Canals and Sancerre
Beaulieu-sur-Loire
“If”
by Rudyard KiplingIf you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
What if lived in this place and just did boating. I find boating limiting and slow. I rather be biking and stop anywhere I want. Anyway, it is wonderful to just watch how the boat flows and passes you by.
At first, I followed this couple who didn’t push through the direction of Sancerre. Then, I saw the sign again when I crossed the bridge. At this time, I rechecked my map, although on the way, I had to pedaled my way up the hill. I just went for it. A woman with an electric passed me. I just smiled at it. At my age, I still could handle it. Maybe in 5 years, I would opt to having an electric bike. We’ll see.
Sancerre
Sancerre is a delightful destination for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a serene and scenic escape in the heart of France. It's also known for its warm hospitality and the chance to savor some of the finest wines France has to offer.
While having lunch — I treated myself with a nice lunch and three glasses of wine, I checked up places on booking. I decided to go out of the way — Jars. The rolling hills took me longer than I thought. Anyway, I had the whole afternoon. I even had a nap under a tree. Then, I continued on until I reached Jars. The place was excellent. I had the room for myself and a private bathroom by myself. She also offered me a beer and a pitcher of wine.