Sorry its taken me so long to update. I started this entry and got discouraged with the daunting task of retouching photos and uploading them. But here it is…

Phew! We made it back in one piece. So we rented a car and yes, it was like riding a bike. Manual car, no problem. 

We headed out to the Loire Valley a week ago and two of Brandon’s co-workers joined us. 

What’s in the French countryside? Chateaus…lots and lots of chateaus. The French really knew how to live it up.

First stop - Chateau de Villandry. Villandry was completed in 1536 and its formal gardens were added by the current owner’s great grandfather in 1906.

Then it was off to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. The chateau was closed for lunch when we got there, so we were able to explore the town a little. I felt like Belle from Beauty and the Beast walking through these provincial towns…I had to keep myself from bursting out into song. :D

Had lunch in town and then after dessert and un cafe we were off to the chateau.

Next up Château de Chenonceau.

Brandon as a fountain…

It was the end of the day…we were getting tired. :D

My chateau.

I found Sally’s bedroom.

The grounds were absolutely gorgeous. Man, the French really know how to do it up nice.

The following photos are courtesy of Brandon’s co-worker, and awesome photog, Kim.

The chapel inside the chateau.

Happy travelers.

Where’s Helen & Brando?

haha…can you see us? :D I don’t know what I’m doing in the first two frames… stretching I guess… chateau-seeing is hard work!

Well, I started the car and shifted my way from Paris to these chateaus and back again…only stalled once…ok, twice. Great weekend, the rain only found us once as we were touring the chateaus.

That’s all for now. Piggy signing off. Oink! Oink!