kamahinaohoku

Michael - Francis II was the son of Francis 1. Henri II was Francis II's brother. Francis II died around the age of 17 after playing tennis. He's thought to have died of pleurisy (or poisoning). His wife (Mary Queen of Scots) had been raised in France, and returned to Scotland after his death. Henri II became Dauphin, then king, and his wife, Catherine De Medici, ruled for their sons after his death in the joust.

SuzieC

I thought this was an interesting read; "The Serpent and The Moon", (it was written by, I'm going to get this wrong...The Princess Michael of Kent?) Anyway, it is the story of Diane dePortiers and Catherine deMedici and their times and places.

kamahinaohoku

SuzieC - I haven't read that one yet, but I always find it amazing how Diane De Poitier was originally Henri's governess (once he and his brother Francis were finally ransomed from the Spanish jail they were living in as children) and then once he reached his 18th birthday, his mistress for 20 years until he died. Fascinating woman, indeed.

Michael

kamahinaohoku,

Thanks for the clarification.

kamahinaohoku

Michael - you're most welcome.

laverendrye

Cigalechanta: The wide screen will not disappear through topping. The only solution that I can think of (aside from Fodor's fixing their software) is to prevail upon Maitaitom to start a new thread with the continuing (and fascinating) story.

maitaitom

I have notified Fodor's of the problem and asked them to pull Cigale chanta's post from yesterday. Since I am at work, hopefully by the time I write and get ready to post, they will fix it. If not, maybe I'll just write the rest, put together my blog with pictures, and send a link.

cigalechanta

Sorry, mait. I did email them yesterday after seeing what happened and also the topping ones for my mistake

marigross

Tom, whatever made you think that the picture blog was not required?!?!?! It is not optional, you HAVE to do the picture blog.

starrsville

cig, lawchick knows how to delete a previous day's post. Maybe she can help you delete your post with the link.

carolyn

I copied what I hadn't read to Word and deleted the url. That let me read without going back and forth and back and forth.

It's a great report, Maitaitom.

maitaitom

"'It seemed like you could just reach out and touch the Eiffel Tower.'
I love it."

The picture I took is now my screen saver. What a day!