Thursday - Home Day
Classes have been dense so far this week in order to prepare for trips, so today we took it a little easier to recover before our next foray into the medieval world tomorrow.
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After a morning class on miracles, we decided to make a miraculous transformation of the yard by sprucing up the grounds. There will be a wedding in Pontigny on Saturday; part of the groom's (out-of-town) family will be sharing the house with us, and the flower boxes and beds were full of weeds and bedraggled remains from last fall. Everybody pitched in according to their interests and talents. Some walked up to the brand-new flower shop in town and made choices, while others weeded or prepared the pots.
Planting mostly done, a little fun was necessary, with ever higher (or lower) stakes.
After lunch we took the walk around town that should have happened on Sunday, but was too cool and rainy.
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We didn't get far before a lovely retriever was spotted.
Then there was a horse and donkey spotting.
We eventually made it to the abbey to have our first detailed visit and discussion of the architecture.
Jack presented St Edmund of Abingdon, Archbishop of Canterbury, while standing in front of the saint's tomb. His relics have been the object of pilgrimage to Pontigny since he was canonized in 1246.
We ended the afternoon leisurely by the pond in Prof. Kinder's back yard where she taught the group the correct way to hold a wine glass (by the stem, to avoid warming the wine), and how to sniff, swirl, grumer, and aerate the wine in the mouth to extract maximum flavor. Swallowing is optional.
There's a lot to learn in Burgundy!
· sumarcy: Bonjour/Bonsoir Mercay! It's so much fun following along on your trip. Merci to Terryl for the fabulous blog. And Monsier le chat, Julio, is adorable!! Not to mention, the food looks delicious. Wish we could be there too!!! Love, Aunt Su
· kmeyersvt: What a beautiful city with such varied architecture. The crypt reminds me of the one we saw in Scotland, Meghan at Rosyln Chapel and the one at Cashel in Ireland.
- kmeyersvt: Meghan - I'll tell Nanny that a saint has blue hair, she'll be relieved! :D Ivan loved that one too. Those ancient books are just lovely!
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- jrjblain: The weather is the same here too! Hello to Jenna Blain
​- sciencemeg: Dear Elizabeth, Absorb it all, lucky Girl. Tell Megan that I hung out with Bill A today at work. Love to u. #historynerd
· kmeyersvt: Meghan - Nanny will be pleased to know that you're following in a Saint's footsteps :D Ivan also found it amusing. Love you!
- kmeyersvt: Of course, Meghan found the doggo!! I am very jealous of the wine tasting. Looks like a beautiful spot to sit!
· randysreuter: Mercay can bring her new found talent home to help redesign our flower beds and stone gardens
· Bill Stapleton: Please tell Elizabeth we are thrilled to see the pics and follow the daily happenings in the beautiful towns and countryside. It's so great that they don't have their phones and laptops ---tell her we love her and look forward to more updates.
· Victoria.sweenor: Nice to see that even this this great big world, you can still find others from the same school! Your group was mentioned in Saint Michael's College this week for your chance meeting with France trip for Edmundite 175th. The pictures are beautiful! Enjoy!
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