Day 3 Rouen France
Today was a day of spontaneity and discovery. We ditched our original plans for the day, because of our rough night. (see previous email) We decided not to drive to the Normandy coastline because of the driving time. We were tired from not getting much sleep last night.
So what did we do instead? I went to church and sang in French! My sister meandered around the Cathedral Square and found a coffee shop until we met up after church was done.
We wandered around the quaint little streets, and found the Joan of Arc Museum where we used interpreters to listen to her story in each room. What a remarkable young woman who stood her ground, was a genuine leader for the French people, was falsely accused of heresy and eventually burned at the stake in 1431 because of a lopsided trial and interrogation. But 20+ years later, because her mother never gave up on her daughter or her reputation, an impartial judge was asked to review the case and all the previous testimonies. What he discovered is that she was innocent of all charges. She was then exonerated and has become a great symbol of pride and honor for the people of France.
We also wandered around just taking pictures of things that "spoke to us", and found a cute little cafe restaurant just opposite from another cathedral.
Later, we drove over to Giverny, and toured the home and gardens of Claude Monet, the famous impressionist painter. SO MANY FLOWERS. All so individually pleasing to the eye! The highlight was reaching the famous pond that he painted numerous times. I read that every plant, shrub, flower and tree was planted with one thing in mind: how everything would look as it reflected in the pond with the lily pads!! Because he wanted to paint the entire scene to include anything reflecting in the water. What an amazing thinker and planner!! What years of dedication and an eye for design!!
On our way back from Giverny, we stopped off at a creperie in Vernon, France. It was delicious!! I ordered a galette - which we learned is a savory crepe, not a dessert-y crepe. In my galette, I had smoked salmon, sauteed leeks, and a lovely cream that had bits of herbs in it. I ate every single bite! And then I had a chocolate crepe to boot! It basically just had beautiful criss-cross designs of chocolate all over the crepe. Best dinner so far.
So now it is 10:30 at night. I thought for sure we'd get into bed earlier tonight. We are just too crazy! But our window is wide open and we will fall asleep to the sound of the rain outside, and the voices of the men below who are still down on the street laughing and visiting with each other. Good night France. Our last night here.
Tomorrow we take the ferry from Dieppe back over to England. Good news: we will know the language. Bad news: we will have to drive on the wrong side of the road again.
Here are the pictures from today -
Love to you all,
Michele
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