Cathédrale Saint Maurice

It's day 4 in Angers and I am slowly, slowly getting my bearings. The streets are winding and confusing but I am very slowly getting an idea. I still get pleasant surprises like when the steeples of what I learned was the Saint Maurice cathedral popped into my view. I stopped in to check it out. There has been a church at the sight since 470 but this building dates back to the 12th century and the first example of the Angevin Gothic style.

I'm sure this photo from my phone doesn't do the church justice, but it's really impressive in person. Maybe the pictures from inside will be a little better...

This is a simply fascinating chaire or pulpit/dais, to the side of the pews, that was sculpted by an artist and priest, Abbé Choyer and installed here in 1870 after just 3 years of making it at a workshop here in Angers. According to a description next to the work, the superior (upper) part shows the glorious Church surrounded by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while the inferior part shows the Church in her combat on earth.

And then finally, my pictures won't prove it, but the stained glass at the cathedral is a sight for sore eyes!

 

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Currently readin'

Galina, a Russian story, Galina Vishnevskaya. I told the guy sitting next to me on the plane about this book ("it's about a Russian opera singer's life who sang at the Bolshoi and takes place during Stalin's rule and after Stalin into the '50's and probably later, but I haven't gotten there." His comment- Wow sounds boring. "You don't like history?" -No I love it. "Well then you'd love this book.") It's inspiring to have a glimpse inside the mind of a strong and dedicated individual who faced adversity unimaginable. I'm going to share a song that Galina sang by Rachmaninoff. In the novel, she intertwines her interpretation of the deceased woman's words, portraying her passion for music, that brought me to tears... My main goal here being mostly selfish, that if for no other reason that I might look back at this blog one day, most likely having forgotten these words, and experience again such a lovely song!

Do Not Grieve, Op. 14, No. 8

Text by A. ApoukhtinEnglish version by Rosa Newmarch

O, do not grieve for me!For there, where ends all sadness,My past, with all its pain, shall be as vanished dreams;But may your memories be like those bright days of gladnessThat come, with Springtide’s earliest gleams.O, do not pine for me!This parting cannot severMy soul from yours;It may return and hover near.Just as in days gone by, my love and care shall everProtect your life from grief and fear.O live!It is your part!And should some force be given,Renewing strength and comfort, joy and peace,Then know, ‘tis I am sent,A messenger from Heaven,To dry your tears, and bid them cease.

But for now, back to the book!

 

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Maison d'Adam

Also known as Maison d'Adam et Eve, or Maison de l'Arbre de Vie (the House of the Tree of Life) is one of the forty or so timber-framed houses in Angers and was built around 1500.

There are abundant sculptures that decorate the facade of the building. The Tree of Life sculpture is still there, but that of Adam and Eve has disappeared, remaining in name only.

It's a charming old building with so much personality, a remarkably lively example of architecture from the Middle Ages, and only minutes from where I am living now, (pinch me!) The store on the lower level sells gifts, jewelry and art work from local artisans, and is on my growing list of places to visit around town.

 

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Feels nice to be back

in France. And in a beautiful city I know nothing about, with so much to see and explore. From my first step off the train I was perfectly content to be in Angers, and happily surprised to take the quick, convenient street car to my new place.

Taking pics on no sleep=black line cutting through picture

I went on a quick walk this afternoon to keep from falling asleep. And what a lovely walk it was. Perfect weather after the past few hot and humid days I spent in Cinci.

 

I swung by Carrefour on my way home, unpacked, and now despite the daylight at 8 pm, I'm unable to keep my eyes open, Bon nuit!

 

 

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Packing. That is avoiding packing.

 

 

Moving to Angers, France! In two days...

And let's just say my excitement for moving to France is inversely related to my enthusiasm for packing. But it's just for four months until I visit home for Christmas, so I can do this!

I found a position through the University of Cincinnati at the Université d'Angers as a "lectrice d'anglais." I'll be teaching conversation English to students majoring in English. It's a one year contract through August, so I'll be moving back home next summer. The university helped me find housing so I'll be living with three Frenchies whom I know nothing about. So far I've only heard good things about Angers so I am looking forward to seeing this city with my own eyes. Excited for the adventure ahead!

 

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