This summer I went to France. What makes that trip special is the fact that I lost my job 6 months ago, and don't have much money to my name. So how is it that an unemployed man with a family can afford to travel to France? With a little imagination, a table, some popcorn, and a colorful jigsaw puzzle - anything's possible.
For under $9, I can travel to countries all over the world as I put together jigsaw puzzles. I've spent hours with family visiting Russia, France, and the United States. This summer, I found my way to France on a number of occasions. My first stop in France was to the famous Villandry castle, which was completed in 1536 during the peak of the Renaissance. This magical castle stands on grounds once inhabited by an old 7th century castle that was razed to make way for the masterpiece built by Le Breton, a French ambassador to Italy. I marveled at the grandiose edifice in all its glory. Even more, I breathed in the fragrance of the nearby gardens - much more beautiful and enjoyable than the castle itself. My favorite stop was at the vegetable garden. The contrasting colors of the leeks, the cabbages, and the carrot tops bounce of the eyelids to provide an eventful dance of color in your minds-eye view. This garden, which dates back to the middle ages came to life in the jagged puzzle pieces that lay in my hands.
Little did the monks that planted the garden hundreds of years ago know that I would be celebrating the colors and beauty of the gardens by exploring the mystery of a jigsaw puzzle. Little by little, as the puzzle pieces came together, the ornamental kitchen garden, with its many crosses and roses planted symmetrically spring to life on the cardboard frame in front of me.
My visit to France was a true adventure, and I was able to enjoy it without ever leaving the comforts of my own home and family. Though I may not have a lot of money, I can travel the world putting together jigsaw puzzles.
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