Day 18 – 20 (July 10
– 12, 2012)
We spent
the 18th day of our ride, July 10, traveling to Besancon, the capital of the
Franche-Comte region of France and a town with over two thousand years of
documented history. An impressive
citadel overlooks the cluster of buildings sitting along a river. Sho, Saya and I climbed the steps to enjoy
the view and the cool zoo and insectarium on the citadel’s grounds.
From
Besancon, we cycled through inspiringly beautiful countryside for 50 kilometers
before stopping in the small town of Pontailler sur Saone. Saya showed off her climbing skills and Sho
practiced soccer in a local playground.
We slept in a comfortable bed & breakfast run by a lovely French
couple.
While
riding, we sometimes
pass war monuments, and I appreciate the past few decades of peace, an
aberration in the history of Europe. We stopped to explore a
cemetery in the countryside that held perhaps 100 graves. Sho and Saya
called out the dates on the stones, and Sho excitedly told me whenever he found
someone who had lived to over 100. One woman was born in 1900 and died in
2000. Many of the women outlived their husbands by as much as 30 years.
On Day 20, July 12, we cycled to
Dijon, of mustard fame, but the locals prefer to talk about the city’s fabulous
architecture. We explored the town on foot, and Saya came up with an impromptu urban tap dance and even performed an amazing magic trick (see videos below).
The weather has been excellent so far -- often cloudy and
cool to keep us from overheating but with plenty of sun peaking through.
It feels like such a privilege to cycle through the stunningly beautiful,
peaceful French countryside with Sho and Saya.
Here are a few pics and videos:
View while cycling:
Saya with a flower she picked by the road side:
At the bed & breakfast in Pontailler sur Saone:
Sho and Saya with the couple who run the B&B:
Part of the Citadel in Besancon:
Besancon Citadel:
Countryside graveyard:
In Dijon:
Saya's urban tap in Dijon:
The Amazing Rising Saya:
Good Job Saya-chan!
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