when every traffic light is where you come across rouge noir When you see all [1] Then you just have to sing ...
"Parlami d'amore Marius" DOLCE and paddies.
SUMMER COLLECTION 2008 [2] Chronicle of a trip to Paris and the Loire Valley
(14 to 20 July 2008)
07.14 MILAN - BEAUNE-BOH?
Our news
vague begins on the day that celebrates the anniversary of Bastille Day (July 14, 1789), or pad, one might say
[3] ... actually this Tour de France
opens in an atmosphere of utter confusion and uncertainty to begin with apostrophe's mother Sylvia and Marcia, mistaking it for the hostess ("Excuse me, but she is driving the screed?) . Shortly after, I and the other we find that the direct bus full of people to other destinations, such as Provence and the Benelux. It will be the right vehicle? What's more, we do not see Michael, and therefore we think that has joined the walkers of Alsace and Lorraine. Just while we figure grappling with the Normandy landings and navigation of the Norwegian fjords, that's our traveling companion is "picked up" in Como, definitely piqued because returning from a wait of about an hour in the pouring rain: now there are only on our bus travelers, tour of Paris and the Loire castles, while the other fell at the first roadside restaurants: go!
now know the "true" companion, Michela, hereinafter identified as "Michelle" to avoid confusion with our thoroughbred Lecco. Her name was Michelle, but it was French
[4] , Ungaretti she would say, but more Tuscan than ever, I would add, and in fact his lovely Gorgias resonate happily during these seven days. First we present our "Tirzan", that Marius, the bus driver, and then compare with 27 angels who will soon soar over the Loire.
The sky is gray and gloomy, but Michelle sure you have booked good weather from the border on, and almost believe in a pee stop
[5] the other, as a shy sun works its way in the vicinity the Gotthard tunnel. Meanwhile
know the neighbors place on the powerful means of transport: in particular, our attention is caught by a boy seemingly innocuous intent in a cultured and refined conversation with a seemingly innocuous middle-aged lady
[6] , which will be soon a terrible retired teacher, Wollj (the name says it all), able to subjugate everyone with his relentless chatter.
"But will stay together?" We ask ourselves, ignoring the advances and the eyes imploring help from our new friend, Alberto, the first victim of this talkative character.
The journey is still long, and Michelle did not miss an opportunity to illustrate the history and legends related to the lands that we pass, like that of William Tell, Switzerland.
"What makes you think of Alsace?" Asks us point blank at some point.
"The Lorraine, "I respond in chorus and other teachers of history, fresh enable SSIS. But the correct answer was: 'wine'.
between a stop and the other we also know that Claudia is immediately revealed a real expert when it comes to winning, competitions and holiday - premium and a pleasant companion tour, so come on in the evening in Beaune, a small town in northern France, waiting to be discovered.
Beaune. Boh? What will be special about this place from just high-sounding name? Roundabouts, for example. Exactly. Roundabouts you ride in a car, intentionally spectacular and perfect in every detail by our master gardeners natives. But
Beaune is mainly green and tranquility. We realize it during the night walk through the streets of downtown. Silvia, in particular, is looking for homes. And how blame her? These are the main monuments, ancient architecture worthy of being reported: overall, the visit is pleasant.
15/07 LOIRE FINALLY!
Our tour begins with a visit to the Castle of Chambord, the Loire but is still far off: the arrival is scheduled for early afternoon, because there is an entire region to be crossed (what a beautiful word, cross!) Burgundy.
window covered by a succession of landscapes vaguely reminiscent of Tuscany, sweet and hilly areas dominated the green fields and white cows: Burgundy is a dream to a life of quiet el'anelito unhurried, even as Michelle points out, explaining that local residents are foreign to the frenzy that characterized the big cities but prefer the old traditions and contact with nature: they know how to really live Burgundy!
'Guys, we stop for a pee stop. "
"But if we are gone, we still do not run away." Poor Michelle ... In addition to our trouble, it also faces a pair of middle-aged, unable to see out the window the mistletoe, which is typical of these areas, which she duly noted.
"This is the mistletoe, on your right. Did you see that? ". Useless, as they turn the other way, and pretend that Marius came dangerously slow on the highway to satisfy their curiosity. However, I can guarantee you: Burgundy is a region rich in lime, and frankly I
entangles if they do not believe it!
we come to the Castle of Chambord, rightly a World Heritage Site, after passing a huge park, with lots of forest and gardens.
