October 31, 2002 - Page 2

From Normandy we traveled south to the impressive, if irrationally located, abbey of Mont St. Michel. Per the instructions of St. Michael one millennium ago, Bishop Aubert of nearby Avranches built a church on an oversized boulder in the Atlantic tidal reaches dedicated to the archangel himself. While the project must have been a nightmare for medieval builders, the result is nothing short of a dream for the thousands of modern tourists who visit every day.

After stop two on the whirlwind tour of France, my two fellow travelers (who shall remain unnamed to protect the last shreds of their dignity) decided to tuck tail and run back to Strasbourg, presumably in search of their pacifiers and blankies. Unfazed, I continued on to the town of Tours, giving myself a guided night tour of the local chateau and—you guessed it—cathedral before journeying the next morning to the chateau at Chenonceau.

This rural palace built across the Cher River was unlike anything I had ever seen outside Disneyworld, and well worth the extra day of travel before returning to Strasbourg and the stressful decisions regarding what beautiful and historic location to visit next. No condolences necessary; I fully realize how difficult my life is and am prepared to shoulder the burden. See you in Holland this weekend.