Fontenay Abbey (part 2) - May 2011

The stairs from the Dormitory, which lead directly into the Church. No mistaking about what the center of life was in the Cistercian order.

 

The Dormitory

One can almost still hear the shuffle of sandal-clad feet along the worn stones of the cloister walkways.

The Abbey workshop and great forge.

 
If you look closely, they are smiling. 

Fontenay Abbey (part 1) - May 2011

Entrance to the Abbey...

Entrance to the Abbey Church.

The only statue in the Church proper; Our Lady and the Infant Jesus.

 
Looking back from the center of the Church, the scale of the place becomes more clear. The unadorned simplicity of the interior only adds to the sense of space. Its purpose is straightforward and clear - contemplation, prayer and sacrifice.

Pont du Gard - May 2011

Daddy & Isabella go a'hunting...

"Are you ready, Isabella?"

"Ready, Daddy."

 

Hunting hats - sorted.

Extra-special magic looking thing - sorted.

 

Behold! A great and terrible beast!

Well, er....it does have horns.