The End of France

Here we are, nearly a month and a half since I returned, and I'm finally finishing my posts about our continental trip. On the last Friday, we left Paris early and drove to Auvers-ser-Oise where Van Gogh worked, lived and died. Do you recognize this church? I did after I saw his painting of it. Nothing beats standing the the same place an infamous artist stood at 9 in the morning.

We walked through a tranquil muddy field to get to the cemetery where he was buried next to his brother. Is it bad that I loved this graveyard? Everything was just beautiful.

Next stop was the much awaited Giverny (Gee-ver-knee) (Gjee-ver-nay) (Give-er-ny?).
Monet's garden was a delight, and his house was also surprisingly perfect. The only damper was the bathroom line that was as slow as slow can be (the folks we shared all of these sights with were 60+).

Next we visited the somber site of the D-Day Normandy beaches. We started in the visitors center, and as you leave there is a constant reading of names of those who have died. I felt no need to speak. Whispering felt as if I was interrupting something. This is a somber place that truly brings you to question the world and its horrors, as well as reflect with gratitude for those who have come before you and sacrificed for you.

Bayeux

Bayeux was a sweet, sweet surprise. I absolutely loved everything about my 18 hours there. 

First, 9 of us ended up the the most random, perfect bed and breakfast. A family ran the place, and chickens, rabbits, cats, and dogs ran in the yard. I slept in the comfiest bed in the most quaint and randomly decorated rooms, and had breakfast at a family style table with all my friends, and ate the most delicious meal that was prepared by the mother of the family, who sat on the couch with a cat on her shoulders while we ate. The town was charming and the cathedral was magnificent. I also ate the best sweet and savory crepes I have ever had in my life at this family's restaurant that was alongside a pond with a waterwheel attached to it. I was simply happy. This was the perfect ending to my first French adventure.

We made it through the Channel Tunnel, and then London- home sweet home- it was.

Paris

{I'm so close to finishing my re-cap. I have only Bayeux/Normandy to review and then it's all England time baby.}

Paris was a whirlwing. Literally, it was quite chilly most days, but lovely all the while. We stayed in a hotel in the southeast of the Seine, and got used to the metro real fast; well, not exactly. It was a little complicated.

We arrived late at night so we didn't see much of the city then, but the next morning started with a walk down the center of Paris. I was totally Tour de France geeking out the whole time.

Saint Chapelle was a mystical wonder. I had no idea what to expect, and boy these medieval windows are insane.

Next stop: Notre Dame. Well enjoyed and no pickpockets.

Story time: There we were, taking pictures Utah girl style (hand on hip, bent back, tilted head). I was looking at the pictures Drew took when this guy came up and asked me to show hime how to do it. At first I just assumed he was asking for us to talk a picture for him as he handed us his phone, but no he wanted to learn how to pose. He was quite chatty and wanted to hang out, but we kindly DECLINED. 

fake love lockdown

That night we took a bus tour around the city..

and ended up at the Eiffel Tower just as it began to sparkle like no other. It cast a spell on us- my friend got straight up smooched right at this spot. We were all giddy for the rest of the trip, as you can imagine.

The next day we ventured to Versailles bright and early. I loved it, but I was so exhausted. This day alone I walked 22,000 steps. Europe kicks your butt! and my butt is lookin good!

vital Hall of Mirrors pic

Just livin the peasant life 

We also marathoned the Louvre that night. I had to give my self periodical pep talks to make it through. It was amazing of course, and shout out to Mona Lisa. Oh yes, leaving the Louvre, all I wanted was dinner. The food court was closed, and as we trekked up the third and final elevator, I tripped and smacked my knee on the escalator step. The fiasco almost ruined my new pants, but we ended up at a McDonald's and I ate a burger that was surprisingly decent. I continued to limp.

It was also my sister-in-law's birthday, so Mona wished her well.

We had some free time the next day, so we walked to a flea market, but never made it there. We found this sandwich shop and I had the greatest baguette sandwich, the greatest sandwich, I've ever had. We still talk about it all the time. We went to Sacre Couer and took a peek around.

At the bottom of the hill, we found Fragonard (the prized perfume shop) and a carousel.

We met as a group to visit the Musee d'Orsay, and then that night we went to Shakespeare and Company and died.

 I stopped at Notre Dame for one more selfie, but check out my swag bag.

 We had to eat at the much talked about St. Regis and try the lemon chicken. The restaurant was cute and cozy and the marinara sauce was insane.

I had one more crepe (that I couldn't finish, I was over Nutella for the first time ever), and said farewell to Paris.

I can't believe I've been able to see all of these things that I've imagined my whole life. France was a real treat- and was full of treats (especially those Lion bars).

(Rich) Provincial Towns

{I now continue on my recap of our two week trip}

We left Venice early on a Saturday morning. That day was spent driving, driving, and more driving. The highlights of the day included watching Toy Story 3 as a bus, finding crispy m&m's, driving past Morocco, and seeing gorgeous things out the bus window.  

 That night we arrived in Avignon, France. Half of the group staying in a hostel, the other half stayed in a hotel. I was in the hostel and it was fun- until I had to shower in the flooded bathroom, I was overly tired and my wifi wouldn't work, and I just wanted to chat with my momma. After a little cry in the shower, the wifi worked, I slept and it was a new day. The hostel provided us with a breakfast that included a croissant, a baguette, and juice.

On Sunday we toured the grounds of the Papal Palace and admired the Rhone river valley. (There was also a jet ski competition on the river... it was cool).

We went to church in Avignon, and could only stay until right after the Sacrament. I fumbled through the French hymns but I was happy to give it a try. We again drove the rest of the day and landed that night in Tours. All we saw of that city was the budget hotel.  That morning we drove a short while to a gorgeous little provincial town called Amboise.

This chapel on the corner of the castle complex is where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. (My BFF. You will hear more about him later). 

This is the result of eating gluten free baguettes.

Next was Château de Chenonceau, a li'l castle to be enjoyed.

After Chenonceau, we drove into Paris! Next up, The City of Lights and the Time I Wrecked My Knee on an Escalator at the Louvre. (Or just Paris)

Love,
MM