The Places I've Been

Here at language school, we are off every Wednesday and many Saturdays. It's good to break up the learning so that we don't get burned out, but I mostly appreciate the chances to have whole days to explore the amazing region of France that we live in.
This past Saturday I went with a classmate and his 9 year old son to Chateau Chantemerle. It's not typical to this region in that it hasn't been preserved and restored like most of the chateaus of the Dukes of Savoie. This chateau actually predates the Dukes; the original structure was built in the 12th century. It was built as a place of protection for nobles as well as a place to watch the traffic through the valley so that no transit taxes left their pockets. Chantemerle is built high up on a hill above the little town of Bathie, just southeast of Albertville. I love this chateau! It is surrounded by woods, and the fall colors are in full force here. The 10 minute hike up to the ruins is greatly enhanced by the crunching of fallen, slightly faded leaves under my feet. And yes, it is techinically in ruins, but I like it that way. It lets my imagination wander to what it might have been like to build and live in this chateau during it's heyday. Nothing is restored or recreated for me, so I get to restore and recreate it in my mind. If Chantemerle was in the States, it would no doubt be a national monument that cost 10 bucks to visit. Here in Savoie, it's just another old 12th century chateau above a sleepy valley with mountains towering all around. This place needs further exploring, so I'll be heading back sometime soon to hike the hills, let the leaves crunch under my Merrells, and imagine life as a 12th century noble...

After living in San Sebastian for awhile, he decided to return to the Savoie region in France where he was raised and use what he had learned to help those who often could not help themselves. His ministry developed largely into helping travellers and pilgrims avoid thieves and bandits and also helping to feed and properly clothe them. He is known today as the patron saint of travellers. Since Savioe is a very mountainous region, travellers often had to go through high mountain passes in order to reach their destinations. Bernard realized that a big, strong, durable canine would be a useful tool in helping struggling travellers. He went to northern Italy and found a dog that would fit this criteria, except for one small detail: this dog has very short hair, and it would freeze if left outside during the cold, snowy winters at the high elevations of the mountain passes. Bernard decided to bring this dog back to Savioe, where he bred it with another dog who had long, shaggy hair, and "VOILA!", the dog we know as today's "St. Bernard" was born.

**April and Caden at the mountain pass Grand Saint Bernard, with lots of stuffed puppies!**

St. Bernard's boyhood home is one of the best castles I've ever been too, and I've been to alot. It is completely restored to look just like it did in the 17th century, with one added touch that I've never experienced before: period costumed performers in every room! It really makes the experience quite special, but since, like almost all castles, pictures are not allowed inside, I'll have to settle for just posting some pictures of the outside, which is quite impressive as well. The castle looks down over Lake Annecy (a future post) and it surrounded by beautiful mountains. I'm impressed that Bernard had the heart to allow him to leave!

**The mountains and lake near the chateau**

We took this trip with two other families from school and had a blast. Caden had a good time too, and even though he won't remember it, I'm glad I can take him to amazing places and perserve the memories for him to enjoy when he is older.