MACRON, MICHELIN AND ME

We are staying in a 13th century Chateau which “many people consider the world’s finest.” That’s the quote from their book in honor of their 800th year. It is complete with moats (now filled in with grass), wall towers with openings still in tact where canons were fired at marauders, a Michelin star restaurant with really overpriced, beautifully “decorated” precious food that’s good not fabulous and the smallest pours of wine imaginable.  Maybe an ounce. (Bad internet but it’s a bloody castle!). It’s the kind of place where the French couple next to us, up for the weekend, spent as much on a bottle of champagne and wine than our entire weekend cost! BUT it’s also the kind of place where another guest, French, came up to us and said (talking about our anti-Trump buttons) “I thank you and all of Europe thanks you.”  We’re practically sleeping in the fucking button!

Between the surroundings, setting, beautiful gardens, 360 views, and yummy local wines (we’re in the Beaujolais region)  and the actual Chateau. I could live and die in our room. Tonight is our last night.  Did I mention the 160 cherry trees, bursting with fresh cherries?

There’s also a spa, but I actually feel weird using it. Why do I need to relax in a spa? I’ve been on holiday for six goddamn weeks! There is only so much indulgence my guilt will allow.  However, you may have noticed I’m a long way from self-deprivation. If you ever need to rational any expense, talk to me.

We’re 45 minutes outside of Lyon because we’re catching our flight to Bologna tomorrow from Lyon. The hill towns are absolutely magical. We’ve been dozens, each one more amazing and charming then the next. Places with names like Saint-Laurent d’Oingt, Oingt, Theize, Fayence, Pommiers and the larger town of Villafrance, where I set off looking for a mobile phone store only to find them closed. It’s Monday! ALL of these towns are center around churches. Again with the churches! Although I took pics of the outsides, no more going inside. I’m so over churches. I can’t relate to religion at any level. Its fine with me if people believe, but since I don’t, why spend more time in religious institutions? I just end up aggravated.

It’s VERY hot and, of course, no air conditioning. I’m NOT complaining but it is amazing how the older I get how much more difficult I find heat.

It’s also so interesting being here when there is a major election going on. France has more women in its cabinet than any other political cabinet in the world. People openly talking about socialism, communism and red-baiting! And the questions people ask and the answers others give are so much more informed than the average American who we see interviewed on TV or in the papers. Younger people in France are also making real inroads into politics in France which adds to the enthusiasm here.

And listening this morning to the BBC after the terrorist attack on a mosque was incredible. Each and every person they spoke to on the street, Muslim and non, conveyed such empathy and solidarity. The TOTAL opposite of what happens in our country.  As far as all the terrorist acts that have taken place since we left, it’s more I blame them all on the Orange Mental Midget. He truly has polluted the world.

Oops. Have to go. Our bedtime chocolates have arrived!

 

 

 

Room with a view.  The wedding had just ended so we weren’t able to crash.

 

Jim, far right) after checking out the church.