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French Pilgrimage-July 11-23, 2009

Joan of Arc vs. the French Revolution?

God willing, in July 2009, we will lead our fifth pilgrimage to France (our fourth with the spirituality and footsteps of Joan foremost in our plans).  As before, the philosophy we are aiming for on this trip is one of going back to the essentials, of simplicity, of quality time in some places instead of ‘rush-rush’ in many.  We will indeed see much, but we want to experience the places we visit more as spiritual travelers than as consumers.  Indeed, our goal is to first see things through the eyes of believers, and then from other perspectives; such as historical, architectural, sociological, as tourists, etc.  Consequently, the maximum number of people we’ll take will be 18.  We believe that more than that would begin to impact the basic philosophy we wish to follow. 

Each day we will have a short get-together with our group where we may go over the activities of the day, answer questions, and have some time for prayers/meditation.  Often times we will also be looking at certain aspects of our theme: Joan of Arc vs. the French Revolution? This time shared together has been one of the highlights for many of the people who have come with us. 

Let’s first take a brief look at two of the main building blocks this pilgrimage is being based on:

1. There is no story in all recorded history like that of Joan of Arc (1412-1431).  The same church that burned her at the stake on May 30, 1431, canonized her saint on May 16, 1920-nearly 500 years later.  In fact, now she is France’s Patron saint, and her legacy to both France and the world runs deep.  Did you know that:

- She is the most attested person in history up to the 16th century.

- At 17 years old, she remains the youngest supreme military commander in history, male or female.

- Her prophecies were famous even in her own time.  They were very specific, even giving certain time limits in which they would be fulfilled.  And never making a mistake makes her consistent with what we see of the Biblical prophets.

- When just a child, while working in the fields of Domremy, she was often observed falling to her knees in prayer when the church bells began ringing.

- As she was about to be burned to death, she was praying for her executioners (much like Jesus of Nazareth).

- In fact, there are many parallels and similarities with Joan of Arc and the saint/prophets of the Bible.

2. France was in general a deeply Christian country during the time of Joan of Arc.  So how did it become the nation that it is today: deeply secular and verging on becoming a Muslim country?  There are many parts to this puzzle, but the first and most obvious one is the French Revolution (1789-1799).  The changes brought about by the revolution, both spiritually and politically, have deep consequences for us all even today. 

Did you know that during the French revolution:

- The worship of God was ‘outlawed’ (November 1793), in the name of ‘Reason’. 

- Thousands of priests and nuns were tied up naked together and drowned in mass on large ships that were sunk in the Loire River.  30,000 others ran for their lives to other countries.

- A new calendar, beginning with the year 1, was officially instituted (November 7, 1793) in order to get rid of Sundays, and all other Christian holidays. 

- On November 11, 1793 during the ‘Festival of Reason’, a prostitute (with the title of ‘Goddess of Reason’) was put on the altar of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (renamed as the ‘Temple of Reason’), to receive all homage previously given to God. 

- The ‘Festival of the Ass’ was celebrated in Lyons in derision of religious worship on December 1, 1793.

- The ‘Festival of Reason’ was celebrated in all cites of France on December 12, 1793.

The differences between Joan’s approach to God and that of revolutionary France are enormous.  In a manner of speaking, they present opposite sides of the same coin: France.  Could taking a look at these ‘opposite sides’ shed some light on the spiritual state of France today?  Yes, we think so.  And not just on contemporary France, but the western world in general, including the United States.  In any case, the history of both of these times is fascinating, and we’ll use them as reference points for this pilgrimage.

Itinerary

On all of our previous pilgrimages, we have stayed very close to our detailed itineraries.  However, pleases keep in mind that this itinerary is meant to be a guideline, not one carved in stone.  Once in France, we reserve the right to make any changes that we may feel, at the time, would be best for the group, and we encourage people to be flexible in their approach to the pilgrimage.  Having said that…

