Advertisement
Published: July 19th 2008
Meandering Through France
Today, Friday July 18, 2008, we left Sarlat for greener pastures to the north. Our final destination is Tours in the Loire Valley. We are meandering, because France does not have an I-5. Most of the roads are two-way roads with tight passages. Perhaps half of the trip to Tours was on a divided highway.
On our way through, we managed a stop at Limoges for a quick shopping spree in one of the warehouse stores. Judging by the number of packages leaving the store, it was quite successful. Keep your eyes peeled for a piece of china coming your way. Or perhaps, you may have to wait for the holidays.
Our history stop took us to Oradour sur Glane. This is the village that was completely decimated and its 642 villagers (including 193 children) massacred by a regiment of the Nazi SS. Charles DeGaulle decreed that the village would remain in the exact state from that terrible day, June 10, 1944. No one should forget the horrible atrocities perpetrated on innocent people. It was a most moving experience for all of us.
Back on the highway, we were heading toward our destination and
Caught in a bouchon
Traffic was tied up for 90 minutes, allowing motorists to stop and discuss their fate.only 90 kilometers away from Tours, when we ran into a “bouchon,” or traffic jam. It was caused by a motor coach on fire. Thankfully, not ours. The cars on the highway came to a complete stop for more than 90 minutes while emergency folks attended to the scene.
The time allowed many people to get out of their vehicles to survey the long line of cars and trucks. Just like in California, motor bikes traversed the road weaving between the stalled vehicles. One lady took time to feed her dog. Another gentleman, right beside our bus, took his shirt off and provided a little bit of eye candy for the ladies. Still another lady gave her windows a quick wash. At one point, the line of vehicles stretched more than 11 kilometers. A group of our kids took the time to play a spirited game of Uno. Michael took the time to lecture the group on the historical significance of the Loire Valley…. always the teacher.
When the burned out shell of the unfortunate bus was finally put aside, traffic began to roll again. The delay meant a late arrival into Tours. We made it the hotel
at 7:30 and were off to dinner at 8:00. Fortunately the restaurant, "Le Palais," was just a short walk. Another excellent meal had us forgetting all about the traffic delay. We ate roast pork with prune "more plum than prune" sauce. It was quite tasty and so were the.... french fries.... AGAIN !
I have begun interogating the students as to the source of these never-ending potatos. I know the guilty one will soon reveal himself (or herself). It's only a matter of time.
We had a quick walk around old Tours before heading back to the hotel. The old sector is quite a happening place on a Friday night.
Tomorrow we will enjoy two castles and another gothic cathedral before heading to Paris.
A demain. (Translation: Until tomorrow.)
Advertisement
Tot: 0.273s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 11; qc: 49; dbt: 0.0551s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
John & Barbara Swentowsky
non-member comment
"Burning Bus" in France
Hi all! I spoke to Kara earlier today and heard about a "burning bus" that delayed you getting to Tours. Glad all turned out well, although I know everyone was a little frustrated with the delay. Enjoy your bread (without butter). We have plenty here!