Another trip to France! This time is for Marilyn and Bryan's wedding. Marilyn and I have known each other since elementary school in Taiwan. Coincidentally, our families moved to US within a period of 6 months in 1986: mine to Colorado and then later to California and Marilyn's to Missouri. Marilyn was always the class president/ valedictorian
(班 長/模範生) so it wasn't a surprise that she became a heart surgeon. We have lost touch with all of our friends from elementary school so it was special for me to make it to her wedding... all the way in France. Well, it is perfect timing as Syd and I are living in Italy this year.
But, before we greet the beautiful bride and her groom, we visited Angers first. We didn't realize at the time but this trip turned out to be an orientation of French castles.
Chateau d'Angers is a neolithic royal fortress built with black and white rocks dating back to 14th century. It is constructed on a rocky promontory overlooking the river Maine for military defense yet it has a beautiful garden (must be planted recently for tourists). The most fascinating display of the castle was the Apocalypse tapestry (completed in 1382). It depicted rich details of the last book of the bible and it is the oldest surviving hanging of the size: 100m long x 4.5m high, with 70 scenes.
Yeahhhhh, our next stop was to Marilyn and Bryan's wedding castle (
Chateau de Challain) in Challain la Potherie. The neogothic castle was a private residence of a count and countess who hired a very famous architect (known for the Louvre extension) from Paris, Louis Visconti. It is currently a B&B and hosts wedding receptions (http://www.chateauchallain.com/).
The chateau was breath-taking! The outdoor surrounding consisted of gardens and a lake while the interior was decorated with antique furniture and marble tiles/ stairway/ sculptures. However, the wedding reception was even more amazing! We joined Marilyn, Bryan, their family and friends for rehearsal and wedding dinners. The chef who prepared both dinners was exceptional! I had the best French cuisine in my life: scallops, lobster, steak with foie gras, and duck. Every dish was extremely
delicious that it was emptied in minutes. All the guests were so thrilled by the chef's cooking that Bryan (he's a consultant) is now working on getting the chef and his family to America. The chef has sold his restaurant and wants to move to either America or Australia. I hope Bryan can work out the details so Syd and I can fly to Florida to enjoy the amazing cuisine again.
I've never attended a small and personal wedding reception before. This reception (~ 30 guests) felt intimate because everyone chat with one another. Marilyn and Bryan really get to spend time with their guests... very different when Syd and I had 160 guests! More importantly, the bride and the groom get to eat... very different when I only had 2 bowls of soup for the entire night while Syd missed his wedding cake! :(
This was the first time I met Bryan but immediately I knew why he is perfect for my dear friend: his sense of humor and fun attitude towards life. Marilyn has been 'perfect' throughout her life but it also has occupied a lot of her time instead of having fun. Now Bryan can make her laugh and show her to slow down and 'smell the roses'. I'm very happy for you guys. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan and Marilyn King!
Chenonceau Chateau, our 3rd castle in France, is near Tours. Syd's college friend, Sera, had recommended this castle to us when we visited her in Bordeaux. This unique castle was built on top of a river in the 16th century. King Henri II gave it to his mistress, Diane De Poitiers (a duchess), as a gift. The duchess managed the castle like a business: drawing up a list of the premises/ properties and rent them out to make profits. She was also a great designer since she laid out the gardens of the castle that were among the most modern and spectacular of the time. However, after the King died, Queen Catherine De Medici requested the duchess to return
Chenonceau and then lived there herself.
The most unique room in the castle to me is the Gallery which is the hallways on top of the arch. It was first used as a ballroom, then during WWI, it turned into a hospital with different services (huge kitchens were located downstairs). Furthermore, during WWII, many people went through the southern door of the Gallery to the FREE ZONE for freedom while the castle's entrance was in the occupied zone.
The last castle on our trip was
Chateau des Baux, a ruined castle in Les Baux, near Avignon (South France). Les Baux is a small village (pop. 422) yet picturesque since it is set atop of a rocky outcrop. My college friend, Dawn, thinks this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. We also stayed at a B&B recommended by her which was crafted out of the rocks. Very cool! :)
So overall, we had wonderful experiences to France. My only complaint is the cold weather on this trip because 1) we didn't prepare for it (only had T-shirts, shorts, and a light jacket) and 2) I couldn't take pretty photos with lavender and sunflowers since they were already withered. :( But we had great French food! I was so excited and pleased to found
Ratatouille inside a crepe! Double bonus for me! Here is a proof of how happy Syd was with a
plate full of cheese. :p
the water and my companions are hikers... so I was 'forced' to hike to a church way way way up on a mountain to celebrate my turning of 25. :p (Yes, that IS the church we were going for!)