Saturday-Sunday, July 11-12, 2009, ‘Base St Thierry’:  We will all meet at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on July 11, 2009, at a specific rendezvous place and time (the meeting time will be around 1-2pm).  This worked very well the past pilgrimages.  This way, those just arriving from the states will not have to go into Paris in order to link up with the pilgrimage.  Also, as many people have expressed a desire to be able to use their frequent flyer miles, and/or to be able to be more flexible before or after the pilgrimage, we’ve found that it is better for everyone to make their own flight arrangements.  Consequently the price has been reduced accordingly to take this aspect into consideration.  From there we will depart together and drive immediately to the outskirts of Reims (about 90 minutes by car), where we will be staying at a religious community located in the countryside (St Thierry) just outside of the city of Reims.  We feel that, especially after such a long and tiring flight, this will be a much more beautiful and relaxing place, than staying in the hustle and bustle of a big city.  We’ll spend two nights there, so you’ll have time to relax, settle in, and recover some from the long travel.  The Benedictine Sisters of St Thierry will serve us our meals (the food is simple, but healthy).  For those interested, you can attend some of the Sister’s prayer services, and/or hear their soothing singing, in their 12th century chapel.  For any of you interested, there will be a meeting with one of the sisters, who will talk a little about their community life of prayer, hospitality and work; and answer questions.  One of us will be present to translate.  FYI- Catherine is French, and Chris is American.  We both speak French and English fluently.  We will be translating for most tours and activities, etc, but not all.

While staying at St. Thierry we’ll go to Reims for a leisurely visit of the famous Cathedral de Reims, where Joan of Arc escorted Charles VII for his anointing and coronation.  When finally at Reims Joan told the king, “Noble King, now is accomplished the will of God who desired…that I should bring you to this city of Reims to receive your holy anointing.”  France is well known for its many beautiful and inspiring cathedrals, churches and basilicas, but this one is exceptional. 

Monday-Saturday, July 13-19, ‘Base Domremy’: The tiny village of Domremy is Joan of Arc’s birthplace.  Located in a rural and beautiful part of France, it is the best place to begin our search for both Jeanne’s roots and her spirituality.   This area is a good example of ‘la France profonde’.  This means ‘the deep France’, i.e. the lovely pastoral countryside that few tourists ever see, much less experience.  That is a primary reason for our decision to spend so much time in this area, but there are other reasons as well. 

As you might imagine, there is a wealth of Joan of Arc experts living in this area.  In the past, they have been very generous to us with both their time and their expertise, and we wanted to take advantage of this again.  Also, the people in this part of France have welcomed us time after time with their own brand of warm hospitality. 

The dates for the pilgrimage have been chosen to correspond with celebrating France’s Independence Day (le 14 Juillet, la Fete National, i.e. July 14, the National Celebration) in Joan of Arc’s hometown.  For the theme of our pilgrimage, this combination of circumstances presents us with an excellent convergence of events, locale, and history.  As you might imagine, during this time there will be a host of activities to choose from in this area (including of course fireworks).  We intend to take advantage of the very best of them. 

Also, while in Domremy, we will have a guided visit of Joan of Arc’s house.  Fr Jean Mengin (the priest in charge of the Basilica) will give us a personalized tour of the Joan of Arc Basilica.  We’ll also spend some time at the Fairy Tree location (it is no longer there, being cut down in the 17th century), and the “Fountain of the Fevers”, where Joan stated she often heard her “voices”.  This place is still to this day very calming and pastoral.

We have reserved gites (i.e. fully furnished rented houses) and des chambres d’hotes (i.e. a kind of French B&B).  Actually, there are only three gites located in Domremy itself, and we have reserved them all.  They are on the grounds of a large two-story house that was built by Napoleon III for one of his mistresses in 1860.  They are very nice, with lovely large gardens in the back yard.  It is a two-minute walk from there to Joan’s house.  They are fully furnished, with kitchens, microwaves, TVs, DVD players…it will be a place where you can relax and feel at home.  Our group get-togethers will often be held in one of these gites.  Some of the chambres d’hotes are located in Napoleon III’s two-story house, and some are right across the street from the gites.  They have their own charm and advantages.  In general, gites and the chambers d’hotes provide a marked improvement from a hotel. 

A little about the food is in order here.  We will have several meals at l’Accueil du Pélerin (‘The Pilgrim’s Welcome’).  It is a restaurant in the countryside, on a hillside (a beautiful view!), just next to the Basilica erected in honor of Joan (and a stones throw to where the Fairy Tree was).  It is run by the Sisters called les Travailleuses Missionaires (the Working Missionaries).  They create a joyful atmosphere and the food is very good.  Their lovely singing at the end of the meals has been greatly appreciated by all who have come with us.  Other meals will be delivered to us by our traitteur.  A ‘traitteur’ is kind of a French delicatessen.  They specialize in daily fresh dishes.  It is often very good!

