBV9BYilhsDa48ZoLZU1kW_wXDh9fCN-_YoC7M/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOrzd4f5vDpLtu6QLOJwYGJi0tq-aMU8_1UVgt5uE1ciNpxhOuYIwZYKyE2mS8cnCUgsEHJ_GTpesxjsTfyjRrdNtmhAjz_vHCOfHbrBV9BYilhsDa48ZoLZU1kW_wXDh9fCN-_YoC7M/s400/075.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Feasting on our creations. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tomorrow morning, Friday, I leave Siena and return to Rome for one night. On Saturday, I fly to Marseille to meet Bob and Inez Roy. I will spend 5 days with them. When they leave to return to the states on Thursday, May 26, I will leave for my 35 days of travelling through France. <br />
<br />
So for tonight its, pack bags again, get a good night sleep and head to the train station in the morning.<br />
<br />
Buona notte a tutti.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-76551873765944463622011-05-17T16:35:00.002-04:002011-05-19T16:36:56.863-04:00A beautiful day in Siena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>With 5 course dinner and wines last night, this morning was a sleep in morning. But there was plenty of time to go exploring the city. <br />
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First stop was the basilica of San Francesco, which I was not able to enter yesterday. Everything closed mid day and siesta and all that.<br />
<br />
I arrived at about 11:00am and walked around the church. There was a Mass at 11:30 so I decided to stay to offer up the Mass for Joe Martino's mother. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDnJ4xwNfgad-Dd7gcFElP7s4jals_KjjJvuzxpHbLPLFNildVoLp6sBMLLzKck6HC4aR77l182ipGjNsgSWj6NquJeQbIj3enDny-1ryL9z1YVYtUYujz3EZIS_eMNmdY8J6uzl9t9E/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDnJ4xwNfgad-Dd7gcFElP7s4jals_KjjJvuzxpHbLPLFNildVoLp6sBMLLzKck6HC4aR77l182ipGjNsgSWj6NquJeQbIj3enDny-1ryL9z1YVYtUYujz3EZIS_eMNmdY8J6uzl9t9E/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of the San Francesco basilica is simple, even austere. With a mix of rennaisance, baroque and even some contemporary works of art, it is a very serene space which speaks only of spirituality and prayer. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After Mass, I went back to the center of the town to the Piazza di Campo. With the sun shining, people were lounging around the huge piazza and taking in the warmth of the late spring sun. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlTPh03Ytz3gaaWPBG9ERkYUSxfAREwKU2_VtAm5nSp8NlO1LQD3YW2MMebm3KWfjobe9bj0fZvJX70hgK38gKMWjMgkXfuBsvhHpuZTP17ilZfdZksxWEtONxk71EjH9s4zU9N7l-RA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlTPh03Ytz3gaaWPBG9ERkYUSxfAREwKU2_VtAm5nSp8NlO1LQD3YW2MMebm3KWfjobe9bj0fZvJX70hgK38gKMWjMgkXfuBsvhHpuZTP17ilZfdZksxWEtONxk71EjH9s4zU9N7l-RA/s400/002.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the piazza with its medieval tower and Palazzo Publico. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a nice lunch of Caprese salad and a glass of wine, I headed over to the Duomo. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp0IePnfR-Rv24es1JtbS8Qx5Uh3gpllqeq3o7krykTgpAJ4tjNDiZQj2TbsnH3WzLhDHRFZZFpS0s-53WmeiSlXlIS1ZMiuKuxaRD79z1radJovbSaRfMjVQ4laC49BkUm5MXgt93eQ/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp0IePnfR-Rv24es1JtbS8Qx5Uh3gpllqeq3o7krykTgpAJ4tjNDiZQj2TbsnH3WzLhDHRFZZFpS0s-53WmeiSlXlIS1ZMiuKuxaRD79z1radJovbSaRfMjVQ4laC49BkUm5MXgt93eQ/s400/036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The combination of clouds and sun today really lit up the duomo to reveal all its beautiful colors. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIT-vm1iK6rNoFMsDc-zo8j5jxbH_FICKMcXm4VZaVFGIFE7zVU738iiHAuNZ7Vvlh62pstyQnFnp-I5xOOlqNWJdduNfV7IqYe-c1LLByg6OWuAe6liT1P1-G12pilUIXNHfhz4tUWQ/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIT-vm1iK6rNoFMsDc-zo8j5jxbH_FICKMcXm4VZaVFGIFE7zVU738iiHAuNZ7Vvlh62pstyQnFnp-I5xOOlqNWJdduNfV7IqYe-c1LLByg6OWuAe6liT1P1-G12pilUIXNHfhz4tUWQ/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the facade using a feature of my camera I didn't know I had. I thought I only had 3x zoom. Apparently it has a 12x zoom. There should be some more amazing pictures as time goes on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK6BG1R2VJNt37yXzSAweBlHR6Guy8ziBfhasTI7989XnlnMxbs7JRWcEDnmxIcp0FiNISr8kKaUEusBPgurqhlvKZhO4ct4wwcqHzQ-wOmzNsemkbIQTsUAds03itxOLSfU-Vh92eoc/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK6BG1R2VJNt37yXzSAweBlHR6Guy8ziBfhasTI7989XnlnMxbs7JRWcEDnmxIcp0FiNISr8kKaUEusBPgurqhlvKZhO4ct4wwcqHzQ-wOmzNsemkbIQTsUAds03itxOLSfU-Vh92eoc/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaic os the crowning of Mary, Queen of Heaven, on the highest peak of the duomo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are about 40 pictures of the interior of the duomo. I won't be able to post them all. Here are a few highlights.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbwDpzbBd3K1KhP3tIL_U5f22fVHvLLyiHlAVSDKGIbNObt9Wuj2zdAl-_wK6g9BB02Ch_JRuvqgi5XqcFhBj2jGpiBdIdIJu3FRdWwe1gvi9UsiXeHLM0a50heB9ByrkWlwoP6hHA58/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbwDpzbBd3K1KhP3tIL_U5f22fVHvLLyiHlAVSDKGIbNObt9Wuj2zdAl-_wK6g9BB02Ch_JRuvqgi5XqcFhBj2jGpiBdIdIJu3FRdWwe1gvi9UsiXeHLM0a50heB9ByrkWlwoP6hHA58/s640/005.