France

We have been here just over a week and the memories of the the flight are slowly fading - emphasis on slowly.
The single greatest disaster on the flight over was some turbulence which precluded the service of hot drinks. That, needless to say meant caffeine in its native form was unavailable. Mild headaches ensued but they lifted once life returned to normal.

We had a few lovely days in Paris and saw the usual suspects - none of which disappointed. Here is view from our hotel room, in the distance is the Seine, to the left Notre Dame Cathedral (not visible in this photo) just an 8 of 10 minute walk away.
There seems to be desire to beautify, note our flowerbox - they are everywhere and there is not an air conditioner in sight. I can only conclude you are forbidden to ruin the exterior of these beautiful buildings by installing anything as crass as a split system air conditioner.

I am struck by the chaotic beauty of the place. There seems to be no order, mostly that is probably because the streets have followed tracks centuries old.

This photo of a typical park illustrates what I mean, in Hyde Park 100's of petunias are planted in neat rows; in this park the plants are everywhere and the result is a delight to behold.

From Paris we travelled to Blois by train and took charge of our trusty steeds which we shall miss. They were a couple of nice bikes.

Here I am just 5 or so km from the end of the 200 km odyssey with our bikes. We had rain a couple of days so were reassured when we saw the kit included spray jackets. We were less impressed when we deployed them!

The end of the third day we arrived in Amboise and our accommodation saw us luxuriating in a wonderful place with spacious grounds and a pool.

We were approached in town as we spored over a map yet again, by an Italian couple who asked us for directions. We confessed our total ignorance of the local area and then conversation ensued, seems their son had worked for 3 years in a restaurant in Bateman's Bay of all places. His local knowledge proved right on the money when after asking where we were heading he looked the bikes and told us the hotel was at the top of a 'strong hill'. We can report he was not wrong- the reward the next day was to flaunt the 50 kmh limit in the descent!

Here I am, chain grease and all enjoying the view from our balcony.

Amboise is a delightful place but not a place where English is spoken in abundance. Judy was trying to get us some tap water the first night and settled eventually for Evian. The second night she was sure she had cracked it but all we got was 750 ml of another designer water.  They probably imagine she really knows her bottled water not being satisfied with Evian and demanding something else.

The language barrier had another consequence that night. Something we did not recognise on the menu but which was the only alternative to the beef we had both had the night before turned out to be just warm mackerel. At least we both got our omega 3 fatties!

This is our last night in France so may have to break my "only have fois gras every other night" rule tonight.

We agree this has been one of the best things we have ever done (even though we got hopelessly lost the first day). We have ridden through all kinds of interesting and beautiful places. Past ancient buildings, vineyards, fields of corn, wheat and sunflowers in full bloom.

Exquisitely beautiful and endlessly interesting it has been both a challenge and a delight.