And speaking about the French meals/food…here’s a little more information.  The French are of course known for their good food and wine.  And for good reason.  Charles de Gaulle said, “How can you govern a country with 365 different kinds of cheese?”  Yes, yes…however…when you eat a “real” French meal in a restaurant, you must count on being there 2-3 hours.  It’s a nice way to relax, eat well and enjoy each other’s company.  We will be spending about half of our meal times in such an atmosphere. 

However, ATTENTION! (WATCH OUT!)   If you have two full meals in a restaurant per day, and a petit dejeuner (breakfast), your day will be reduced by 5-6 hours just sitting in a restaurant.  We feel there are too many other interesting and important things to take advantage of in France besides just the food experience.  That’s where the traitteur comes in.  When there are interesting activities coming up, and time is of the essence, then we will take advantage of a traitteur.  For times such as these, we’ve already prepared the menus with these specialists, and arranged for them to deliver to us.   This way, we believe we will have the best of both worlds: good fresh French food, and the flexibility of eating at home, perhaps a picnic, etc.  Mm-m-m.  We’d like to note here that unlike the vast majority of tours, most of the meals (i.e. 80% of all meals) are covered in the price.  And not just the breakfasts but, with exception of seven of them, the lunches and dinners as well. 

We will be doing some day trips from our Domremy base, including: Vaucouleurs, la Chapelle de Bermont and Beauffremont.  There are also some other things in the works.  However, like all of the events/activities we are proposing, none are mandatory.  We want you to do what is good for you, but for those interested, there will be opportunities to dig deeper into French life and history. 

Just a word on each of these day trips:

               Vaucouleurs- After first convincing the Captain in charge that she was God-sent, Joan left from this small town to go see Charles VII.  We have a very good guide there (Nathalie Merlet-she works at the city Tourist Office, and is very knowledgeable about Joan of Arc history).  She will be answering questions and explaining things to you in English (we’ll help translate as needed, as her English is only fair).  Among other things, we’ll visit the castle ruins, including the gate (la Porte de France) through which Joan left on her way to see the King, and the chapelle where Joan was often praying (we even know where she was kneeling).

               La Chapelle de Bermont-Joan often went for prayer to this simple chapelle,

still located in the woods close to Domremy.  It is a lovely, quiet pastoral atmosphere.  Mr. Olivier is the President of the Association of Bermont, and will be there to greet us and explain the fascinating story of Bermont, and the images they have recently uncovered there (we’ll be translating).  These images have been dated to shortly after the death of Joan and the belief is (for very good reasons, we think) that these are actually drawings of Joan of Arc by those who knew her: the monks of the chapelle from that time.

                   Beauffemont-The sumptuous meal at Beauffremont, and wonderful people we shared it with, were certainly the highlight for some of our pilgrims from 2005 and 2007.  Marie-Veronique Clin (author of Joan of Arc-Her Story, and numerous other books on Joan of Arc and the Middle Ages; she is also Director of the Joan of Arc Center in Orleans) introduced us to the owners of Beauffremont in 2004.  They are le Prince et la Princess de Beauffremont.  They are indeed a real Prince and Princess.  However, even though descendants of royalty, they are both very kind and down to earth.  Their family history is amazing.  Some examples?  One of Joan of Arc’s godmothers comes from their family, and the Shroud of Turin was actually located for a couple of years in their castle here, and there is more... The ruins of their castle sits on a hillside, overlooking a large beautiful valley, full of history.   

Sunday-Wednesday, July 19-22, ‘Base Loire Valley/Orleans’: In this area lies the heart of Joan of Arc’s military campaign.  As before, we choose not to stay in the city, but rather in the countryside and a small village (Lailly-en-Val) in the lovely Loire Valley, close to Orleans.  During the pilgrimage of 2007, we so liked one of the gites where we stayed, that we’ve rented it for this time as well.  We call it ‘our little gite in the woods’.

This gite is full of character, and is located on the grounds of a Louis XIII style chateau built in 1633 (Les Gaschetieres).  As in Domremy, we are combining this gite with some well chosen chambers d’hotes (one with a swimming pool). 

While staying in this area, we are planning to visit: Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire, Chambord, and St-Benoit-sur-Loire. 

