Yesterday, as I thought it would be, turned into a day to chill. Tutu found a spot guarding the key.
Getting so many ideas by staying in airbnb places, like this chalkboard stripes in the kitchen to write messages in.
We did walk about a bit in town and found some charming areas but I didn’t bring my camera.
Today we meet Lydie Melki and Guillaume Renoult and Buster (the dog), the actors in the short, for a cup of coffee in the morning, the segue to a walk to the theater where they will be performing tonight, to lunch and then to a siesta at the base of the cathedral.
The theater.
Buster leading
the pack. Walking to lunch. This little guy (he’s not that little actually) in the middle of the river is made of wood.
Yesterday he did not have a t-shirt on. Lunch.
Buster wanting some lunch.
Part of the cast and crew working off the calories from lunch.
Guillaume amusing us before the official amusement by the play Chéri Faut Qu’on Parle (Honey, We Have to Talk) which he wrote (and is in).
Not quite Venice but this town is known for its canals and they are really charming.
And it’s chill/siesta time at Parc de L’Evêché
– centered around Buster, of course.
For me it’s photo roaming mini-safari time. The area around the cathedral is a University campus.
They are having “Talent Day Auditions”. I’m tempted to just walk in but don’t. Don’t think I’m in their age range. 🙂
I go back to the siesta takers but can’t sleep
and neither can Buster.
Time to get up, say á tout a l’heure (see you soon) and go into the cathedral.which is impressive to say the least.
A short walk around the park to reach its main entrance.
It was built in 1220! This diagram shows the different stages and years of its evolution.
It is the tallest completed cathedral in France as well as the one with the greatest interior volume of any French cathedral.
The main altar has wonderful carvings.
The organ dates for 1429
The labyrinth is quite intriguing as well and is the second largest in France.
The center of it.
There is the weeping angel which became a popular postcard sent by soldiers in World War I. He has one hand on an hourglass, I think to symbolize the brevity of life and rests his elbow on a skull symbolizing death. He is part of the mausoleum of cannon Guilain Lucas (d1628) by Nicolas Blasset and he saddened me much.
And then there are the stained-glass windows, many of which were lost through the years.
One flanked by an American flag.
The cathedral has a spot where it remembers and honors those of other countries that fought for Amiens.
We light four candles for four relatives who are very close to our hearts and in our thoughts. I have a feeling that they are overcoming language barriers and meeting up above.
Wherever you look there is something to admire. Don’t think I have spent so much time inside a cathedral.
We go out into the light, have a last glance at the cathedral
and discover a city that has come alive.
We walk back to the apartment traversing four lanes
a train track
then the last lane.
We take a little siesta and back into town for the play Chéri Faut Qu’on Parle and then back home to get some more zzz’s.
I love cathedrals! This one in Amiens was fascinating and had so much to absorb. I remember best, in my two week tour of Spain, as a teenager were the big National History (?) science, culture Museum in Madrid. (sorry I did not write a diary and only took four pictures: strange teen tourist!) and many beautiful cathedrals. Your comment about you didn’t remember spending so much time in a cathedral hit home. Also, your lovely photos of the upcoming short film, actors, dog and sights was very interesting.
The memory is not as clear as when I was younger so this blog aside from being a wonderful way to connect with people is also a diary of sorts so that I can look back and relive. Thank you for your comments, they are always so encouraging.
That is a great day to chill and many more. The cathedral’s architecture is so grand and beautiful. What struck me too was the part where you remembered the love ones that passed away and offered your prayers. Truly inspiring.
Thank you. 🙂 Honored that you find it inspiring.
Hi. Isn’t Amiens one of those battle-worn towns from the world wars? Good thing the cathedral was not destroyed. Your photos really show off its size and beauty in spite of its age.
Would love to visit those places. But, for now, we’ll hop on your shoulder and travel along with you, if that’s ok.
Please do hop on!! I love having you.
Yes, Amiens along with many other cities in France were hit really hard in World War II. The Cathedral was damaged many times since it was built in the 1200’s (wow!). Most of its stained glass is gone. The main structure withstood the passage of time and was built upon through the years.
Lovely to have you as traveling companion!
I loved your shots of the cathedral. Were you able to walk the labyrinth or was it covered by chairs?
So glad you liked them!
Unfortunately it was covered with chairs and I wasn’t able to. In fact couldn’t figure quite where it was until I saw its center.
Have you?