Week-end of Wine and Dine

This weekend I went on an excursion to the Burgundy region, and visited Dijon and Beaune. Many of you are probably familiar with Dijon mustard- the city is known for their mustard, escargots, and beef burgundy. It was a three hour bus ride from Grenoble to Dijon, and we had a tour once we arrived. Dijon is known as the 18th largest city in France, what an accomplishment. The Notre Dame Dijon was horribly vandalized during the French Revolution because during the Reign of Terror, the Sans Coulettes descecrated anything having to do with the Church. They rampaged against churches and cathedrals, chipping away sculptures of religious symbols, and even cutting away Jesus from the Virgin Mary's arms. The entrance way to this cathedral is completely rid of all its religious sculptures, and Mother Mary is missing her arms on the chapel alter. However,the church has devised a cloak/veil to put on her, and one cannot notice that she does not have arms. As a historical loving person, I think it is sad and unfortunate that so much artwork was lost at the hands of a such a bloody ordeal. On another note- there is a tradition on the side of Notre Dame that involves on owl. One of the corners of the church has an owl; rub the owl with your LEFT hand while making a wish, and the wish will come true! Yes, I made a wish, but I'l never say what ;). For dinner that night, we went to a traditional Dijon restaurant offering Boef Burgundie (beef burgundy). I had an amazingly delicious hamburger, the beef here is just so much better! There were caramelized onions on the bottom of the burger, and topped with cheese, tomatos, and pickles. Not that French- but it was pretty darn delicious, and I think that is all that matters. Sunday morning we left Dijon and headed to Beaune, a small French town really known for their wines. Upon our 11 am arrival, we went to a wine tasting. We were led down to the stone and damp cellar, where we learned how taste wines. This was a really interesting experience to partake in because I got to learn a little about different types of wine and how they taste and are grown. After, we were free to do as we pleased, and my friend Ali and I walked around for a bit. Beune is the most picturesque French possible. Imagine: narrow, cobble stonded streets lined with houses made of stucco or the "old European" wooden beams. We visited a hospice which has been around since 1493, and the last patient left in 1984. I think it is really extraordinary becuase this building is in almost perfect condition and has survived the French Revolution and two world wars, among other disasters in Europe. The hospital was intended for the poor, but the nurses and the care were so renowned, that the middle class and even nobles began coming for care. Theses two classes eventually began giving donations to the hospital, which helped presereve it to what we know today. After another 3 hour bus ride home, I returned to Grenoble with fondue for dinner. Score. Cheese(one of my favorite foods) + bread(another favorite)= one very satisfied Aleigha! Not to mention we had white wine along with. This was a great weekend, and I am super glad I had the chance to get out of Grenoble for a bit. It was really interesting to see another region, and have some food and wine to represent that region.