Thursday/Friday/Saturday - Angers
Thursday - Sarah’s 21st birthday.
Most of the day was business as usual. French class in the morning, which is a lot better now. After class. We went to Daniel’s and I bought Sarah a nice refreshing pint. I ate acalzone again. So good and very large serving size.
After we went to our first critique for photography. Everyone’s critique went well. My professor liked my worked and basically said to keep on keepin on with my idea. I believe my project will be narrowed to Occurences and Surroundings. After critique we went to our photography exhibition opening, where we all quickly said a little bit to our work. A local newspaper was there, photographing us. Got some exposure. We had a nice reception afterwards for the artists. Wine/crackers/cheese. Can’t go wrong!
I am posting a flyer up after the post for all of you to see.
When the reception was done, we didn’t not waste any time, and gathered everyone together for Sarah’s birthday dinner. We went to, of all types of places and food, a legit Mexican restaurant . Sarah and I had some margaritas and some delicious fajitas. It was actually really authentic tasting, even though it was in France. It is one of two Mexican restaurants in Angers. After, to end our night, all 14 of us went to a bar named Le 23. The bar tender was very kind and the drinks were delicious. Sarah had a great birthday.
The best part was that, on the next morning, Friday, we had no where to be and nothing to wake up for. We could finally sleep in. Felt great.
For much of the day Friday, Sarah and I spent our time organizing and editing our photos, as usual. We also did a good amount of laundry and I cleaned my room up. It’s hard for me to work when there is a mess present. We did a grocery store run as well. It feels amazing with no obligations for a day in a city in another country. It goes by amazing fast though. A little later in the afternoon, Sarah and I headed out on our own photo excursion. We both did not get as many photos are we hoped, but I did happen to capture a young girl playing a flute with three of her friends listening intently in the street. They were using a hat for change. Sarah and I gave her a euro. She wasn’t too bad for her age. After we came back, had a glass of wine and went to go hang with some other photographers at a cafe for a little. Came home and was able to get a good nights rest.
Saturday-Today
I had to wake up at 8:30 because we were going to the troglodyte caves in Saumur, France. The caves were beautiful and dense and were very chilled compared to the temperature outside. Natural insulation feels so good compared to AC. We took a tour of the houses that were built in the caves, some of them dating as far back to the 16 century. The house owners were very kind and inviting. The cave kept their houses very cool while the sun outside combined to make a perfect temperature. After touring the inside of the houses, we went up a stairs that took us up to gardens on their roofs. It was an amazing site. Just past the garden, they had their own vineyard, and it was quite extensive. I took a bunch of photos of everything, so once I get caught up, which honestly, probably wont be until I return home, I will post, post, post, post, and more posting. :)
After the first tour, we grabbed some baguettes/meat/cheese and heading down to the Loire’s riverbank for a nice lunch break. Delicious.
After, we headed to the famous mushroom caves of Saumur. This is were they harvest mushrooms in mass amounts to sell. I have never seen something so interesting and bizarre at the same time. We were walking in the caves, which are very dark, very cold, and you could taste moisture in the air, and all the sudden we get to the very back of the cave were there are mannequins dressed up in what looked like 70s clothes, business suits, and others with worker clothes on. They were all “pretending” to harvest mushrooms, some were sorting, some were picking, and others were just standing around being creepy. Seriously, even though I was with four other people, it gave me a strange feeling. Marleigh was saying how she could picture, at night, when the caves closed, the mannequins would come to life and start actually harvesting the mushrooms and doing the work. They were very spooky looking and I believe, gave everyone the chills.
After the mushroom cave expedition, our professor took us to Saumur’s wine cellar. It was so amazing. We went underground (again) to see stock piles of wine, and huge barrels they keep it in. They informed us that they started mining the cave to make it a cellar in the 13 century. The stone that was mined from the cliff where they were, was used to fortify castles. Some of the aged bottles have cobwebs all over them, and no signs of human interaction. I bet they ran a pretty penny and were among the best of wines.
After we left the cellar, we went back up and had a small wine tasting session with the employee. She was very kind and spoke English very well. Sarah bought two bottles, as well as myself. Sarah bought two red wines - 2006, and 2007. I bought a sparkling red wine, and a white wine - both 2007. Not aged as long but still delicious. These bottles only cost 9 euros for both. Cannot go wrong.
It was an awesome experience.
I had a lot of fun.
I took some pictures of the cellar as well.
When we arrived back at our residence around 7pm, Sarah, Marleigh, and I decided to go to a nearby park and test some of Saumur’s wine out…again. :) It was delicious.
Came back afterwards and organized/edited more photos. I feel like I am making some headway, but I don’t know.
It was a great day, and a great way to spend one of our last field trips.
I hope everyone watched that video I posted. It is so funny.
Sarah says “Thank you so much for the birthday wishes everyone!”
More photos hopefully will be done tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be a day focused on guess what……photography. I will be shooting all day. It will be fun though.
Thanks for reading and keeping up with me and my travels everyone!
Christian
6 months ago