Europe & Dubai

Woke to the smell of a foul dead smell. Apparently during the night on the vacant land next to the yard, some vagrants had been sleeping. The police were called as the smell was rancid. They found a huge garbage bag filled with something rancid and they were looking for a stick to open the bag with. We never found out what happened, but the police were there for some hours so we left quick! Ford promptly fixed the van first thing in the morning and we were back on the road.

Drove through Tours (with an old square) and Loches (the beginning of the Loire Valley). Stayed in the walled city (yet another 12-15th century Royal Fortress) with a summer palace for King Charles VII and his mistress to hide out. They had some beautiful stainglass windows in the entrance to a stairwell made with their pictures and their names showing their love for each other. It was very gorgeous!

In Loches we stayed within the walled city in the Le Presbytere – with lots of pious religious parafanalia everywhere! It was so gorgeous as it overlooked the entire valley! We also had an amazing meal at Le Vicariat right next door. It included traditional French fare of the region, including an amazing bottle of French Champagne!