Castle visit!

Today we went to see the castle! It was incredible, when we pulled up I could not believe that people actually lived there. It has been in their family for a long time- the grandfather told me it was built in the 18th century, and German soldiers seized it and lived in it during World War II. There's not much more I can say because the pictures speak for themselves!

The sign from the road. I haven't googled it yet but I'm sure there's info online!


Pulling up to the gate


Me in front of the Chateau


Entranceway


Sitting area


The old kitchen (They only use/renovated the right half of the house so the left half is still old style, unheated, and not really useable)


The bedroom they had to keep at all times for the Archbishop's visits


Writing from when the German's occupied the Chateau


A great view of the whole place: yes those are swans


Of course they have horses, this guy was my favorite


I have so so many more pictures, but they take forever to upload! When I get back I will be sure to share with everyone. It was about a 1.5 hour drive from Paris, after I got back I met friends in the Latin Quarter and got dinner and hot chocolate. Now I'm getting ready for bed and I finally find out my class schedule tomorrow. Then classes start on Tuesday!

EDIT: this website has some great panoramic photos of the Chateau.

They live in a castle!?

Yesterday was unremarkable besides carrying on a full conversation with my host mom in French.  We were tres, tres American by going out for pizza and then to an Irish bar..but they really were the only place that had room for so many people.  

Today I skipped out on touristy stuff with friends because my host mom's ex-husband's dad was coming over for lunch.  He's 94 and doesn't speak a word of English but still managed to ask me about Obama..like most people do when they find out I'm American.  Speaking of Obama, the pizza place we went to had a special "Obama Pizza" which I thought was pretty silly.

Then, my host sister's friends from her university in Korea were visiting, so despite the snow we ventured out!  First, I found out that my host mom's parents live in an apartment with this view:

THEN I FOUND OUT THIS IS THEIR SECOND 'HOME' AND THEIR REAL HOUSE IS A CASTLE.  REALLY!

So, I'm trying to drop hints that I desperately want to see it!  And keeping my camera charged at all times in hopes that I get to.

Anyway, tonight we somehow got 6 euro tickets to the ballet which was neat. I don't think I've ever seen a ballet besides friend's dance recitals.  Luckily it was 3 short performances instead of one long one, so I didn't get as sleepy/bored as I feared.  Also, the Opera National de Paris (the building) was absolutely stunning.  My camera was dead by then but I'll be sure to get some pictures of it soon! 

Au revoir!  Cross your fingers that I get to see the castle soon...and thanks for all of the comments everyone!