Manof Chpt 10

Chapter 28

They stopped for coffee in the town's only restaurant, drank in silence and were on their way.

In the car the conversation turned to Amboise. Marie-Claude explained. "It was bombed heavily during the war. As a matter of fact the bridge near the Castle was only reopened just over a year ago. It's a thriving town with the Castle being the main drawing card. This is where Leonardo spent his last three years. He was invited to live close by at a fortified chateau, the Clos Luce.

"It's a wonderful manor attached to the castle by a tunnel. Francois I, the king, could secretly visit the master who still had designs on building many things way before their time. They were not happy years for Leonardo. He was paralyzed on the right side and while he continued to design bridges, war machines, water wheels and futuristic items like cameras, parachutes, machine guns, even a helicopter, many believe he designed the first bicycle."

Only Joy in Speaking with Francois

But the only joy was in his conversations with Francois, the king. Francois was an interesting young man who took pleasure in talking to Leonardo."

Bruce added, "I know. I also know that he arrived from Italy with a student and three paintings. He was no ordinary man. He was a master painter, scholar, engineer, architect and scientist all rolled into one."

"Yes. One of the paintings was La Giaconda, the Mona Lisa. That's how it became part of the Louvre collection. By the way, did you know that the Mona Lisa was also stolen some years ago. It's a miracle that they got it back." Then after a moment he added. "If he stayed at Hautefort, as you say, and I don't doubt it, then the Mona Lisa was in your Chateau for a time."

"Yes, but I doubt if it would still be there. It's too beautiful. It really belongs to France, even if Leonardo was not French."

"Thousands of priceless treasures never get back to their rightful owners or are duplicated and sold as fakes. Man is a greedy animal, without scruples." The Elgin Marbles flashed through his mind.

Marie-Claude continued. "The Clos Luce is now open to the public with a museum containing many design drawings and machine prototypes. We can visit there tomorrow."

"Yes, and we should find the infamous Mr. Hellstrom here."

Take a Two-Bedroom Apartment...

Marie Claude suggested that they take a two-bedroom apartment in the nearby Chateau de la Guillonniere. It was just outside Amboise and beautifully decorated with marble fireplaces and antique furnishings.

There are canopied beds and we can have breakfast in the main dining room. It is set in the country in a meadow of flowers. It is a sprawling castle with a detailed façade. I was first here in the winter with my father. The property was covered with a blanket of fluffy snow. I have wonderful memories of playing in the snow with papa. You'll love it. There's a certain quiet charm. I took the liberty of calling ahead. We have a reservation."

"Do we have to go there right away? I'd like to see some of the Loire Valley."

"Bien sur. We can visit the city of Tours. It is mostly rebuilt but there are interesting sights there too. We can have dinner on the Place Plumereau and still get to Amboise before too late.

"It's only 25 kilometers from there. She explained that the Place Plumereau was a square surrounded by timbered building most of which were restaurants."

(Click here for Chapter 29)


	Chapter 28 They stopped for coffee in the town's only restaurant, drank in silence and were on their way. In the car the conversation turned to Amboise. Marie-Claude explained. "It was bombed heavily during the war. As a matter of fact the bridge near the Castle was only reopened just over a year ago. It's a thriving town with the Castle being the main drawing card. This is where Leonardo spent his last three years. He was invited to live close by at a fortified chateau, the Clos Luce. "It's a wonderful manor attached to the castle by a tunnel. Francois I, the king, could secretly visit the master who still had designs on building many things way before their time. They were not happy years for Leonardo. He was paralyzed on the right side and while he continued to design bridges, war machines, water wheels and futuristic items like cameras, parachutes, machine guns, even a helicopter, many believe he designed the first bicycle." Only Joy in Speaking with Francois But the only joy was in his conversations with Francois, the king. Francois was an interesting young man who took pleasure in talking to Leonardo." Bruce added, "I know. I also know that he arrived from Italy with a student and three paintings. He was no ordinary man. He was a master painter, scholar, engineer, architect and scientist all rolled into one." "Yes. One of the paintings was La Giaconda, the Mona Lisa. That's how it became part of the Louvre collection. By the way, did you know that the Mona Lisa was also stolen some years ago. It's a miracle that they got it back." Then after a moment he added. "If he stayed at Hautefort, as you say, and I don't doubt it, then the Mona Lisa was in your Chateau for a time." "Yes, but I doubt if it would still be there. It's too beautiful. It really belongs to France, even if Leonardo was not French." "Thousands of priceless treasures never get back to their rightful owners or are duplicated and sold as fakes. Man is a greedy animal, without scruples." The Elgin Marbles flashed through his mind. Marie-Claude continued. "The Clos Luce is now open to the public with a museum containing many design drawings and machine prototypes. We can visit there tomorrow." "Yes, and we should find the infamous Mr. Hellstrom here." Take a Two-Bedroom Apartment... Marie Claude suggested that they take a two-bedroom apartment in the nearby Chateau de la Guillonniere. It was just outside Amboise and beautifully decorated with marble fireplaces and antique furnishings. There are canopied beds and we can have breakfast in the main dining room. It is set in the country in a meadow of flowers. It is a sprawling castle with a detailed façade. I was first here in the winter with my father. The property was covered with a blanket of fluffy snow. I have wonderful memories of playing in the snow with papa. You'll love it. There's a certain quiet charm. I took the liberty of calling ahead. We have a reservation." "Do we have to go there right away? I'd like to see some of the Loire Valley." "Bien sur. We can visit the city of Tours. It is mostly rebuilt but there are interesting sights there too. We can have dinner on the Place Plumereau and still get to Amboise before too late. "It's only 25 kilometers from there. She explained that the Place Plumereau was a square surrounded by timbered building most of which were restaurants." (Click here for Chapter 29)