I’m not exactly shy about making friends while traveling or turning social media acquaintances into real-life friends. So, when I spotted a Facebook post from Mark Playle about a new book on the women of Amboise that his wife and fellow former journalist Pamela Shields wrote, I didn’t hesitate. This trip is all about reconnection and building bonds that I forged in 2019. With that in mind, I made plans to meet them in Amboise, France.
Surprise Connections
I thought it would be a quick meet-up for coffee and books. We met at a cute place along the main strip in Amboise, just across from the castle. Mark and Pamela, British ex-pats who live in Amboise, instantly started sharing their stories. We laughed and talked for hours. Then, they offered to tour me around possibly my favourite commune in France. That was all it took to transform the time into a wonderful afternoon of conversation and exploration.
They showed me where the Resistance blew up the bridge in Amboise to trap the Nazis in WWII. I learned about the private king’s entrance right at the base of the castle. We walked down the smallest road in Amboise. There was even some kitschy street art that I knew my kiddos would have loved.
After so much fun, they invited me back to their lovely home for a tour of their gardens and the final treat of the day.
The tunnels dug beneath their house are hundreds of years old and purported to lead to the castle. Yes, they are a bit caved in and no one really knows where they actually went. But, oh the stories to tell.
We became fast friends and I am so very grateful for the chance to get to know Mark and Pamela as well as Amboise so much better.
If you like this feature, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and receive exclusive content.