Making out, macaroons, and Poulenc interminable

Antonia came home from her night of carousing. We don't suspect any French babies resulted. We took our breakfast (petite dejeuner) downstairs -- croissants, bread, brie, jam, salami, ham, dried fruit, fresh orange juice, coffee.

The choir had a tour of the cathedral led by Malcolm Miller, an Englishman who has been doing this for fifty years, with several books out on the subject. We learned about how the windows and stone were gradually being cleaned, the historical stages of the building, and the symbolism in the church. Antonia talked her way into the bell tower for free. She and Darien were both starving again by this time, so we went back to our hotel for lunch.

John: "I like to try different places to eat."
Antonia: "I like to create relationships."

I tried the salade oceane this time, while the other two shared a lasagna plate.

After naps, Darien and I toured the glass museum and workshop, where a lot of the restoration of the glass in Chartres and elsewhere is done. The guide first gave us a lecture, then showed us an exhibit of the modern artist Kim En Joong.We walked down the hill to the factory. Francois of the three degrees told us about his work, then we watched a woman putting together a leaded window.

Darien and I strolled along the river, where we observed ducks and a swan. We were told by several of the choristers to be careful when we walked by the park, because there were people "making out." In spite of my diligence and attempt to walk as slowly as possible, I didn't spy any open sex.

We rewarded our labors with coffee, macaroons, and truffles. This called for another nap.

By 9 PM we decided we should eat again. We walked to a crepes restaurant on a winding street off the cathedral's plaza and sat outside, next to a woman. As we struggled to understand the meaning of the words on the menu, it was obvious we were amusing the woman and that she was anxious to help us. We soon fell into conversation with her -- Veronique -- and learned that she traveled and conducted seminars on public speaking, team building, etc. We spoke of food and travel, and she gave us recommendations freely. The crepes in Chartres are much thicker and larger than we make at home, almost like a pancake. Mine was topped with salad and vegetables. Veronique recommended a caramel crepe for dessert. We took our paper place mats with us, since Veronique had written much useful information on them.

We fell asleep to the recorded music of the cathedral's light show. Over and over and over again. It lasted until about one AM. Darien christened the piece Poulenc interminable.