Breakfast and discussion with Wil. Oh, French croissants, oh.
Among other things we discussed PCA's mission. He thought it was a great idea. We also discussed bears. It was a well-rounded conversation.
We had originally thought we would go to the beaches of Normandy and pay tribute to and learn more about the battle. However, group tours were booked up or canceled (and a private tour would cost €350) so we decided to explore Bayeux instead.
FYI: many many things are closed in France on Mondays. Plan ahead for this if you are distressed by winging it.
As we weren't too fussed, we walked out the door only to be greeted with a flower delivery from our Aimee and Tian Yu!!! It was such a special thing to have happen.
We started in the cathedral in town. Beautiful, beautiful. Also, interesting, they had a timeline of events - sacred and secular- of Europe from, I believe 0 to present day. Popes, wars, composers, scientists, periods when different beliefs formed (including Atheism). Really fascinating compilation.
<I am pleasantly surprised with how much I can suss out of French writing using some Spanish and cognate skills.>
We walked to the British Normandy cemetery. 19 year olds dying by the hundreds. This is one of many cemeteries for one battle in one war. On one sign it was noted that many men who died, unidentifiable and unable to be returned to loved ones were buried in small village graveyards throughout the French countryside and the local people tend their graves in rememberance.
The art of lace-making is kept alive in Bayeux and does NOT close on Mondays (hurray!!!) so we had the opportunity to watch several ladies at their work. Intricate, intricate, intricate. Photo of the set up to come.
Back for relaxation and then a dinner recommendation at a restauant where we were the only customers (still Monday and Bayeux is a quiet town to begin with).
Salad, red wine, fish dishes with wonderful sauce, creme brulee.
The next morning breakfast and conversation with Wil once again and the, he drove us to the station for our train back to Paris.
What a lovely place.
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