Conflans, France discovery

Guest post by Mel & Karen Ray

Awakened by the news that we will not proceed to Paris later today as planned.  Given the heavy rain of the past week, our boat will not fit under the bridges!  Paris is about 30 miles up river so all onshore tours will continue as planned and "departure day" (tomorrow) will continue as we will be bussed into Paris.

The interest of Conflans is the "spicy" lives of Napolean Bonaparte and Josephine.  A tour guided to visit to their nearby palace gave motivation to hearing all about Napolean's love for Josephine (6 years older than Napolean, born on her family's plantation in Martinique, divorced with 2 children).  They were married in a simply registry office service in 1796.  The Bonaparte family was furious.  She purchased the large chateau (Malmaison 1797).  She often made other large purchases (lavish furnishings, exotic plants & wild animals) while Napolean was off winning battles. She was eventually divorced by Naploean as became sterile and he wanted a blood son (his second wife gave him his wish.)  Josephine died in 1814 and Napolean returned to Malmaison ofter his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.  Malmaison was completely restored in the early 20th century.

Back on board to pack our luggage and get up to the minute details regarding tours, another MAC concert and disembarkation planned for tomorrow.  Another big day tomorrow but the reality of leaving AmaLegro began to set in.