The castle, built in 1519 by Francis I, but lived there only a handful of days a mockery of fate, is described by some stunning figures: 156 meters long, 56 high, 426 rooms. You also known for its double spiral staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Here, where everything is huge and can overwhelm, but with great harmony, we know the first "Guido
[7] " bizarre character, who is not content to tell the story of the bordering areas, but the aim of become more involved, arrogate to each of us very specific roles, related to the great personalities of the past who lived in the castles of the Loire.
So, if I am Catherine de 'Medici, the magnanimous monarch who intervened in a crucial way in the balance of European powers in the sixteenth century, my husband Henry II, alias Albert, a little child' braggart of Francis I. If I understand it, Silvia, the Marchioness of Plum, is my mother-in-law or so, while Claudia and Marcia recall ladies courted by handsome poets. The most dangerous, however, is attributed to Michael, who plays Diane de Poitiers, a clever courtesan who not only puts a strain on my marriage, but even tries to take possession of my chateaux: help!
many thoughts torment the soul of a lady! I try to distract myself admiring the noble features of the river Loire, which gently frames Orleans at sunset. In fact, we arrived in the city that gave birth to Joan of Arc, the Maid able to shake the British during the Hundred Years' War (1337 - 1453), before being sentenced to death by his own countrymen.
And a conviction rests on us, wretched Maid and Maid of Orleans, forced to listen to the show singing on the bus to a lady of the group, Want
[8] , which sings a heartbreaking lament entitled
My friends . "Who gave her the microphone?" Someone asks. The voice is not bad, but could sing something more cheerful, because the public is very demanding, we are or are not the noble kings of France?
7.16 ESPRIT DE NOBLESSE
Today is the turn of three magnificent castles: Blois, Amboise and Chenonceau. E beyond. It is also the time in the hotel, early in the morning, Want to laugh at and husband, repeatedly blocking the elevator door they entered, to prevent them going down to breakfast.
At the end of our favorite singer has the upper hand, and on the bus, direct to Blois, we can not help but listen to songs and jokes are not funny, with lots of explanation to those who had not understood ("Well, it's over : At this point you should laugh ...») and clumsy attempts to imitate the Apulian dialect, resulting in an awkward
vinculated . But it Salento or
simple past? All in all
Want to have hit the mark with its neologisms, because Today we all feel more vinculated, ie friends, carefree fellow journey full of enthusiasm for the day ahead, so that there are those who would like to join our merry band ... it is not Wollj, Opposite missed the bus, which now look resigned with reluctance, but with an original dark lady
fan of Japanese manga, which nicknamed "Hermione", partly to give it an aura of D'Annunzio, in part because physically reminiscent of the actress who plays that role in the Harry Potter films.
Albert invited her to sit with us in "pigeon", that in places the bottom, but, after a fleeting conversation with the heir of Francis I, Hermione leaves us unexpectedly back in its place, disappointed and enraged, finally setting aside the idea of \u200b\u200bjoining us. So I wonder: Alberto, but what do you do for women?
I should be aware, since at the castle of Blois continues the saga marriage of Catherine de 'Medici and Henry II, in which we are protagonists thanks to the descriptions and improvisations usually staged by Guido, who does not hide the details related to more inappropriate private lives of the two sovereigns.
Blois Castle is also where I, Alberto, Silvia and Marzia lose track of the group, because of my personal habit in front of a magnificent throne
[9] Without too many regrets, because even without a guide, we can see the most famous painting of the castle, which depicts a girl covered with a thick hair, suffering from a serious illness.
[10] When traveling between a castle and the other we hear that our Guido belongs to a noble French family, until recently owner of a castle, lost due to a lawsuit failed. This explains many things: the tone at times angry and haughty impressive knowledge of every detail concerning the life of French kings.
But here we are at Amboise, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci: the flamboyant admired until now gives way to the Italian style Renaissance, which was introduced in the Loire Valley through this building.
Reliving the events of that funny guy of Charles VIII and some bloody incidents of the wars of religion, as the Saint Bartholomew's Day (08/24/1572), visit the Council Chamber, the apartments in the Renaissance and Empire, which belonged King Louis Philippe, to finally reach the castle where I left my heart personally, perhaps because this is my house, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Chenonceau, humble home of Catherine de 'Medici! The courtyards and boundless
fairytale in which the sovereign diplomatic entertained the most important politicians of the time are a worthy prelude to the fine building, inside which is also, alas, the elegant Diana room (remember the woman from the loose morals?), embellished with tapestries. Other highlights include the kitchens and the royal chapel.
That's good to be me! Catherine de 'Medici had a personal garden, complete with a farmhouse and 70 hectares of park, ideal for those who love outdoor sports.
we said goodbye reluctantly from the Loire Valley, which preserves the flavor of virtuous knights of old, hidden treasures of inestimable value and noble beauty, we are comforted, however, by the thought of setting foot on the morrow, in what defines a city Michelle "ugly" ... Paris!