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the altar. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8jtQRwuXKWG-0RboqV5fjuTZYZi2QppmLPIJUxZAgAZrRepvsoc25yCJMHlI6ooq0FGZH3cPUAPd9woClBaNL4QmjcsYJBm2YsY-GsNExUea2WmCYDGLKIBDrLJo_ULCv51lsNh28to/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8jtQRwuXKWG-0RboqV5fjuTZYZi2QppmLPIJUxZAgAZrRepvsoc25yCJMHlI6ooq0FGZH3cPUAPd9woClBaNL4QmjcsYJBm2YsY-GsNExUea2WmCYDGLKIBDrLJo_ULCv51lsNh28to/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A detail of the floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvSIqRuOiIYgz-41DBsvKhsRYlHMi-l9M8DLaLf5h3cj7UHOXwQ5UIf6bD6yyuK4SAGFgjrb9wBB0DmCUVj05iSHmvo1g5F2T66cJUjCXRTJbf9YEipPmRHtdd075KMYW2mgE8-cae_0/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvSIqRuOiIYgz-41DBsvKhsRYlHMi-l9M8DLaLf5h3cj7UHOXwQ5UIf6bD6yyuK4SAGFgjrb9wBB0DmCUVj05iSHmvo1g5F2T66cJUjCXRTJbf9YEipPmRHtdd075KMYW2mgE8-cae_0/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another detail of the floor: The slaughter of the Innocents in Bethlehem.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYB5XbmZp3xtkMy9jCXZ1tnWEJ65ekR_msCGNCH0wTkmhCRe6hQGNVTkqJCGiQ_ToNTTFwX738J4Av2qplatyHWZ2ZwDrmYLrYa2ojI5bqOQZ3A_uwApeUmWmJvtKGXueRhlFlzHIawM/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYB5XbmZp3xtkMy9jCXZ1tnWEJ65ekR_msCGNCH0wTkmhCRe6hQGNVTkqJCGiQ_ToNTTFwX738J4Av2qplatyHWZ2ZwDrmYLrYa2ojI5bqOQZ3A_uwApeUmWmJvtKGXueRhlFlzHIawM/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another image of the floor. This Basilica has one of the most unique floors in all the cathedrals of Europe. The marble of various colors was scored and a black epoxy type material filled in the grooves to make the images.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJExA837VDALrDluVIVGVe2cykdFUucRHPo53MXJ2TokHl-MkGo-Vot_fvpQXztMpJ-f3tpsaoVV9HAqkNF6xWu7jihkn_nUrPKeyIhIEdWzBo54Rg1r_qPnzFu27St72m7YbsuGlipy0/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJExA837VDALrDluVIVGVe2cykdFUucRHPo53MXJ2TokHl-MkGo-Vot_fvpQXztMpJ-f3tpsaoVV9HAqkNF6xWu7jihkn_nUrPKeyIhIEdWzBo54Rg1r_qPnzFu27St72m7YbsuGlipy0/s400/020.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of St. Jerome by Bernini.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYJ-FiWY2qr_9DxaAPo8vKeLBI0MDR39UG9Obe6IvDjhTW1NfO8yx0SY35Ypn9Ubg9ufZ7UzHROjRrzcqvG1sgAw_2QuJO4SDPQgcI-vyFJfWr0v17-PmUlmI4PakRhHSf5pB3UGd9CE/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYJ-FiWY2qr_9DxaAPo8vKeLBI0MDR39UG9Obe6IvDjhTW1NfO8yx0SY35Ypn9Ubg9ufZ7UzHROjRrzcqvG1sgAw_2QuJO4SDPQgcI-vyFJfWr0v17-PmUlmI4PakRhHSf5pB3UGd9CE/s400/021.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Mary Magdelene by Bernini.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCexWklo5qxOJpBb10OPBuPgHCLiH_zAnvZVgnntSiizu8GDnfhONh1pvhfkiz6lvWUAkPkiCaWY4pDyNv6mI1E4KGCPH3jtPYJGYO1aD0NZNKMchwyIteTNh6NpBU_EZfO1uNldBJBhM/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCexWklo5qxOJpBb10OPBuPgHCLiH_zAnvZVgnntSiizu8GDnfhONh1pvhfkiz6lvWUAkPkiCaWY4pDyNv6mI1E4KGCPH3jtPYJGYO1aD0NZNKMchwyIteTNh6NpBU_EZfO1uNldBJBhM/s400/012.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Picolomini" Chapel, built by Cardinal Picolomini to house the library of his uncle, Pope Pius II. Cardinal Picolomini would become Pope Pius III.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVommyAWhdnW1b_iorz6TIA9YqSRLWeGpI7XY30rS83IECqlu0QCTsS__ckSaTtcEGKo1bVhSaI_9j4WSXv-AFm86Y5FiE_1yupGtAFd-jZq1nJjRKzHH5xxW9yyhIWaubnoSG1tX6PLo/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVommyAWhdnW1b_iorz6TIA9YqSRLWeGpI7XY30rS83IECqlu0QCTsS__ckSaTtcEGKo1bVhSaI_9j4WSXv-AFm86Y5FiE_1yupGtAFd-jZq1nJjRKzHH5xxW9yyhIWaubnoSG1tX6PLo/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frecoes in the "Picolomini" Chapel showing scenes of the life of Pope Pius II.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCUVSdW_lDObctVwi_sZ85aM3Ifj2-i8bKKghhyGFSB0ryc_pXxsSpj-otD6DpKPOyis9UcwV9Dg_F2u1PylM1itJQJTxVsI9eabYI3PSxoDWK4jB6FeScxtl1MIinowQpGWvqtY4vmU/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCUVSdW_lDObctVwi_sZ85aM3Ifj2-i8bKKghhyGFSB0ryc_pXxsSpj-otD6DpKPOyis9UcwV9Dg_F2u1PylM1itJQJTxVsI9eabYI3PSxoDWK4jB6FeScxtl1MIinowQpGWvqtY4vmU/s400/011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of John the Baptist in the baptistry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccNsbgS7PCNoplh8YH2HNNhyphenhyphenBX-5FfvxjTs0X8z5xAUzRmiiY07apXDO_AA2VAHW7XgtpEiVBSEyq4xX_HVxjhVJGEkmnjU-mcjO9pfnkclg4i1aO2SmglHikHZlyTsrgt3gjpE7-YNc/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccNsbgS7PCNoplh8YH2HNNhyphenhyphenBX-5FfvxjTs0X8z5xAUzRmiiY07apXDO_AA2VAHW7XgtpEiVBSEyq4xX_HVxjhVJGEkmnjU-mcjO9pfnkclg4i1aO2SmglHikHZlyTsrgt3gjpE7-YNc/s400/034.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the nave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIO7I3OXdrNGBlntdu7C18gUadjTqUCy8hE-AmbB-wXJzMDpbQMeyKrP-9kkNol7FMmY2yxsnhPp_yckajngH3iXrrRPqu4m1jpafoFS0kZTMCY8c3-8SCSoo9Yt-KgDditwEtB-a5mwg/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIO7I3OXdrNGBlntdu7C18gUadjTqUCy8hE-AmbB-wXJzMDpbQMeyKrP-9kkNol7FMmY2yxsnhPp_yckajngH3iXrrRPqu4m1jpafoFS0kZTMCY8c3-8SCSoo9Yt-KgDditwEtB-a5mwg/s320/031.