The Places I've Been

About 30 minutes from Albertville, in the hills above the city of Talloires (TAL-wah), sits a beautiful castle that was once the home of the famous Saint Bernard. The story goes like this: as a young boy, Bernard Menthon lived in great splendor. His father was a very wealthy nobleman, and he ruled the area around Lake Annecy for many years. As Bernard looked around, especially in the winter months, he saw thousands of people hungry, cold, and diseased, while he lived in great comfort in the confines of his father's castle. He decided to reject the lifestyle of his parents, and he dreamed of leaving the castle and using his wealth to help others. His father, like all good tyrants, forbade his son from leaving, and arranged for him to be married to a fellow nobleman's daughter. On his wedding night, Bernard (according to legend) lept from his bedroom window in order to escape his marriage and was caught by angels before he could be splattered on the ground. He took this as a sign from God, and he went off on a pilgrimage to the town of San Sebastian in northern Spain, eventually becoming a monk.

**Caden and I outside the chateau**

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.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 05, 2006 at 8:43 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.