17/07 FROM CHARTRES Ibis PRE-ROMANTIC VIA PIGALLE
Chartres Cathedral, the purest expression of the Gothic style, stands before us in a cool and cloudy day, ready to be invaded dall'incontenibile group Caldana , led not only the "old guard", Michelle and Marius, but also the second "Guido," which compares the same escort to Mr. Bean for the spoken and funny ways preposterous, so that you do not understand almost anything he says. We noted, outside the Romanesque bell tower that stands next to the Gothic, and the amazing sculptures that adorn the portals of the church.
Inside the medieval gloom full of charm and mystery is confused in the light of the windows and pointed to the solemnity of the architecture. Among the most significant parts of the maze and stand out the window of the zodiac signs.
At the end of our tour would involve us in a grotesque quadrille, but personally I decline the invitation, there is no time to lose, it's off to Paris!
The bus enters triumphantly in the French capital, the ancient Lutetia, the city can give you unique emotions, and leaves us just around the Eiffel Tower. A couple of hours of freedom are sufficient groped for the arduous climb (first floor). In reality, Alberto, and Silvia Marzia not lose heart, while I'm more hesitant to do, but in the end I follow them.
On the other hand, I think, if at the last derby
[11] I got to the third ring on the run, leaving behind a horde of angry Inter scudetto party for failure, I can do it again this time.
And in fact, in no time at all, we are above, where the effect is incomparable panoramic and people, seen from above, small ants seem small. Where a € Baghette costs almost seven and half hour to wait in line for the toilet, but it's worth it. I do not know the world a monument comparable to the Eiffel Tower for its symbolic value and evocative: that other pile of junk!
The city tour continues in the company of ... "Guido III," which leads us to the Hotel des Invalides, Place de la Concorde where the guillotine once was not too many compliments, so the Place Vendôme, in which the famous Hotel Ritz (it is not, however, the hotel we booked for tonight, because we are usually intended for the Ibis). We walk
other symbolic places like the Champs Elysees, the square in the former Bastille prison and the busy Arc de Triomphe, where the cars move in a frenzied dance and decomposed, often clashing. It's good that Marius is contemptuous of the danger, and able to overcome any bottleneck, accompanying unharmed hotel. For dinner, you expect the
nouvelle cuisine and yet you find the noodles plain
clearly highlight the Ibis. We formalize and eat it all to go out again, in view of the excursion planned aboard the Bateaux Mouches.
The navigation of the Seine, in the company of a coarse colony of thirteen, maybe students of Michael, we can lick some parts of the city and see the illuminated monuments such as the Gothic Conciergerie. The charm of Paris by night
, disturbed only by the screams of young tourists trivial, culminating in the wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower bathed in blue and gold
[12] .
Yet, the evening is not complete. It's so hard to get back home in Paris ... Therefore, having accompanied some friends to the group Caldana Moulin Rouge, I take the opportunity to walk to the hotel and explore the district of Pigalle.
The Moulin Rouge stands majestically in the middle of the night, along with other local "characteristic" of the area, where Wollj, incredibly enough, it becomes ... irrepressible!
If we stroll listlessly in hotel management, so good-natured joking before the windows, and even Alberto candidly takes refuge among the rest of us pause to every Wollj local clubs and brothels, or even to enter in a shop in questionable taste to shop ... the destruction of roads bind to the point that we lose sight of in the short, and go back to the hotel without his presence.
Ah, we young people of other times, we are perhaps the most romantic ... indeed pre - romantic, since our Ibis Montmartre soon reveals his appearance
Sturm und Drang :
[13] looks ominously at the cemetery of Montmartre, where they are buried artists, writers and great men of the past.
So, at night, listening to and that of the Hoopoe
forlorn dog wandering on the going was howling and hungry [14] , take time to ponder the next day to visit the tomb of the Most poet Charles Baudelaire, and inspire a bit 'as it did in Foscolo Holy Cross ...
18/07 "Banfi A MONTMARTRE
At breakfast my desire to visit the cemetery is fed by several Italian tourists who meet by chance at the hotel.
"What! You have not yet seen the cemetery in Montmartre where he is buried Baudelaire, "an elderly gentleman in particular intimate. "You've wasted time Caldana of the Eiffel Tower and you missed the most important monument in PARIS» Judgement, making me feel ignorant and narrow-minded, while his friends nodded, chuckling. And so I plan to go to the tomb of father of modern poetry in the afternoon ... boastful. But then I did not.
