Days 9-10 in the Loire Valley

 [6-7 April]

We had originally planned to meet up with Richard and Pauline at 11:00 am Sunday and head east to Amboise and Chenonceau châteaux. But as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men. . .

Apparently sometime late Sunday evening I developed a virulent episode of GI distress and slept very little that night. I awoke feeling completely wiped out in the morning. So we connected up with Richard and Pauline begging off for the day. Being intrepid travelers for so many years they understood perfectly. 

We did get together for takeout pizza at our place that evening and planned to head off to the châteaux on Monday, their final day in Tours.  But my body kept pointing out to me that going anywhere was probably not a great idea. I urged Susan to join Richard and Pauline but she did want to leave me alone.

So, on another gorgeous day in the Loire we just relaxed in our neighborhood letting my body dictate our next move. 

Monday Richard and Pauline were off to explore the châteaux at Amboise and Chenonceau, time permitting. Susan and I once again hung around home, still in rest and recovery mode for me. Susan was able to enjoy a lovely walk along the Loire, sighting water birds like egret and heron.

That evening our friends joined us in our apartment for an aperitif of delicious Chinon rosé from the Couly-Dutheil vineyard (one of our two tastings in Chinon). 

After sharing their day's adventures with us -- it turns out they only made it to Amboise, since there was so much to see there -- the four of us walked the 100 feet or so to L'etable for dinner.

Richard's starter: vitello tonnato

besides bread they brought little jars of paté with toast points

Susan, Richard and Pauline all had the Bar, also known as European Sea Bass

I had the cod with roasted cauliflower in a cauliflower purée

each of us got a small jar of warmed vegetables

Susan had the trio of crème brulées: vanilla, chocolate and pistachio

Richard had the Tiramisu

Pauline had the tarte tatin with ice cream

And I had Pastis. A wonderful meal, great service and outstanding company.

Our conversation, as it usually does, turned this way and that and eventually turned to our next meetup. The destination decided upon, and one Susan and I had already talked about at some length for next winter, is Portugal, specifically Lisbon. Richard and Pauline, always game for travel, although they were familiar with Lisbon, conceded they had very little experience with Porto. So Porto it is.  Barring a global economic collapse or another pandemic, both of which are far too likely these days.

The evening was getting late. Richard and Pauline planned to get an early start for Calais and their timed channel crossing tomorrow evening. We paid our bill and walked the three steps or so to the junction of rue Colbert and rue des Amandiers. After hugs and handshakes all round we said good-night and good-bye, wishing each other safe travels and with hopes to see each other next winter in Portugal!

Tomorrow we (OK Susan) prepare for travel to Lyon on Wednesday.