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of 5 pipe organ cases in the Duomo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Leaving the Duomo, I headed back to my hote. I took a route I had not taken before and crossed over a bridge which passes over some other city street. I saw a wonderful view of my hotel with the Church of San Domenico rising above it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk2QsuDZ0t0VvWcQI79ldX5uxGQFQMwv_psrRTfISHN7sDXyNu5KAHB4z74YNBIKbdLuTkq4jsNd6RcRUJeh3RHiUaG0uVTTbDsIm6z5ascVuVkVLzL132On0HFEFbXMKnbBp1pamNi0/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk2QsuDZ0t0VvWcQI79ldX5uxGQFQMwv_psrRTfISHN7sDXyNu5KAHB4z74YNBIKbdLuTkq4jsNd6RcRUJeh3RHiUaG0uVTTbDsIm6z5ascVuVkVLzL132On0HFEFbXMKnbBp1pamNi0/s400/041.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hotel Alma Domus where I am staying is the building just above the trees. My room is the second rounded arch from the left. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtW4typTcb1AFFE4eyL7AytUhgs_jKUgrGKPITehQLXRXYEN46Yv1R7CASZIT1rXzT9cembAG7_mOXQFQwzEgT_x2ZuShazJ2kO4sNhmbMO22n-QTbmQEdnnxgomrbzwG16pLR31Gt68/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtW4typTcb1AFFE4eyL7AytUhgs_jKUgrGKPITehQLXRXYEN46Yv1R7CASZIT1rXzT9cembAG7_mOXQFQwzEgT_x2ZuShazJ2kO4sNhmbMO22n-QTbmQEdnnxgomrbzwG16pLR31Gt68/s400/043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The setting sun offered some amazing light against the city tonight. I took this photo a short while before I headed out for dinner. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Another restful morning tomorrow, back out to visit a couple of museums and another evening of cooking classes. <br />
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Ciao everyone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-19124410543286894272011-05-16T17:53:00.000-04:002011-05-16T17:53:20.808-04:00First Cooking class tonightI had a wonderful time at the cooking class tonight. Seven people in the class. Mike and Ellen from Toronto, Canada; Pam and Denise, from Michigan, Patricia from Texas, Paritosh, (call me PK), a 14 year old boy from India, and myself. <br />
<br />
The menu:<br />
<br />
Bruschetta con Pomodoro<br />
Pappa con pomodoro<br />
Pici al sugo di carne<br />
Arista di cinta senese con patatine arrosto<br />
Ricciarelli con Vino Santo<br />
<br />
Here are some of the photos. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmCNKrHmxljtjzaO0V0zWkozPf9Ro3oYS8c2KXVWwOY9Y_JcYfSPerl-LjVqP5bC8Qt47_Hmb_HtQfI8Xqi-9vuY0ytivssD4ok18ltePLiEhLyDuOHGFRtQv_sIQEEJTbbTRDuGX5y8/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmCNKrHmxljtjzaO0V0zWkozPf9Ro3oYS8c2KXVWwOY9Y_JcYfSPerl-LjVqP5bC8Qt47_Hmb_HtQfI8Xqi-9vuY0ytivssD4ok18ltePLiEhLyDuOHGFRtQv_sIQEEJTbbTRDuGX5y8/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left, Lella Cesari Ciampoli, the owner and instructor of the cooking school, and to the right, Jackie, English translator and sometimes sous-chef.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1A-takAmvhgeOXoZ8dBDY4TDWkvN5wgBw0a7rJxHEVekedheNGIoid9H0YBkZPLv-7fI5eL5tJNW3W2m32pkWIeozb7fn1sWG7aaMsx7snM5U2nK0De4EX1_yXdRZwVFFkhoKdaP-tF0/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1A-takAmvhgeOXoZ8dBDY4TDWkvN5wgBw0a7rJxHEVekedheNGIoid9H0YBkZPLv-7fI5eL5tJNW3W2m32pkWIeozb7fn1sWG7aaMsx7snM5U2nK0De4EX1_yXdRZwVFFkhoKdaP-tF0/s400/044.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the Pappa con Pomodoro, a tomoato soup with garlic, olive oil, two or three day old bread, and tomatoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gPCWleAgLrUxVHmWeg2L6SpLj1s_cS-AvyFWWensaiI2lRxc-giySleTZ0KadK3D0Ls2_3wIH-co6YsrOm4otpN1sscjXudQUpNpz7vUTVjlLZSol36BvDWctaIrvUOSvhJZy5I1H10/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gPCWleAgLrUxVHmWeg2L6SpLj1s_cS-AvyFWWensaiI2lRxc-giySleTZ0KadK3D0Ls2_3wIH-co6YsrOm4otpN1sscjXudQUpNpz7vUTVjlLZSol36BvDWctaIrvUOSvhJZy5I1H10/s400/036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lella poking a hole through a pork loin which she will then stuff with herbs - rosemary, sage, parsley, and garlic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYgkmcoQci-IApLDUc5-Zm8HWplDU4RdWNqRRbhJSFw7Oi9mWqp5qhmD552jZE6-ql1b_uh4pb5W3ecsqGWkv8MI6l4nSb_rAQ5iWN0sJS-45GQmNQonvAJY7KRcjxLwy5R71g1kz1-4/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYgkmcoQci-IApLDUc5-Zm8HWplDU4RdWNqRRbhJSFw7Oi9mWqp5qhmD552jZE6-ql1b_uh4pb5W3ecsqGWkv8MI6l4nSb_rAQ5iWN0sJS-45GQmNQonvAJY7KRcjxLwy5R71g1kz1-4/s400/053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the dough for fresh Pici, a traditional Sienese pasta, a thick speghetti, but made with only a combination of Yellow semolina, white flour, water and salt. Making the "well" on the counter to form a ball of dough. Knead it for 15 minutes. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnKADLgOpWXL-NJ2fYKh9xj7cFZANd-2ueM4yIBp4uZjRlo82OyuLABOYck1gWTZBWy2GlDXs4WkTeT6L0q5Snpu4hi70LJJFLpCYIanjHv0u7Yq0BbgmPH4zAcMT4aQ_RZAxsp7WC30/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnKADLgOpWXL-NJ2fYKh9xj7cFZANd-2ueM4yIBp4uZjRlo82OyuLABOYck1gWTZBWy2GlDXs4WkTeT6L0q5Snpu4hi70LJJFLpCYIanjHv0u7Yq0BbgmPH4zAcMT4aQ_RZAxsp7WC30/s400/056.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kneading the dough ball. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4SoffP_fQVARxyN4DIbflWULlQfhbX22JfQY9rgL721-pXnmJX5VMu4q_K7zrEosbl1g3V89odduqxmTF_FgUkgSQQICtuQi2vXivWkyTHdAfXGR6z4y0ZUatITXYqjsnrOvTy4x3fc/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4SoffP_fQVARxyN4DIbflWULlQfhbX22JfQY9rgL721-pXnmJX5VMu4q_K7zrEosbl1g3V89odduqxmTF_FgUkgSQQICtuQi2vXivWkyTHdAfXGR6z4y0ZUatITXYqjsnrOvTy4x3fc/s400/068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand rolling the dough. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg_MyIv30VncL7lWPwOuBD4UtBv0rBq9mBIYJsIh5zH8aV7Pq5M3w1QpXoyjWD3czdELq1eaaJMephR3lER-jiFLoIzfpKtz3pDg5xzGkmq25exgKvnpe-cgHCGbQ9JEB52GjXHCN8JY/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg_MyIv30VncL7lWPwOuBD4UtBv0rBq9mBIYJsIh5zH8aV7Pq5M3w1QpXoyjWD3czdELq1eaaJMephR3lER-jiFLoIzfpKtz3pDg5xzGkmq25exgKvnpe-cgHCGbQ9JEB52GjXHCN8JY/s400/059.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First course: Bruschetta con pomodoro e basilico. Tomatos and basil on grilled bread.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU4DkjpdGEtW1-dC2rV7hMAcSjuBBfznFCe3MDspXi2YwxSMXnd4fxRRg7aslXzOQ5BQq7Be7DudcyLtBbiVBm7Zyvnj8wD52rG847GIxrOvGZg2JmksUdIEKP3eDZNM8SrdernyBpo4/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU4DkjpdGEtW1-dC2rV7hMAcSjuBBfznFCe3MDspXi2YwxSMXnd4fxRRg7aslXzOQ5BQq7Be7DudcyLtBbiVBm7Zyvnj8wD52rG847GIxrOvGZg2JmksUdIEKP3eDZNM8SrdernyBpo4/s400/073.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand rolled pasta laid out before boiling. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEY2oetlB7G1yST5fAjgOxAJ00E20lJA9U0iptQYtwr0IH75aeviM57gYGcJZqudwxNPBTHNBcmhyphenhyphenayzomMlBKpNX3QFUZZlfT_7lGJxLegxOwMC3HH5LK7aeQrT2fYqvbd3LJBFmPFgo/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEY2oetlB7G1yST5fAjgOxAJ00E20lJA9U0iptQYtwr0IH75aeviM57gYGcJZqudwxNPBTHNBcmhyphenhyphenayzomMlBKpNX3QFUZZlfT_7lGJxLegxOwMC3HH5LK7aeQrT2fYqvbd3LJBFmPFgo/s400/074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pici al sugo de carne. (Pici pasta with meat sauce)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbcWd2KbIUMBcH1tZpfqVxvksdU5esFHx1aPIfN7_Wdoe-QJx4M-oBB51BwjeLXTSuBuVDq18dPQxfeFp-k1UX8ik-e5sR8ctV2PVib8aJE1jZOg4uSI6PZrdOcmYMPS95xuK8LHxbU8/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbcWd2KbIUMBcH1tZpfqVxvksdU5esFHx1aPIfN7_Wdoe-QJx4M-oBB51BwjeLXTSuBuVDq18dPQxfeFp-k1UX8ik-e5sR8ctV2PVib8aJE1jZOg4uSI6PZrdOcmYMPS95xuK8LHxbU8/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam and Denise peeling potatos: the start of most good meals. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59KLQFUYttNHQDeBDQ6U-2bUtvmUYP_JUVnPyssFrep-VUS2xfNuS5ZUPmfJTVZyxYNp-42iP9j9ASZwmsoWM-1Nv1k4vGC1EarS0oJzvhIIUWUtypcNMdne4f-uPdO505ywz8f6vHKk/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59KLQFUYttNHQDeBDQ6U-2bUtvmUYP_JUVnPyssFrep-VUS2xfNuS5ZUPmfJTVZyxYNp-42iP9j9ASZwmsoWM-1Nv1k4vGC1EarS0oJzvhIIUWUtypcNMdne4f-uPdO505ywz8f6vHKk/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike and Ellen rom Toronto rolling pasta dough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC5_KNUFY9Hj8y2w3PC_Op9PpWRMYlZZOa5FTCKh1YrNDPfWXIZ9cg-kBosHFEliIiRAGrye862qB5jV4QBmfMkmkQyh-oETaQ0Ju_vezEkSFW982stid131ndzDWlBMBwTLwaU2K5WI/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC5_KNUFY9Hj8y2w3PC_Op9PpWRMYlZZOa5FTCKh1YrNDPfWXIZ9cg-kBosHFEliIiRAGrye862qB5jV4QBmfMkmkQyh-oETaQ0Ju_vezEkSFW982stid131ndzDWlBMBwTLwaU2K5WI/s400/077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricciarelli: almond cookies eaten with vin santo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn9tlXnBIp-AimWjdKmVgbXFdKhwRns7IkXCqR6yR1Z4t26oohBAUeWqo9S_B2p5dFbJPmFBqZoSXLspAvzhO6oy85iob_khPPXWG2DE39kj38Ieym3lnrbwko1MlJyOP8eQK1WIiIjg/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn9tlXnBIp-AimWjdKmVgbXFdKhwRns7IkXCqR6yR1Z4t26oohBAUeWqo9S_B2p5dFbJPmFBqZoSXLspAvzhO6oy85iob_khPPXWG2DE39kj38Ieym3lnrbwko1MlJyOP8eQK1WIiIjg/s400/075.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group dining of the feast we prepared. Husbands who dropped of their wives joined us for dinner. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had the morning and afternoon to myself to go into Siena to explore again. Here are a few pictures from around town.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx6qh-SDXpD68HBsnaqsYOK_2bxoQl3V9q7NGbrXI-ukGeYf30SeQmBuIjGMwdnadCVfBFg0jjotOdY4Sof_Dm32Y6YRnQvG0rlvuyHdzqPFvvxI9XDM5eJD6Qch5133H_xnrRXJXoU8/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx6qh-SDXpD68HBsnaqsYOK_2bxoQl3V9q7NGbrXI-ukGeYf30SeQmBuIjGMwdnadCVfBFg0jjotOdY4Sof_Dm32Y6YRnQvG0rlvuyHdzqPFvvxI9XDM5eJD6Qch5133H_xnrRXJXoU8/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the duomo. There will be pictures of the interior soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-uVRW2mb-Qpq9HLhxCWFnYE5S32m473Qj6SQBPKHaRhKM2vF4wvPWN9lGMoz4y3vUdk_JtTEusWM_bzYGqcEv0KmX7aHiLIeKTpgxEoaT0vBM5WT0-heHEmSYfJb3Gmmi0tY8GNIumI/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-uVRW2mb-Qpq9HLhxCWFnYE5S32m473Qj6SQBPKHaRhKM2vF4wvPWN9lGMoz4y3vUdk_JtTEusWM_bzYGqcEv0KmX7aHiLIeKTpgxEoaT0vBM5WT0-heHEmSYfJb3Gmmi0tY8GNIumI/s400/027.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piazza di Campo. This is the square where the famous horse races are held every year. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tomorrow is a total day to myself. I hope to visit a few museums and poke through some the many art shops. One my favorite souvenirs to purchase are watercolors by local artists from the places I visit.<br />