During the morning we go to the Jardin du Luxembourg, past the Opera and the Sorbonne, University of worldwide fame. I almost, I think, I present here the demand for tutoring, as my tenure in the Catholic is coming to an end. And then, one need only a slight modification to my name ... Sarko ... Sarkosi to have a super recommendation!
then reach the Cathedral of Notre Dame, which is the heart of the city and is known for its sublime balance of proportions. We visit in depth the church, built between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, enjoying the wonderful Gothic structures, the rosettes and the transept. I, Silvia and Marco did not disdain even the Treasure Museum, which is worth a quick visit. It's time to
devoured : What do you think of delicious pancakes Silvietta? Nell'animatissimo Latin Quarter are the locations of all types to enjoy this dish in many different ways.
In the afternoon, after a fleeting visit to the church of San Severino, we are left with the group to complete the climb on the hill of Montmartre, where stands the Basilica of the Sacred Heart ... a walk compared to what we have undertaken to reach the Eiffel Tower! A
Montmartre is always nice to breathe the atmosphere and a bit poetic ' melancholy makes us feel everywhere and nowhere. Imbued with the sweetness of his ways, one with artists and bohemians, do not forget that here was shot one of the most representative films of the nouvelle vague
: The Hundred of shots Truffault.
After the tour, our group of "pigeon" may become detached from the rest of the group headed for the cemetery of Montmartre.
Claudia is baffled by this site, which is full of cats and silence, the hour when the day dies, but in the end comes. Outside, the clamor of the metropolis. Inside, the cats that wander among the tombs, wrapped in a ghostly light. And we, unique visitors, unaware of what lies ahead ...
Soon, in fact, we learn to be in the wrong cemetery, because, as suggested by the guardian, Baudelaire is located in Montparnasse, on the other side of town!
"Then the old man this morning, what did they see?" Asks someone. It's simple: they
Banfo would say that my students. We are scrambling to not deface, not to make scene changes. That bitterness. Consoles us, however, the vision of the tombs of Stendhal and Foucault, the first sad return to the hotel.
The evening is even more sad, because I, Marco and Silvia are forced to give up the excursion alternative dell'indomani Disneyland Resort Paris, because of uncertain weather, causing the disappointment of Riccardino, the youngest member of the group, which we would gladly aggregate
[15] .
Oh sorrow, oh shame! Finally, we learn that a gentleman of the party during the afternoon, it did not just start a riot, threatening some Gallic traders sold him not guilty of a postage stamp. All right, who are French, but ...
19/07 HIST HIST DOLCE
Hall as the Ibis. Early morning. "Hello," I turn to the crowd of gentlemen of the day before. "We, too, yesterday we were at the cemetery of Montmartre, but it has escaped the tomb of Baudelaire. Where is that
was exactly? ".
"Ah, well ... was somewhere near the other graves, can not remember ...». Nails on the wall smooth slide into ruin.
"Oh yeah? And how was it made? It was big or small? ". Alberto holds the game.
"Um, bah! A bit 'like any other, no? "The guy who cut short the day before had held a pedantic lecture on
Fleurs du mal .
There is nothing to be done. This is a full-blown
banfi . Banfi A mortified that the purpose of my visit, debase poetry, art, and why not, the deeper reasons that dwell in the human.
The desolation for the crime fades considerably before the palace of Versailles, an absolute masterpiece, the archetype of elegance and grandeur than boundless. I am not referring only to the famous hall of mirrors, where he would attempt a waltz without due time, if it were not for the bellicose Japanese tourists who crowd the rooms, but also to the rest: from the apartments to the gardens, everything is luxury at Versailles, awe, triumph of Baroque and Rococo.
observe the stairs recalling the recent film about Marie Antoinette,
[16] the glutton who ate croissants, pastries and other delicacies.
The park of the palace is a veritable museum en plein air; therefore decided to go on the train, because the time available is not much. In short we are at the Petit Trianon, the village of Marie Antoinette, a gift of Louis XVI, who, according to historians, he turned to his wife in this way: "You love the flowers: Well, I have a bunch to offer ... Trianon is this small. " Well, now that I think, but I like the flowers ...
The train makes a stop right near the Petit Trianon, and disaster happens there: among the passengers also Wollj salt, coming from nowhere.
make every effort not to show us, confuse the Japanese, but our efforts are thwarted by his ever-watchful attention: Wollj sees us and sits down beside us, looking at all costs to start a discussion.
So here is that Michael looks into the void, I speak with Marcia, Claudia pretends to sleep, play with my mobile Alberto, and Silvia has a great idea: "Why do not we go down to the next stop and we make it to walk to the bus?" . Silvietta cunning. As Arsenio Lupin. But it is not enough. Wollj following us off the train, and, defeated, and all together we head reluctantly to the bus.
