Normandy

Last minute days off equal last minute vacations, so off to Normandy we went!  Coincidentally, Jaimie had the same 3 days off as I had, so we called up my friend Elizabeth who lives in Caen, and we were off for 3 days of complete relaxation.  We booked our train for Sunday morning at 11:45, because I had to take the kids by train to their Grandmother's house first.  Stressful start to the day however, as we got a late start, which consequently led us to miss our train!  Not just mine and the kids fault, Jaimie was also locked INSIDE her house...ya, stupid French doors need a key to get in AND out.  However, it worked out, because I was able to change our tickets to the 2:45 train, hopped on the metro to BIA to pick up Ally's key from her at work, then to Jaimie's to let her out of the house, and then we were off, with plenty of time to spare!  A quick (2 hrs) and cheap (16euros) relaxing train ride through the countryside and we arrived in Caen.  Because it was a Sunday, the city was literally shutdown, with the exception of one bakery.  So after wandering the deserted streets and checking out the cathedral and castle, we grabbed a baguette and laid down on the lawn of the abbey to soak up the sun.  We met up with Elizabeth around 8pm and went back to her house, where her wonderful roommates greeted us with a delicious, home-cooked meal! 

Monday we were up bright and early to catch a train to the nearby beach town of Deauville.  This is a complete resort town in every way, and is the destination for rich Parisians and celebrities alike for their summer vacations.  We strolled through the marina, frolicked on the beach, and meandered through the old historic downtown, with streets lined with designer stores of all sorts.  We picked up some mini quiches and headed to a park to eat our lunch, passing through a sidewalk market on our way there.  After lunch, we walked across the canal into the neighboring town of Trouville.  Much different than Deauville, it still had the quaint, beachy vibe to it, but definitely not the glitz and charm that Deauville had to offer.  We spent about 4 hours in the 2 towns before deciding to head back to Caen.  Once in Caen, we went back to the city center to roam the streets again, however this time stores were open, so it was much more lively and engaging.  We settled into a cafe to wait for Elizabeth to get off work and enjoyed some fresh squeezed fruit juices in the meantime.  Once Elizabeth was off, we went to the same restaurant I went to with my family when they were visiting in December.  It is called La Boucherie, or The Butchery, and is an amazingly delicious steakhouse.  We each order the same steak, which also came with dessert, and it was one of the best meals I have had in a while.  Caen is known for their cows, and as a result, their beef and cheese (Camembert)!!  After dinner we went back to Elizabeth's and called it an early night, reading ourselves to sleep as Elizabeth created her lesson plans...we were out by 11pm, earliest I have gone to bed in a long long time! 

Tuesday we allowed ourselves to sleep in a bit, before yet again heading back to the train station for another day trip.  This time we went to the tiny town of Bayeux, just 15 mins from Caen.  This town is very significant to WWII as it was the only town that was left unharmed by the Allies.  It is so old and so full of character, it was great to see all the history there.  In fact, it is hands down the only town in all of France where I, as an American, actually felt welcome!  There were American flags flying everywhere, "Welcome to our Liberators" signs everywhere, and many people spoke English.  We toured the gorgeous cathedral, roamed the narrow winding streets, and walked down the long, historic main street, with many buildings still standing from the 18th century.  There wasn't much to do, just things to see, so we managed to see the whole town in just 2 hours.  We made our way back to Caen, where we met up with Elizabeth for a picnic at the castle, complete with foie gras, camembert, baguette, and wine...tres francais!  After a leisurely nap in the warm sun (and a slight tan!) we were back at the train station for the 6th time to head back to Paris. 

It was a great weekend, we accomplished a lot, saw 4 different towns, but still felt so relaxed and rejuvenated upon arriving home.  Now it is 2 days of work for me before I am off for another 3 days!  Gretchen and Devyn arrive in Paris on Sunday (WOO!), I work my first official shift AT Bob's Juice Bar restaurant, instead of at the film festival (WOO!), and I head to Grandpa's house with the family for 3 nights (BOO!)...Oh well, free trip to the countryside of Champagne, 2 new books to read, I suppose I can't complain much!  I arrive back in Paris just in time for Easter, and Ally, Jaimie and I have a big feast planned with friends.  J'aime les vacances!!

Le Chateau de Caen

Caen Cathedral...St. Pierre

WOOO BEACH!

Celebrating the warmth in Deauville

Common Occurance

Downtown Deauville.  So charming.

Trouville

Bayeux, what a great welcome!

Bayeux Cathedral

Inside of Cathedral

Trees are blooming everywhere!

Old historic building on left with cathedral in background

Picnic on the lawn of the chateau!