France, Loire Valley - Château d'Azay-le-Rideau III

The Azay-le-Rideau Castle interior is synonymous with an Italian Renaissance one, with richly carved decoration. 

Traces of the Flemish Renaissance still remain, 

which are visible through 16th and 17th century tapestries, displayed in several places throughout the castle. 

The interior is made up of several drawing rooms and stately rooms, 

with the majority redecorated in the 19th century Neo-Renaissance style.

France, Loire Valley - Château d'Azay-le-Rideau II

Unfinished for many years, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau has a distinctive L-shaped design,

 as the architect's quadrilateral design was never completed. 

Although a small chateau, 

Azay-le-Rideau makes up for its lack of stature in the sheer beauty of this tranquil setting. 

The elegant, ornate architecture is reflected in the water of the mirror lakes 

and the landscaped gardens of the 19th century make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene view.

Sibiu - Brick Walls

"The brick walls are there for a reason. 

The brick walls are not there to keep us out. 

The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. 

Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough."

Randy Pausch

Sibiu - Charming Places

The city of Sibiu, with a population of just under 150,000 people, 

was awarded the ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2007 and was ranked “Europe’s 8th most idyllic place to live” by Forbes. 

Sibiu - The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary III

It was raised in the 14th century on the location of an old Roman church dating from the 12th century, 

but as the community grew and the small citadel turned into a true burgh, 

its inhabitants decided to build a much bigger church with a tower that would “reach the skies”.

The works for the new cathedral started in 1380, but because the citadel was constantly threatened by attacks, 

the people abandoned the construction for a while and instead they fortified the defense ramparts. 

The church was finished in 1520 when they erected the steeple.

France, Loire Valley - Château de Chenonceau VI

The charm and amazing architecture of Chenonceau Castle makes it one of the most romantic castles in France. 

Chateau sits on the river Cher which reflects the magnificence of the building and gives to the entire castle special ambiance. 

No surprise that it is one of the most photographed castles of the Loire Valley.

France, Loire Valley - Château de Chenonceau V

The chateau is distinctive in part for being constructed in the middle of the Cher River. 

The river, placid as a lake on fair days, reflects the castle’s white stone and dainty turrets like a noble lady’s looking glass. 

Which is appropriate, for Chenonceau is popularly known as “the ladies’ chateau.” 

Through the centuries, six strong and memorable women built Chenonceau, 

maintained it, expanded it, loved it, fought over it, and made its place in history.