Someone's here!

We have been in Clermont for about 2 years and 9 months and this is the first time someone is visiting us from Singapore beside Michelin's co-workers and family.
Hilda (our friend from home church in S'pore, esp DH since he has known her for more than 15 years) is having a 3 weeks vacation in Europe - Munich, England and France and decided to pay us a visit since she's alone. After much communication, we decided to show her around on the weekend as DH is very busy with his travel schedule.

Last Friday evening, DH returned from Grenoble, about 3 to 4 hours drive away from Clermont. Then I picked him up at the car rentals and off we go again on the road! It's about another 3 hours drive to Blois train station where we're suppose to meet Hilda. I drove for the 1st hour and decided to pass over to DH since it was raining cats and dogs. I can barely see anything! It's too dangerous for me to drive. By the time we got to Blois, it about 9pm. Finally we met up with Hilda and we then head for the hotel which is about 30min drive.

On Saturday morning, we visited 2 castles at Loire - Chambord and Chenonceau. These are the 2 most interesting and popular among all the castles of the Loire since we have very limited time.

Chambord, never fails to impress!

At the top of the castle

Another view of Chambord

Chenonceau - it's a pity they are doing some repair work

Another side of the castle

Huge pumpkins found in the vegetable farm beside the castle

Feeding the donkey some hazel nuts off the ground.

We set off to Bourges at about 5pm. It's another town and it's where they are famous for the cathedral. We had dinner at this cosy French restaurant that evening and had enjoyed the time we spend together.
It took us about another 2 hours drive to Clermont. By the time we reached home, we were all very tired - after the long walk and drive, who's not tired.

On Sunday, we somehow have a very relaxed morning as we thought Hilda might need the rest before taking the train back to Paris that evening. By the time we get out of the house, it's almost 12 noon. DH took Hilda to the Notre dame (the black cathedral of our town) and walk her a little in the town centre.

Main Cathedral in town

Place de Jaude - Main square that's very near our appartment

A very typical alley - this was named after Blaise Pascal

Another church in town - notre dam du port

This is a view of clermont from a high viewpoint and there's the black Cathedral that can be seen from far.

This is the landmark of Puy de Dome

Puy Du Dome - famous dormant volcano

Volcano crater and chaine of Puy at the background.

Look! the wind was so "strong" and it was very cold that day.

We had a really good time with Hilda but I wondered who else would come visit us here in Clermont??