Châteaux du Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci and the last stop of my Gay Pride busking tour in France. I chose to end my tour here as Leonardo da Vinci is one of the greatest human minds that has ever existed: Scientist, artist, musician, inventor, writer... the list goes on. A mathematical and creative genius: A Renaissance Man. Its also known that Da Vinci was homosexual. An incredible human being, responsible for creating or laying foundations for the creation of some of the most remarkable and noteworthy parts of this world we share. A person certainly worthy of immense respect and celebration. An icon of human achievement. Two weeks ago I set out on a two-day busking tour through the Chateaux of the Loire Valley in celebration of Gay Pride. Alone in a foreign land whose language I cannot speak I had no idea what to expect, and I am humbled by the receptions I received from the people I encountered. A mandolin, a pride flag and six songs were greeted with cheering, clapping, and excited hand gestures: cars that slowed as they approached, wound down their windows and waved as they passed. Without being able to say more than three phrases in French, a pride flag tied to my mandolin connected me to the people around me, many of whom I found could not speak a word of English. I didn't anticipate anything like this, and being able to connect with people in this manner was a very special experience. I had no idea how many smiles a simple coloured flag could create. My tour showed me that this flag is representative of so much that is great about our world and the people in it: Respect, dignity, love, freedom, unity, celebration. I think I've done something good, and I'm proud to have been a part of it. #GayPride #France #Mandolin #Busking #Chateaux #Loire #Amboise #ClosLuce #LeonardoDaVinci #Happiness #Punk #DIY #Adventure #Activism #Travel #SomethingGood (at Château du Clos Lucé)