                    The Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire is a very beautiful castle (the Prince and Princess of Beauffremont also have a very interesting history and connection to this castle, as did la Tremouille, one of Joan’s biggest enemies in Charles VII’s royal circle).    Joan spent a couple of months here just prior to being captured.  Weather and circumstances permitting, we will have a French picnic lunch on the Loire river, overlooking this castle.  It’s truly a site to behold.  You’ll also have a tour of the castle (Catherine and Chris will not be going on this castle tour). 

                    St-Benoit-sur-Loire- This still active Benedictine monastery was founded around 630 AD and St Benedict’s remains are still there to this day. Joan of Arc and the French Revolution both passed through here.  On June 21-22, 1429, Joan came here with Charles VII, on the way to Reims for his ‘anointing’.  Under the medieval theory of succession a king had to be symbolically anointed by God before he would truly become king.  Joan, on a holy mission, passed prayerfully through St Benoit-sur-Loire.  The Revolutionaries, on the other hand, passed through pillaging and destroying what they could.  The differences between the two could not be more striking.  Today a community of approximately 40 monks currently resides within its walls.  They still follow the Rule of St Benedict, and sing Gregorian chants during some of their services.

                      Chambord is the largest of all the Loire castles, and our favorite.  It was born out of a meeting between Francis I and Leonardo da Vinci.  The construction of Chambord was the king’s (Francis I) greatest dream for many years.  Even when his treasury dried up, and he needed money to pay Spain a large ransom for his two captured sons, the work at Chambord continued at full throttle.  At one point he was reduced to pillaging the church treasuries and melting the silver of his subjects; but the work continued unabated.  In his zeal, he even wanted to divert the Loire River and bring it to the foot of the caste.  However, faced with enormity of the task, he diverted the Cosson River instead.  The revolutionaries destroyed all the King’s personal property there, but in 1930 the state began to build it back up to its former glory.  Today it is the largest enclosed forest park in Europe-over 13,000 acres.  A 19-mile wall, the longest in France, encircles it.  Not only is it one of the most ornate and beautiful castles of Europe, there will be summer activities going on.  We will pass the afternoon, and evening there.  We’ll visit the castle, and then attend a Sound and Light show in the evening.  For those interested, you can rent a bicycle, or small boat, to see the impressive grounds there.

                    Orleans, We will also visit the great Cathedrale Sainte-Croix d’Orleans (i.e. Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Orleans).  Immediately after the battle of Orleans was over, Joan went there to give thanks to God for their great victory over the English.  We’ll also visit “la Maison de Jeanne d’Arc” (i.e. Joan of Arc’s House), where she stayed during her time in Orleans.  While there, we’ll see a very good presentation of the battle.  

Wednesday-Thursday, July 22-23, ‘Base Paris-CDG airport’: Our last night will be spent near Paris, in a hotel next to Charles de Gaulle airport.  We’ll have our farewell dinner together in a small quaint family style restaurant, within walking distance to our hotel.

On the last morning, Thursday-July 23, you may help yourself to breakfast at the hotel dining room.  Then for those interested, you can take the shuttle to the airport (i.e. Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport) to catch your flight home.  Or for those planning a longer stay in France/Europe, it could also drop you off at the train or subway station.  Both are also located at CDG airport.

Who Leads these Pilgrimages?

1. Catherine Henon/Snidow-Born in Valenciennses, France in 1958.  A social worker in France, she met Chris at Taize, France in 1979.  She moved to the USA in 1981, and married Chris in 1995.  She became a Registered Nurse in 1987, and is currently teaching Nursing Aide students in Dallas.  Speaks French and English fluently, and some German.

She loves, among other things, sharing a good meal with friends, gardening, walking, bicycle rides and reading.

2. Chris Snidow-Born in W. Virginia in 1948.  Professionally played drums, guitar, and piano in bands in Texas and California for many years.  He spent five years playing in France, Holland, and Northern Africa.  Currently a Registered Nurse in charge of a day program for a homeless shelter (Austin Street Centre) in Dallas, TX; and composer-producer of several critically acclaimed CDs.  His last CD (Jeanne d’Arc et le Dieu de la Bible) comes from the Sound and Light show performed in 2007 at the Basilica dedicated to Joan of Arc in Domremy.  Author of his first book entitled: Joan of Arc and the God of the Bible.  It has recently been translated into French.  Speaks fluent French and English, and some Dutch.

