Normandy

Day Eighty-Two

Less than three weeks until I'm back in NY!  Man.  I honestly haven't posted on here because there's just too much to say and I know it'll take too long to type it all out...so maybe a quick snapshot (sorry it's not giving these experiences justice but I do need to get to bed sometime soon!)

-Trip to northern France was AMAZING.

1. Visited Rouen on Friday and was able to walk by the old residences of key French literary authors and most signicifant of all, this is the city where Joan of Arc was put on trial and later burned at the stake.  This spot is still intact and there is a garden with a cross and a church in her honor right next to it.
2. Spent two nights in Bayeux, France (first French town liberated by the Allies after D-Day) by couchsurfing with a French married couple and their two little girls.  Sweetest deal because I was able to practice French, have a nice futon to sleep on, have breakfast and dinner--all for free.  It's a network all around the world to help those eager to explore, travel, and share experiences.
3. Visited key historic places in Normandy: Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe de Hoc, Airborne Museum, American Cemetery, German bunkers, 12th century church that was turned into a first aid center (where 2 American medics saved the lives of 82 soldiers in one day), field of the Brécourt Manor Assault by Easy Company, and other cool places following the actions of Easy Company (part of the tour was a Band of Brothers tour of Normandy focusing on their unit)
4. Literally almost missed two of three trains on our way to Mont Saint-Michel, spent the day there, and then barely missed the last bus to the train station, so we "faire du stop" aka hitchhiked 7 kilometers with a van of college students passing through (thank goodness!)
5. Spent Sunday night in Rennes where we ate at a crêperie and had a galette and a crêpe sucrée with cidre (all of which this region in France is known for)

-Had my last full week of class, two days left (following my spring break)
-Found the BEST bouchon in Lyon (look up bouchon to read up the history of the term, they're the specialty of Lyon gastronomie) which is "Chez Georges" where they served us family-style Lyonnaise cuisine of their plate of the day, which changes all the time, and only for 17 euros!  I had roasted rabbit and it was divine!  First time having that.  Plus I finally had the chance to taste tarte aux pralines (made of red pralines that is another Lyon specialty)...this picture says it all (http://lacuisinedannie.20minutes.fr/recette-tarte-aux-pralines-517.html)
 -Spring has finally arrived and literally EVERYONE is outside.  It's awesome!
-This week Dave and I are going to be training with the French military, that our university set up for us.  Looking forward to it!  A bit anxious but it'll be a great opportunity!  I'll post something about it after..and then

-THIS SATURDAY MY PARENTS ARE COMING TO FRANCE!  Cannot WAIT.  So many great plans to show them around.  :)


Sorry, no time for pictures tonight.