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French twists

By Carl Fisher

July 4^th, 2024

Old Orleans

I have been to France several times prior to this year but it was the first time I had been any significant distance from Paris. There is much to do in this metropolis, but I’ve been told that there is more to the country than its biggest city. And I can now concur, even though I was only able to get just a little taste of what lays beyond its borders. While visiting a long time friend in Orleans, I partook in some pastoral channel-side bicycling and touring around the city center taking in the historic sites. I also managed to get in a bit of tennis, although it was on astroturf, not my favorite surface. Still, it did help close my exercise circle, which can be tough when on vacation.

Canal boats that seemed to be there more for show than go.

Orleans explorations

Before I arrived, I had no idea that Orleans had a connection with a heroine of the past. I’m referring to Joan of Arc whose imprint was hard to miss as you walked about the city. Not only was there a statue of her in the main square, but she was all over the stained glass in the cathedral. Quite a storied woman.

Not my first destination for a good taco.

Eglisiastical

Archi Elements

Now for something a little different

I usually just shoot digitally and in color. I’ve just started using an app that I heard about at an Oakland Cameras and Coffee Club meet up called 36 Exp. It lets you take photos as if you are using film, selecting the type, which is going to have specific properties that are, apparently, quite close to the real thing. You proceed to “expose” the film one image at a time counting down to the end of the roll and “processing” it once it is finished before you can see what you have taken. So I will be sprinkling a few throughout to mix things up a bit.

I knew the French had some big knockers, but I had no idea… ;-).

Jungle fever

I was only in the area for a few days, but I did manage to stay one night at a stylish, boutiquey hotel called Urban Jungle right in the heart of Orléans (disclaimer: it’s run by the husband of a close friend so I might be a little biased in my praise ;-)). My room was just the right size without excess and had enough little design touches that hit the mark making for a comfortable and memorable experience. If you get a chance to spend some time in the area, I highly recommend you considering it (and no, I don’t get any commission (at least not yet ;-)).

Stairway to a good night’s sleep (or you can take the elevator).

Location of a breakfast spread that had me bursting at the seams.

On to Versailles

From a few days vacay in Orléans it was on to work in Nantes, Rennes, and, finally, Versailles. Despite being on the clock, I was able to venture out a bit and snap some pics.