“Am I sad because it’s raining? Or is it raining because I am sad?” These are words I got from a friend some years back. The rain falls nonstop. The sun sets at 8PM these days. In a few months, it will be setting at 5PM.
Anyway, I spent 10 great days of vacation touring France with my cousin. We did not go to the south because we only had 10 days of driving and exploring. Well, all in all, we drove 3,200 kilometers (2,000 miles ++). I am proud.
First, I went to Paris to get them (cousin and hubby) at the airport. It was a jungle out there. The air smelled of vinegar and body odor. I was overwhelmed. I got used to living in Alsace too much, wherein the air is clean and the trains are air conditioned. Anyway, it was fun though. We climbed the Eiffel Tower (by stairs) but just until the 1st floor. My cousin complained of tired feet -blame it on those pretty expensive shoes.
Of course, my favorite area in Paris is still the Notre Dame area and the Invalides.
I guess 2 nights in Paris was enough. We went off to Amboise to see some chateaus. Honestly, going into dead people’s castles and looking at their antique furniture bore me to tears. Except maybe dungeons.
We headed off to Saint Lo, Normandy the day after. I made a mistake of booking a hotel near the highway. Freaking Lunotel – wherein the shower gets flooded and you just feel like Jack in the Box. It was a joke, but still – that’s what happens when you prolong making a booking during summer. I gotta admit, it was pretty funny. I slept in worse hotels before, but for my cousin who was used to 5-star hotels and comfort, I held back a giggle or two when I saw her reaction. Classic.
But anyway, it was all worth it. Mont Saint Michel was legendary.
Expensive but all good. I had the most expensive (little) lobster I’ve ever had and I was still hungry after.
The next day, we headed to Arromanches, wherein this time, we stayed at the hotel Normandie for the second time in less than a year. It looked like a Norman house and you can hear the waves of the beach at night. It was a good way to sleep.
We made a D-day tour and even went to Deauville and Trouville once again.
Next stop was Reims, Champagne. What can I say? When you’re in Champagne, drink?
Last stop was of course, Alsace. But we stopped by Verdun first and I saw the most amazing photo exhibit by Jacques Grison. The title of the exhibit was 30,000 Jours Plus Tard. It was so awesome, you have to be there to see it.
Our vacation ended with Strasbourg. Saw the Strasbourg Cathedral at night. It looked it was on fire!
