amboise is definitely touristy. yesterday, though, we took cruella's advice and visited the chateau in loches, not too far away. it was totally uncrowded and really cool. dad and i skipped the chateau tour in montrose and got an eclair instead. i'm reaching a point where i'm sightseeing-out. i just don't give a shit anymore. i'd much rather spend the afternoon reading or getting tea or people watching or talking or whatever. no more churches!
my plan is to go up to harlaam/amsterdam with uncle D and aunt M for two nights until they fly home. i fly on the 31st to belfast, ireland, where i plan to park it for three weeks. i have a friend in ireland and i decent guidebook and at least part of ireland is on the euro instead of the dreaded two-to-one pound. god, those pounds suck you dry. anyway, after ireland, i'll probably hit england for a week and then spend my last four or five nights of this whole little lifetime in paris, lovely paris. a girl cannot tire of paris!
tomorrow we're planning to see some more chateaus and tuesday we leave for four nights in paris. aunt M and i take a perfume tour on thursday. excited!
i think mostly what i'm feeling is burnout. i'm having to remind myself that i do love traveling and seeing new things. i'm hoping the spirit will return once i get to ireland-- it's unchartered territory for me and i have a little irish in my blood from my paternal grandma. i need some reinspiration. i'm feeling a bit tired and worn out. not like i'm in any big rush to get back to america, but i'm tiring of franceland.