The ride is short, we must extend the hand without losing sight, but when you least expect it, Wollj mysteriously disappears. We turn and we do not see anymore. We wait a few minutes, but he really did late at this time Michelle will stand in front of the bus stamping. So we arrive to the meeting place and we alert our guide. Wollj of even the shadow. All
mobilize: Michelle tries to get on his trail, would Want to sing a song of encouragement, Marius switches off the engine, a Baghette Alberto bites, when behold Wollj, accompanied by the roar of relief of those present, is revealed in front of the bus . Moreover
is furious, because, in that, we would not have expected, when she was announced (?) That he was turning to go to get a brochure on Versailles.
"And I'm not able to find it, the brochure!" he says, visibly angry, accusing disproportionately: for one thing has not warned anyone dell'inopportuna deviation, and still we wait for a while '... In short, Wollj, fully understand the fear about the situation, but you can not blame this for a simple misunderstanding ...
And then, on the bus, Silvia does a noble deed, worthy of a king's musketeer, cedendole your brochure. At this point Wollj is happy and peace restored.
We go then to the Louvre, we see only from outside, and then organize our free afternoon. The first goal is the Saint Chapelle, one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art has produced.
The monument is located in the palace of the Cité, which also includes the Conciergerie, and currently houses the Palace of Justice. Built between 1242 and 1248, it had an important religious function was to house the relics of the Passion of Jesus
Now I wonder if it took only a few years to make the most emblematic monument of the Gothic, because today's workers there bring life to renovate the façade of my house? Doubt destined to remain unsolved.
wait long in line with the inevitable Baghette before reaching the counter.
The others did not have the right even at the reduced rate, while I can even get free, posing for an Expert in - assistant art history, and showing the card SSIS, not at all relevant, accompanied by some scholarly quotation. The ticket, exhausted, was forced to yield. €
Zero, but it was worth it. Seriously ... enter the Saint Chapelle is really exciting. It will be for the splendid architecture, will be for the blue of the time or the ancient murals of the chapel below, will be to the astonishment you feel when you enter the upper chapel, beautifully enhanced with stained glass windows, created specially to give the impression of reach the heavenly Jerusalem, in a blaze of light and color, but this is my favorite place in Paris, along in Montmartre.
Then we head to Saint Germain des Pres, a Romanesque church, which boasts the oldest bell in Paris, and chapels dedicated to Saint Anne and Saint Genevieve. From that area, to return to our Ibis, we must use the subway. This is a disconcerting experience because we are crushed like sardines for at least a dozen stops in the throes of a frenzied crowd of French and ready to elbowing here and there. It would be rather inconvenient if at this moment to remind them that the Italian national team defeated the blue
the latest European football, in addition to the infamous World Cup triumph of 2006, I agree, and I look forward to returning to the surface, almost regretting the Milan subway, "Cadorna Cadorna" and everything else. In the evenings
ominously foretold the escargot, which I try to feel a bit '
Pretty woman, but the bogeyman is resolved in a stalemate, so you just have a visit of Montmartre for a night walk, we are still in time to fill the eyes of this wonderful city, because the view from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart embraces the whole of Paris, and is framed by a full moon, which stands gracious and eloquent on our last evening in France. Adieu.
20/07 VINCULATED TO END!
The day of the reluctant return to Italy begins soon, very soon, soon ... too soon. When facing such a long journey and rough, it is appropriate to get up early in the morning, although the numbness generally not conducive to our lucidity is why me and Claudia, after loading the luggage on the bus, we head to breakfast in 'wrong hotel, under the mocking eyes and satisfied Wollj, which in recent times has taken us a bit' dislike.
Fortunately, there is Michelle, always ready to return to the right path, counting the people to be secure and do not miss anyone or deal with some lady who, alas, suffers from the bus (or perhaps the cries of Want?). What we vote for? Pour me
The Same!
[17] As in a dream now wake up next, we run alongside various landscapes and numerous cities: Vezelay, famous for its abbey, Fontainebleau, which is located in an important castle, and Basel, the Swiss resort very attractive.
Towards evening we arrived in Milan. Here we are. Other than pastries. When we have bread, eat the cake
[18] , but there will be a next time in France, I'm sure. Maybe to try the tarte Tatin
, or to live in the cozy Burgundy as Russell Crowe, star of the film
A wonderful vintage, which we saw during the trip.
love to go. Maybe even just to get in the cemetery "right" in spite of all
banfi smelling of Freudian slips. There will be another opportunity.
so I'll see you sooner or later by Marius [19] .