<br />
For now its good night.<br />
Buona notte at tutti.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-43489882737115481152011-05-16T03:48:00.001-04:002011-05-16T03:49:46.654-04:00In SienaThe boat ride from Ischia to Naples, then the train ride from Naples to Siena went without any difficulties at all. <br />
<br />
I arrived at the Hotel AlmaDomus, a former convent at the site of the birthplace of St. Catherine of Siena. Again I have limited internet connection, hence the delay of a couple of days. Also, I won't go into any lengthy instruction about St. Catherine. You can google that on your own. She is one of the women Doctors of the Church, and her role in returning the papacy to Rome in the 14th Century after nearly a century exile in France, is not insignificant.<br />
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Siena is absolutley charming. It is a typical medieval hillside town crowned with the Cathedral. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5sE_Epi3obe1dPd1da3lxMqxbru0gYx-bSTxe6PFINXlbuHgp_VLRgR6E5jxjmuTkaZK_m2t-RhdBHYlsn_13Gki9P0Wcb5Ic7bijSNVPPnj-ansxSAx3c_Qy0YP7A7ZxAZ4krhP-1M/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5sE_Epi3obe1dPd1da3lxMqxbru0gYx-bSTxe6PFINXlbuHgp_VLRgR6E5jxjmuTkaZK_m2t-RhdBHYlsn_13Gki9P0Wcb5Ic7bijSNVPPnj-ansxSAx3c_Qy0YP7A7ZxAZ4krhP-1M/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view from my little balcony at the Hotel AlmaDomus. The cathedral, or duomo, as they are called in Italian, is in the upper right. The tower over the rooftops is in the main square of the town. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilipEG887tThPT0Uv0IfDfxFFTtoErqwWYhrPZMpEiK-_rlFRcU7UbHsx6cXBpElkmQi8LLJbFpG25JgWB1xz7WnE57wTx2NmPrxXlCKEWKU6IbCiLI41dTjlFtYKMuCp5gwtarmPbNAE/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilipEG887tThPT0Uv0IfDfxFFTtoErqwWYhrPZMpEiK-_rlFRcU7UbHsx6cXBpElkmQi8LLJbFpG25JgWB1xz7WnE57wTx2NmPrxXlCKEWKU6IbCiLI41dTjlFtYKMuCp5gwtarmPbNAE/s400/006.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the main piazza in the city. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfF9K7rQiRCuIF1VBVHQ29HrpjQfLV40-7TL6x3DjwPexscMTMb6CaD4rUsWByS1O406N5DnI4vuQeRaXb_xhXi6GlmvTrjBhqbwVVups-9P_67VzV0V9N2tVoXWka6DwwH31ha_mbrk/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfF9K7rQiRCuIF1VBVHQ29HrpjQfLV40-7TL6x3DjwPexscMTMb6CaD4rUsWByS1O406N5DnI4vuQeRaXb_xhXi6GlmvTrjBhqbwVVups-9P_67VzV0V9N2tVoXWka6DwwH31ha_mbrk/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the apse of the Church of St. Domenic just above my hotel. I attended Mass there yesterday. The brick construction shows how many of the churches looke before they are covered with the marble tiles that are so distinctive with the churches of Tuscany. I have not made it up to the duomo yet. Sunday it rained most of the day, so it was a really relaxing day. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk8te9yK93IyhyLdky1Nx67HqzqyLQssU07xf2KwGE-tNquHntBUvtSNuPAs4p4cacgIY8S8LZpafUIxOktA0xU2fY21JSNJ-ROlMSV8qsKmhclhUwX3OYQ2cMzNp5MzNuUvzXpibZAs/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk8te9yK93IyhyLdky1Nx67HqzqyLQssU07xf2KwGE-tNquHntBUvtSNuPAs4p4cacgIY8S8LZpafUIxOktA0xU2fY21JSNJ-ROlMSV8qsKmhclhUwX3OYQ2cMzNp5MzNuUvzXpibZAs/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Siena side street. The litttle door and sign to the right is the entrance to a tiny restaurant. From that doorway, you descend a flight of stairs to a tiny courtyard with 3 tables. Inside there 20 place settings. Here are the dishes I had last night for dinner. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GGUGW5MBOGWvbto83IIdUnjrW8pNxsfgoh2lIk-KXq1V2EK8MT8wjLsCxc4I9S21o-_eZwb0yqljVbOq0MlaH3eQuz1dErU7huliZUWfGSSbR9uzhVCDxW36p-YmNlCyvpoO-D5RFQA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GGUGW5MBOGWvbto83IIdUnjrW8pNxsfgoh2lIk-KXq1V2EK8MT8wjLsCxc4I9S21o-_eZwb0yqljVbOq0MlaH3eQuz1dErU7huliZUWfGSSbR9uzhVCDxW36p-YmNlCyvpoO-D5RFQA/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little appetizer: Misto di Salume</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmg_LSRKc2JjTrOCuUmxPfQOKVhmAI-GBAwfKx6RWt7GZF0HGMHI4usdLPcXr6vXXe6SgrEGsfa62F689lBl-AvmFzOIErHB6u_iERdKeN4AWUf6kcBE64gW1VRj7ImFOOLIOl7PpxKw/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmg_LSRKc2JjTrOCuUmxPfQOKVhmAI-GBAwfKx6RWt7GZF0HGMHI4usdLPcXr6vXXe6SgrEGsfa62F689lBl-AvmFzOIErHB6u_iERdKeN4AWUf6kcBE64gW1VRj7ImFOOLIOl7PpxKw/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pici al Ragu Senese. Pici is a Sienese pasta, thick square shaped pasta, made in house. The sauce is a beef and pork tomatos sauce. A good introduction to my three days of cooking school. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCYizKwRxKgOLCFpn_S8VTNNzp2e6GOUvYl5RTcRZIcnqSawbsgXnX_Sb31nL6XoEtMJdTuguRQgKh_KP4Exchd1r_YPl1EZ0MB-1rjihF-p0wpMnaucyFG_2olQ8Q_Bgeq6FhxPRVsY/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCYizKwRxKgOLCFpn_S8VTNNzp2e6GOUvYl5RTcRZIcnqSawbsgXnX_Sb31nL6XoEtMJdTuguRQgKh_KP4Exchd1r_YPl1EZ0MB-1rjihF-p0wpMnaucyFG_2olQ8Q_Bgeq6FhxPRVsY/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday morning in the rain. The cloister of the Domincan monastery next to the Basilica of St.Dominic provided a quiet time for some prayer before Mass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaiWgVpo5069wswOOpMQuQGiMs9HMnol8412Ipv3UcPBcadvtIPmHwatJYTvWWsPmJt2kkTXGErQdkFe_CYdRTwGBrT4a5wTmSPtu1yP7p-fbLvWJp8k7GR7U6r7M8DQio94DLZBElBk/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaiWgVpo5069wswOOpMQuQGiMs9HMnol8412Ipv3UcPBcadvtIPmHwatJYTvWWsPmJt2kkTXGErQdkFe_CYdRTwGBrT4a5wTmSPtu1yP7p-fbLvWJp8k7GR7U6r7M8DQio94DLZBElBk/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loggia of the church built on the site of St. Catherine's birthplace and home. The former convent building which is my hotel stands behind the loggia to the right. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ3D4o5ZLBggKNk-cmrtt57T8vLfbwJNNeHjKheya6SFQ7DZ1qXRBv0aDpQxrFVhMWSnxvovePsXsPiowzS_c6cUw4ygNCbwfyKzQr1Zkz0QzCKaAz6K1_89aSq7vuuY35gcY9tJgqP0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ3D4o5ZLBggKNk-cmrtt57T8vLfbwJNNeHjKheya6SFQ7DZ1qXRBv0aDpQxrFVhMWSnxvovePsXsPiowzS_c6cUw4ygNCbwfyKzQr1Zkz0QzCKaAz6K1_89aSq7vuuY35gcY9tJgqP0/s400/009.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The convent chapel at the Sanctuario of St. Catherine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz1WaL8khZvK51KBU9IMhREbGUM3NeTpOgFLPyqvSAYyxvUlwrdPSaEYcubH3wcS_VuoB_wXP193qIOCif1_aLc_e25AAggvPj-4Zv9FJANW3lE2wJe1lXV_5QUWbbz80zc1F1WuZ1cc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz1WaL8khZvK51KBU9IMhREbGUM3NeTpOgFLPyqvSAYyxvUlwrdPSaEYcubH3wcS_VuoB_wXP193qIOCif1_aLc_e25AAggvPj-4Zv9FJANW3lE2wJe1lXV_5QUWbbz80zc1F1WuZ1cc/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another morning view of the duomo from my hotel room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tonight I take my first cooking class. I have to be at the class at 4:00pm. <br />
<br />
I decided to post the blog this morning because many people are moving in and out of the hotel. I thought that there would be fewer people on line at this hour. The computer is in fact working faster right now. Today I want to visit the duomo, and the attached museums. <br />
<br />
I hope I can cook and take pictures at the same time.<br />
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CiaoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-31850883078864997192011-05-13T17:26:00.001-04:002011-05-13T17:33:34.021-04:00Our Concert tonightIts my last night on Ischia. Our concert which we prepared for all week was this afternoon. I wish I had a video camera to show you all the music that we made today. As it is, I have video of the Mozart piece that we played. But because of the very slow internet connection here at the Hotel Grazia Terme, I will only be able to download the video in the future. But to be sure, its coming.<br />
<br />
It is 11:15 PM. I still have to pack and then catch a taxi to the port tomorrow morning to catch the ferry in time to get a taxi to get to the train station to catch the train to Siena. I arrive on Saturday afternoon. I have all day Sunday for myself. The cooking classes begin on Monday. Hopefully I will have the time and the bandwidth to up load the movement that I was part of.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I have made some wonderful friends, some of whom live close enough to Massachusetts to get together once in a while to make some great music. Here are a few pictures from the concert. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwe9Z5FE9P_MPrDcqgyEOHpbxaPPE-EiG1SmxVK0sp0-6cRC-hrf_inp84_Vj31W_TZRTGhpMF1SoMIZkjKTIheTHTdumdaoPHlLui2aAhREdjWzLTTSiC-K9HBvX7XhOKCqEbNsEFBk/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwe9Z5FE9P_MPrDcqgyEOHpbxaPPE-EiG1SmxVK0sp0-6cRC-hrf_inp84_Vj31W_TZRTGhpMF1SoMIZkjKTIheTHTdumdaoPHlLui2aAhREdjWzLTTSiC-K9HBvX7XhOKCqEbNsEFBk/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The string quartet from University of Pensylvania who performed in the the church of San Giuseppe in Frango last night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-QuhMOS-O-1_hIjSIJrnn0QvxxJD7F_TweGJVwBCHWhVulDbIE35w8dY9Wm7IrcFoPGISUYDZd2UMSxAi59UbSxdEVbqtLWZleqhiIrBiQ80sy937isizEYrn_w5dvkb940VPHiJ3T0/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-QuhMOS-O-1_hIjSIJrnn0QvxxJD7F_TweGJVwBCHWhVulDbIE35w8dY9Wm7IrcFoPGISUYDZd2UMSxAi59UbSxdEVbqtLWZleqhiIrBiQ80sy937isizEYrn_w5dvkb940VPHiJ3T0/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aldo