They have led four previous pilgrimages to France: in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007.  They are active members of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX (a suburb of Dallas).  See Testimonials on web site for feedback from previous pilgrims, and contact information for some of them:

www.pilgrimwitnesses.com  

Please feel free to contact us for any questions you may have: 

Chris and Catherine Snidow        

cowrind@sbcglobal.net       

Telephone: 214-327-4579

 

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Joan of Arc vs. the French Revolution

French Pilgrimage July 11-23, 2009

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Price: $3,159.00

Payment, refunds and cancellation fees:  A $350.00 per person deposit is required for registration.  Full payment, including single room supplements if applicable, is due postmarked no later than April 1, 2009.  If full payment is made later than April 1, 2009, a $100.00 Full-Payment-Late-Free will be added on the trip price.  The deposit is non-refundable, except in event of the trip’s cancellation. 

Single accommodations may be available (there are a limited amount available) for a supplemental charge of $474.00, which guarantees single room accommodations throughout the pilgrimage, with a possible exception of the first two nights in St Thierry.  A $50.00 per person deposit is required for registration.  First come first served for all single accommodations. 

We reserve the right to cancel this trip due to inadequate registration that makes this trip economically unfeasible for us to operate, though we would inform you of this at the latest by June 11, 2009.  In such a case, we would refund to you the TOTAL TRIP COST.  However, we are not responsible for additional expenses incurred by participants preparing for the trip (e.g. clothing, equipment, medical expenses, etc.).  Participants are responsible for unanticipated price increases which result from a significant devaluation of the U. S. dollar, or significant gasoline increases.  In an effort to maintain lower costs, credit cards will not be accepted.  No refunds can be given once the trip begins, or for any meals, lodging, activities, or any other services not used.  Travel insurance is highly recommended.

If you cancel:

From April 11, 2009-May 9, 2009 then you forfeit 25% of total cost of the trip price.

From May 10, 2009-May 28, 2009 then you forfeit 50% of total cost of the trip price.

From May 29, 2009-June 18, 2009 then you forfeit 75% of total cost of the trip price.

From June 19, 2009-July 11, 2009 then you forfeit 100% of total cost of the trip price.

We reserve the right to make any schedule or itinerary (and price) changes due to unanticipated circumstances.

NOTICE: Except for willful negligence by Chris Snidow and Catherine Henon, we accept no responsibility for loss or injuries of any nature, regardless of their cause.

WHAT IS INCLUDED ON THIS TRIP:

1) Transportation costs while on this trip in France, with the following exceptions:

a) Air fare to and from Paris, France.  b) Participants are also completely responsible for meeting group at Charles de Gaulle airport on July 11, 2009 at the designated time and place.

2) All sleeping accommodations (double rooms) at religious community, gites, and chambres d’hotes. 

3) Twenty-eight out of thirty-five meals are included (80%).

4) All admission fees for: Chateau-de-Sully-sur-Loire, the birthplace and home of Joan of Arc in Domremy, the Joan of Arc Center in Domremy, the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc in Orleans, the guided visit of Vaucouleurs, and entrance to Chambord (visit to the chateau, and the Son and Light show).

5) Also included are all meetings and/or conferences with various scholars, experts, and/or historians of Jeanne d’Arc and her times throughout the pilgrimage.

-This tours requires a blend of adventuresome spirit, physical fitness, walking ability and mental alertness, and a capacity for accepting situations as they exist and not, necessarily, as we would find them in America.  We regret that we are unable to accept requests for special diets or itinerary variations.  Disabled travelers requiring special attention or treatment while on tour must be reported when reservations are made.  A companion who is able to provide the required assistance must accompany any person who is

unable to travel independently or who needs any type of assistance. 

-Due to limited vehicle storage capacity, each tour member is permitted only two pieces of luggage.  The size of the “suitcase” we recommend is: 9” X 22” X 14”.  The size of the “carry on” bag is:

17” X 10” X 10”.  This is the size of our own baggage, and allows us to also take them with us on the plane.  [NOTE: If you have ever had the airlines lose your luggage, as we have, you will appreciate being able to keep them with you.]

-Chris Snidow and Catherine Henon do not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or passengers’ belongings.

-Chris Snidow and Catherine Henon reserve the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour/pilgrimage, or to require any participant to withdraw from the trip at any time who presents a significant risk to the health or safety of himself or others which can not be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by Mr. Snidow and Ms. Henon’s reasonable accommodations.

