A Stop In Orléans

And here I am, falling behind on my posting already...

Next stop on our itinerary was Orléans, a city on the banks of the Loire River, south-west of Paris. The city has had a rich history from the early Middle Ages on. It is the birthplace of Joan of Arc, who liberated the city from the Plantagenets during the 10o year war.

It is also where Molière, the famous French playwright went to law school before being kicked out. And yes, New Orléans is named after this much older city.

Orléans' impressive cathedral was built and rebuilt several times, and the edifice one can visit now is one of the last to be built in France.

On our visit of the cathedral, a young priest was being ordained.

We spent the night in a charming hotel called Hotel de L'Abeille, which I highly recommend for its central location and wonderful service. At night, my husband and I walked around the old city, had dinner and listened to some great music in one of the town squares.

Visits to a few Loire Valley chateaux to follow, so stay tuned...

A Visit To Chartres And Its Cathedral

As promised, an update on my whereabouts.

My husband and I arrived to splendid weather in Paris on Sunday morning, got our rental car and immediately drove out of town in the direction of Chartres. We had decided beforehand that we would take a little tour of the Loire valley before heading to our house in the Auvergne, just so that we explore a region of France that I have not been to in 30 years and that Glenn has never visited.

First stop on the itinerary was Chartres and its magnificent cathedral, built 1193 and 1250. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1979.

Here, in 1594, Henry of Navarre was crowned king of France, and became HenryIV.

During the French revolution,the cathedral was damaged by a mob, but the residents of Chartres protected the edifice. During World War II, the stained glass was removed and safely stored. The cathedral itself was almost bombed by the US, were it not for Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith, Jr., who challenged the orders given by superiors to destroy it. Instead, he went behind enemy lines with just one other soldier to make sure that the Germans were not using the cathedral as an observation tower.

Though the cathedral is worth a visit, the medieval town around it is a must-see in itself.

Next stop the city of Orléans. (Yes, new Orleans is named after this old city.) More photos soon, so come back.

On My Way To My Small French Village

My tiny french village.

The house and my mother's linden tree that wait for me...

As many of you readers know, I steal away from Brooklyn for a few weeks in the summer, to slip into my French life in a teeny, tiny village in the Auvergne, where the grass is greener than anything you have ever seen, the landscape is dotted with ancient , majestic volcanoes and the sky above extends into infinity.
My family has owned an old 1866 stone house in this village for more than 40 years and we have returned there every year, even after we moved to the United States.

I would like to take you along on my journey back to this magical place, so far from Carroll Gardens. Won't you join me as I trade one life for another for just a little while? I'll update you often and will post many photos of my adventures.


So stay tuned and check back often.

Cheers, Katia

Picture Of The Day: Mimosa Blossoms

Mimosa blossoms on Union Street,

Gowanus

Alchemy Properties Meets With Carroll Gardens Residents To Talk About 340 Court Street

On Friday morning, a small group of area residents met with Kenneth Horn of Alchemy Properties, the development, marketing and consulting firm which just took over the long-stalled project at 340 Court Street after the previous developer, The Clarett Group, pulled out.

The project consist of a 7 story, 32 unit condominium building along Court Street and of 11 adjoining townhouses on Union and Sackett Streets. The goal of the meeting was to establish a dialog between the community and the developer and to address concerns before construction on the project resumes. It was also hoped that the developer would be open to changing the dark, unappealing façade of the Rogers Marvel designed building, which had been widely criticized when presented to the community in 2008.

Kenneth Horn assured everyone present that his firm will be responsive and will make itself available to address some of the issues that will come up during the construction phase, but was quick to point out that the project is being built as-of-right and that the NYC Buildings Department has approved all plans. He was also clear that the project will continue forward with the Rogers Marvel design and that the envelope of the building will not change.

He did, however agree that the façade needed to be improved. "The building will not be black" he stated. "It will be significantly lighter."

Construction will start very soon. The steel has been ordered and cut. It will be delivered in early August. Construction on the townhouses will most probably begin in the fall.

Alchemy has been in business since 1990. The firm has completed 24 projects, mostly in Manhattan.This will be its second Brooklyn project. (The first was at 199 State Street) .

Vertical Player Repertory Presents 'La Calisto' At Proteus Gowanus

I highly recommend getting your tickets early to this great event by the Vertical Player Repertory, which will be staged in the courtyard of Proteus Gowanus on Nevins Street. Read on.

Vertical Player Repertory presents:

La Calisto at Proteus Gowanus

Continuing its tradition of staging productions in unconventional locations such as the Red Hook piers, Vertical Player Repertory will present Francesco Cavalli’s 17th century Venetian opera La Calisto under the stars in the gritty post-industrial courtyard of a 19th century factory building, home of the gallery Proteus Gowanus. This rarely performed early opera tells the story of Jupiter’s seduction of Calisto, a virgin follower of the huntress Diana. Produced and directed by Judith Barnes, with a cast of twenty and a baroque ensemble featuring period instruments. The opera will be conducted from the harpsichord by Jennifer Peterson. Friday July 8, Sunday July 10, Thursday July 14, and Saturday July 16 at 534 Union Street at Nevins Street. All shows are at 8pm. Tickets are available

through https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/180732 or by phone 800-838-3006.
Info at http://vpropera.org

A Moment In Time: Hand In Hand

Holding hands on President Street.

Best Comment Of The Day: Beautifully And Eloquently

Margaret has left a new comment on the post "The Truly Wonderful South Brooklyn Childhood Memories Of Dom":

Dom wrote so beautifully and eloquently. I was sorry it came to an end. Can't wait to read the next part. It made me sad - I wish our world is as connected as his was. No need for a phone. Pleasures of family and friends. A tight community. Making toys and games - no electricity needed. A big thank you to Dom's daughter for sharing this beautiful gift. And to you, Katia, for bringing it to us.