de Vero, Director of the Ischia Muwsic Festival; Shane, Kathleeen, Olivia, and Chris, Students of University of Pensylvania; David Yang, Director of the Chamber Music Program at U of Penn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1D8LjDy8GqPZcnsccII2-YmeGS4K222ZRGuXd8O5x-H9O05mSZiH8OKEgU-XLHoPQduaegonXFe2w_GS7LoEHeZyuJJPlgxLwD0nwNtvZyktFEuwnzkmuryxWVa6feexJfHVKQ2a-ms/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1D8LjDy8GqPZcnsccII2-YmeGS4K222ZRGuXd8O5x-H9O05mSZiH8OKEgU-XLHoPQduaegonXFe2w_GS7LoEHeZyuJJPlgxLwD0nwNtvZyktFEuwnzkmuryxWVa6feexJfHVKQ2a-ms/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group playing a Haydn String Quartet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYDZ6-zWTFZ1RVzkErjN9rNVp_sfk114kxZRlDcp3NkfEC1s0pfakdIG2T-JZgCC9hk93i3yUwR4UsaMAbyijCqw-8WooyrhtiWmkdqD2dCeIm9nk3SVaOrjWt-I2brAagcIfSyXDslc/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYDZ6-zWTFZ1RVzkErjN9rNVp_sfk114kxZRlDcp3NkfEC1s0pfakdIG2T-JZgCC9hk93i3yUwR4UsaMAbyijCqw-8WooyrhtiWmkdqD2dCeIm9nk3SVaOrjWt-I2brAagcIfSyXDslc/s400/026.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our whole group posing after the concert today. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_8FIpi-c6zeAxX65qAKr3fa_nLIZucTFH8ZCXtgDMD9v9Gvjo_JFpPMNe0iLdFNIN3qx8M9RGhoCsUq2G3o7HVUNkFzWVbLcq2vRavZJifeDCoCbjtCKJhWPS9uAjlHVOE8_PztaG1I/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_8FIpi-c6zeAxX65qAKr3fa_nLIZucTFH8ZCXtgDMD9v9Gvjo_JFpPMNe0iLdFNIN3qx8M9RGhoCsUq2G3o7HVUNkFzWVbLcq2vRavZJifeDCoCbjtCKJhWPS9uAjlHVOE8_PztaG1I/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">University of Pennsylvania Quartet. Chris, Kathleen, Olivia, Shane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Short posting tonight. Stay tuned in the next couple of days. Anticipating a better internet connection to relate a more complete picture of the week's events.<br />
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CiaoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-8691995527216495602011-05-09T16:09:00.002-04:002011-05-09T16:15:18.639-04:00Into some serious music-makingI woke up to the first rainy day in a long time here in Italy. But that's ok because I knew it was going to be an inside day, rain or shine. I was almost glad for the rain. <br />
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It was a very busy day today for music. All three of my performance groups met. Luckily the easiest and the least challenging one met first. It gave me time to get the fingers limbered up, stretched and ready to play the tough stuff. <br />
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The next two sessions were a tremendous amount of work but I believe I made some real progress in my chamber music playing. We are getting to the point where we are turning notes into real music. There was a lot of extremely technical criticism that was offered by the coaches. I was worried that my lack of experience was holding back some of the very experienced players, including one of the ivy-league student musicians. But he was receiving almost as much advice as I was. <br />
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One of bit of advice that was offered was a change in some of the fingerings of a particularly tough passage that I just could not get to sound properly. Correct fingerings means literally choosing which fingers will play which notes and marking the musical score to insure it is played properly. It is important in the "ergonomics" of playing to enable a pianist to play musical phrases, bring out a melody, accent one note over another, or to position the hand to be in the right place on the keyboard at the right time in order to play very fast passages with the least amount of wrist or forearm motion. Changing the fingerings that I had practiced for a month meant relearning portions of the music. After our coaching session, there was little time for the pool today. It meant practicing to prepare the music for tomorrow's session. I may need to live with these changes another day or so before they set in. <br />
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During a free hour, I was invited by one of the Israeli participants, a clarinetist, to play an arrangement of Georg Fredrich Handel pieces for clarinet and piano. It was a good time. I video recorded a portion of the session and will post it here if I have any success downloading it onto YouTube.<br />
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From the nearly thirty works being prepared here, some will be chosen to be included in the public concert this Friday night. I was told by one participant today that every person who wants to perform will be included in the concert.<br />
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I am going to try to download the video I took. I have posted my blog tonight and I will return to it with the video when I manage to download it.<br />
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Good night for now.<br />