-Your travel hosts, guides, translators, and fellow pilgrims:  Chris Snidow and Catherine Henon.

CONTRACT AGREEMENT

Joan of Arc vs. the French Revolution

French Pilgrimage of July 11-23, 2009

I fully understand all the terms and conditions of this agreement, and I agree and hereby enter into this contract with Chris Snidow and Catherine Henon.

Name as stated on passport (print please): ___________________________________________

Mailing address: _________________________________City________________State_______

Passport # :_____________________________Expiration Date:__________________________

Country of Issue: _________________________Date of Birth:___________________________

Telephone:  (Home)_____________________(Work)____________________(Cell)___________________

E-mail address: ________________________________________________________________

Accommodations desired:

Double: Yes________No________Sharing a room with (if you know):____________________

 

When available, single room:  Yes________No_________

In the event of emergency, please contact:

Name:______________________________Relationship:_______________________________

Address:______________________________________City:_________________State:______

Day time phone #______________________Night time phone #_________________________

Cell Phone #_______________________Email address:________________________________

MAIL TO: Chris Snidow and Catherine Henon
                   9320 Biscayne Blvd.
                   Dallas, Texas 75218

Today’s Date: _____________________Signature: ___________________________________

AGREEMENT TO ASSUME ALL RISKS OF TOUR TRAVEL (a/k/a PILGRIMAGE OR RETREAT) STAYING IN FRANCE & TRANSPORTATION, AND TO RELEASE CHRISTIAN C. SNIDOW AND CATHERINE M. HENON FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY RELATED THERETO

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I,  ________________________, fully understand that participation in a tour group (also known as a PILGRIMAGE or RETREAT) that will be traveling and staying in France for up to 12 days exposes me to certain INHERENT RISKS, including, but not limited to, transportation accidents (such as an accident in a vehicle).  I fully understand that these risks include but are not limited to loss or damage to personal property, injury or fatality due to collision with a vehicle, equipment failure, whether or not caused by the negligence of a tour leader, or illness.  Nevertheless, I wish to engage in this tour travel in France (a/k/a PILGRIMAGE or RETREAT), and I AM WILLING TO TAKE COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY AND TO ASSUME ALL RISKS OF INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH, whether foreseen or unforeseen, that may befall me as a result of my participation in these activities, specifically the Tour in France: Joan of Arc vs the French Revolution being conducted July 11-July 23, 2009.

RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE

Therefore, as consideration for being permitted to participate in this travel tour in France, I hereby agree that I, my assignees, heirs, and legal representatives RELEASE CHRISTIAN C. SNIDOW AND/OR CATHERINE M. HENON, their agents, employees and representatives from any and all liability arising from any and all actions, claims or demands that I, my assignees, heirs or my legal representatives, may hereafter have and that I, my assignees, heirs, and legal representatives will not make a claim or demand against CHRISTIAN C. SNIDOW AND/OR CATHERINE M. HENON, their agents, employees and representatives for PROPERTY DAMAGE, ILLNESS, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH arising from my participation in any tour and/or travel activities, and any activity related thereto, including transportation of any kind while in France, regardless of whether such property damage, illness, personal injury, or death results from THE NEGLIGENCE OF CHRISTIAN C. SNIDOW AND/OR CATHERINE M. HENON (but not their reckless, willful, or fraudulent conduct), and/or from ANY DEFECT IN EQUIPMENT AND/OR VEHICLES USED DURING THIS TOUR.

HOLD HARMLESS

I agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD CHRISTIAN C SNIDOW AND CATHERINE M. HENON HARMLESS with respect to any claim made against them by any other person or any third party that relates to my participation in travel in France and/or any tour related activities that would be covered by the Release and Covenant Not to Sue if made directly by me.

This agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the law of the State of Texas.

I have carefully read this agreement and I fully understand this contents. I understand that this is a release of liability and a legal contract between me, Christian C Snidow and Catherine M. Henon, and that it affects my legal rights.  I am signing this document of my own free will.

Tour in France: Joan of Arc vs. the French Revolution for July 11-23, 2009

Date: _________________

Adult Guest Printed Name:

__________________________________________________

Adult Guest Signature

___________________________________________

Address:

City:                                      State:                                Postal Code:________Country:___________________________