Thulani in France - Part 5

Thulani had a wonderful day today. His favourite day so far in France !! As it is Sunday, Paula asked him if he would like to go to church with her, and he wasn't sure because he didn't know what denomination he was, and also worried that it will all be in French and he wouldn't understand it ?! He said that last Christmas he went to a lovely Christmas concert at St. Mary's Parish Chuch Columbus Ohio and he LOVED the music.

Paula put his mind at rest and said that there was always lots of lovely music in their service and that he would be very much welcomed. She showed him their website www.evangeliquedeloches and he said it did look very friendly, so he agreed to go and what a great time he had there !! The congregation were all so happy and even though he didn't understand everything, he got the idea of true celebration and joy. The first photo shows Thulani with Pastor Raphael Anzenberger outside the church, and the second photo is a lovely little girl Lylia, who was also attending her first church service (because she's only 13 days old !). 

Paula told Thulani that there is an English service next Sunday, so if he is still here in France he could attend that too if he wants to.

Now a little bit of information about the Royal & Impregnable Fortress of Loches. The Keep was built in the early 11th century. 36 metres high, it is one of the most imposing buildings of the Roman period and the best preserved Keep in Europe. There are dungeons, tunnels and a medieval garden. The Royal Quarters, jewel of the French Renaissance, was home to the Valois and accommodated famous women such as Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel and Anne of Brittany. The royal quarters contain fine collections of Flemish tapestries, armours and paintings.   

A high point for Thulani was also visiting La collégiale Saint-Ours, (ours meaning "bear" of course !) and parts of that ancient church dates back to 1030 and 1135 etc. This year Loches is celebrating the 600th Anniversary of the birth of Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) in 1412. More about her in the next e.mail (we need to do some research !!) After the sight-seeing in Loches at the church, Paula & Thulani went down to the town and enjoyed a bit of outdoor, typically "tables on the pavement" café life and he enjoyed the atmosphere enormously !! He said " this is the life !! " Luckily it wasn't too hot today as it has been raining quite a bit recently.

The day was rounded off perfectly by chillin' out in front of the TV to watch an English film called "The Queen" with Helen Mirren playing Her Royal Majesty (of course it had been dubbed into French). There is a British series of programmes and films on the channel "Arte" and to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee, this was a good choice. You can see Thulani sitting on the TV paper giving the film a "pick of the week" spot !! He's really looking forward to going to England now !! .....