Friday, March 30, 2007
Bonjour, Merci, Bon, Oui, Pardone & Au Revour from France
The ferry was delayed for several hours, but once we got inside, it was unbelieveable! There were perfume accessories, wine, and souvenir stores; bunk bed rooms; huge freight trucks; and French ads. We were in a side room with comfy reclining chairs. I slept on the floor since I can't sleep sitting up. The breakfast was good, but very expensive. Croissant, ornage juice, yogurt (which is very thin, runny & sweet), jam, butter, and everyone's favorite pain au chocolate. Mr. Sarr took us outside on the the deck (we had gone out the night before to view the water and take pics) where we saw France and SNOW! "Normandie" looked lovely. Green fields and perfectly French houses. I enjoyed how they matched all of the classic homes and villages in Ever After, Fly Boys, Beauty and the Beast, and Pink Panther.We drove on the right side of the road again. As we came into Bayeux, there was a river running through the town with a quaint water wheel. The shop windows and cobblestone roads were delightful. I was so fascinated by the people and said "pardon" and "merci" as much as I could. I so wish I knew every language! That and flying would be my chosen superhero powers! :D
The stores were mostly clothes and bakeries. I officially LOVE French bread! First stop was the Tapestry Museum. (The tapestry is in the opening credits of Robin Hood with Kevin Costner) I enjoyed reading all of the signs that gave info on the Norman Heritage, Vikings, and William. I got 20 euros, so I get 10 a day in France. I have $260 left of my $600 to spend. France seems to have cheaper prices and the Euro is a better rate. I got to practice my French at a fresh bakery. I all I have to do is take out all consonants and add an "ouh" sound at the end. I guess accents CAN get you somewhere! :D Es and I got a 4-cheese fromage and I got a baguette to snack on during the next few days. Kate thinks I'm obsessed with baguettes. I said, "No way! ...croissants too!"
We continued on to Rue du Pont. There were huge holes left from American mortars and bombs as they climbed the cliff to take the hill. The fortifications of the Germans were fascinating to explore as well. We climbed all over the cement remains. It was so muddy! From the cliff, we looked out over Omaha and Utah beach by the English channel. At the D-day Museum, we viewed the exhibit in a new light having just been at the cemetary. I loved the stone map by the statue of American Youth. I've seen military cemetaries before, but it never fails to get me thinking. We saw the marble crosses of two of the brothers from Saving Private Ryan. I found myself walking by through and saying "Thank you, _____." I'm sure I don't even know the number of people who lie there. How wonderful for those who found rest- how terrible for those who left what they thought was hell for somewhere far worse! At the museum, I enjoyed understanding history a bit better and seeing the weaponry and uniforms on display.
We went back in the bus and took another nap. (Earlier, being at Omaha beach, it was once again cold and wet, so sleeping throughout the day was great. Driving along gave scenes of sheep, white cows, and nest-covered trees and/or parasite bushes.) At the hotel, I got to room with Kim. The beds were long and skinny. The toilet flushed by pushing a o button and the toiled paper was pulled out one sheet at a time. We dropped our bags (I reorganized mine when we got back before taking a long shower). We walked down the very urban street and found a pizzaria. They seem to like decorating with grapes and old drama masks like Mardi Gras. Angela and I split a 4-cheese thin, THIN crust with goat's, mozzarella, something like blue, and brie cheese. There were delicious desserts, but we just went back. :( Our poor waiter knew about 4 words in English. He had a great little moustache.
Other stores down the street had ivy crawling up the restaurant front. They looked magnificent, but expensive. I did find pain au chocolate (10 in a bag, good until April), but I still need chocolate for Katie. At least I have tasty gifts for anyone I want to give something to. Oh, and praise God, John found my lost postcards!
Devotions by Mr. Sarr: Seeing how God's beauty is aimed for in cathedrals is interesting. They were originally made to honor Him. Exodus- God is serious about sin. we must love to give Him honor by confronting and stopping sin.
jamon = ham
pain = bread
car park = parking lot
bonjour = hello
pardone = excuse me / sorry
merci' = thank you
oui = yes
au revour = goodbye
sortie = exit
Labels: Bayeux, France, Normandie, Rue du Pont
NatNannyNad at 10:00 AM