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P.S. Here is the link to the hotel and center I am staying in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hotelgrazia.it/">http://www.hotelgrazia.it/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162141297152856909.post-54677739472192396132011-05-08T16:46:00.002-04:002011-05-08T18:03:54.206-04:00Another Great Day of MusicToday is Sunday and I awoke wondering how I would get to Mass if at all. The bottom line is - I celebrated Mass in Italian for the first time. Here's what happened. I made the walk from my hotel to the performance center which requires that I go past the small church in this village. At 8:30 as I was going by, the doors were already open for the 9:00am Mass. I was scheduled for a music rehearsal and coaching session at 9:00am. For me to change that would have required the directors to change the schedules of 25 other people as well. So I entered the church and was directed by a little old lady in the back pew to the "sagrestia". There was the pastor in his chinos and t-shirt and sandals. (Part of me is really glad to be outside of Rome.) He spoke only Italian. So we did the best to communicate. He invited me to concelebrate the 9:00am Mass with him. I explained that was not possible. He asked if I wanted to return later to celebrate Mass myself. I asked him about noon time. He stepped out of the sacristy and called an elderly gentleman, Vincenzo, to come in. He asked Vincenzo to return later to open the church, and set up the altar for me. I returned at noon and found everything ready, including the Italian sacramentary and lectionary. So I began the Mass in Italian. Knowing the words in two other languages was how I got through it. Signor Vincenzo stayed with me, did the readings, and served Mass. Just the two of us in church. Asked him aftewards, "Mio Italiano? Bene?" He just shrugged his shoulders, gestured with his hands and just said "Eh". So that was my first experience with Mass in Italian.<br />
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Now the music program. <br />
<br />
I played chamber music with any kind of proficiency today for the first time. I have done a great deal of accompanying in the past, but that is about supporting a soloist. Chamber music means that you are part of an ensemble and you are not neccesarily subordinate to the other instruments. It requires a great deal of listening, non-verbal communicating, and understanding what everyone else is doing.<br />
<br />
I am meeting some very interesting people. There are participants from USA, Netherlands, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Israel. I also learned the the director, Mr. Aldo DeVero and his American wife have just purchased a home in Falmouth, Mass. He will be back in the USA to play some recitals in August. Aldo did the coaching today in my groups for the Mozart Trio, the Haydn Trio, and the Mozart 4 hands Sonata. Also mentioned to the Haydn Trio group that this was my first time playing chamber music. They said they would never have guessed that because they were very comfortable playing with me. But I know I still have a lot to learn.<br />
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I also have met a professor, David Yang, from the University of Pennsylvania who is coaching the strings. There is a string quartet made up of some his students who are here with us. The student violist is performing with me in the Mozart Trio. David Yang also directs a chamber music festival in Rockport, Mass every summer. I'm sure I will be back to hear him perform. He also told me he wants to expand the Rockport concerts by touring other areas in eastern Mass. There is a chance that St. John Neumann could be hosting a chamber music concert at some point in the future. <br />
<br />
These chamber music festivals happen all over the world. I think I have discovered a new reason for traveling. As I am getting to know more of the participants, I am getting invitations to travel to play music. There are three paticipants from Israel. I had dinner with them this evening. We talked about my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They want to come to visit and we will play chamber music and to see other places in Israel.<br />
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I've hesitated to get too many pictures of the groups playing. They are working hard and I don't want to disrupt their rehearsals by entering the room to photograph them. But I will see what I can come up with. I'd also like to video some my own sessions. <br />
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I complained about the internet to the owner of this facility today. He asked me how everything was going. "All is going well, but your internet system is very inconvenient", I said. We chatted a bit about the issue and all seems well tonight.<br />
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I have three coaching sessions tomorrow, and its midnight.<br />
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Buona notte a tutti.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com