Rouen, Dance Parties, and the Red Light District
Trip Start
Jul 28, 2008
1
14
17
Trip End
Aug 30, 2008
Rouen,
Normandy,
France
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday was our program's trip to Rouen in Normandy and I really loved it. I think it would be much more enjoyable for one's health and wallet. For the first time since I've been in France, I felt like I was breathing truly clean air. Also, you could buy clothes at rates that didn't make me feel like I needed to sell my car to afford them. It was lovely. The food was fantastic and we took a guided tour through the city. We saw the exterior and interior of the cathedral that Monet used for his studies of light, which made people like me, who actually knew about them, very very happy. We also visited the space where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake and the church that they dedicated to her, with lots of pretty stained glass. We had a few hours to look around so I shopped some, ate a macaroon (apparently they are known for them), went down to the river and considered trying to swim back hehe, and then went over to a park
First glimpse of rouen
. It was a nice relaxing visit and I really enjoyed all of the Norman architecture and all of the tiny little streets.After we got back, one of my friends invited me to go with her to a function that her church puts on every saturday night and it would be a good opportunity to practice my french in a comfortable environment. It was certainly very interesting. It was like we were plopped in the middle of a french party and we didnt know anyone. Therefore, lots of people talked to us and it was really cool. I was exhausted, physically and mentally, by the time we left, but I think it was worth it.
The next day, I got up to go to church... in the red light district! Actually not quite. Sacre Coeur is the big white church at the top of the big hill that houses Montmartre. It was by far my favorite church service- lots of singing, none of the incense, and no tourists...but me. I also have a funny side story though, because you wouldn't think that I'd have trouble with people at 10 AM on a Sunday going to church. I guess you're wrong. If anyone wants the story of how/why I ended up having to physically defend myself, I'll tell you in person. It's rather humourous now ;) and I am proud of girl power!
After that debacle, I headed over to the famous Wall of Love to take a look. It is a wall that has "I love you" written in every known language and you are invited to write it in your language if you are unable to find it. It is supposed to represent international peace and harmony and it really is a wonderful landmark that many tourists don't know about
The Monet Cathedral
. I had lunch on Ile St. Louis which has amazing food. Probably the best I've had. And. I had Berthillon ice cream and it seriously is life changing. I had pistachio and dark chocolate and would recommend it to anyone who comes to Paris. Yummy.
A few friends and I headed over to the Branly museum, which is home to oceanic, african, and asiatic art. It was so cool and probably the best set-up museum I have ever seen. While it is not a huge attraction to many tourists, if you have any interest at all in that type of culture/art, it is really worth it.
We headed back to Ile St-Louis and it was wonderful again and ended the night by randomly wondering around the right bank of the seine and watching the sun set. Then we all had to get back to study for our final exam today! Ahhhh!! It was fine.. 2 1/2 hours later. I feel like my brain has died, but at least I have fun plans for the afternoon. Hanging out with dead people! Yay!!! At least this time, I won't be in contact with their bones- now it's just their tombstones :). I am heading over to Pere LaChaise cemetery which is where a lot of famous people permanently reside... Yay for it being a nice day out!
Comments
Your last week and still going strong!!
It's nice to see the pictures that go along with all your great adventures. The ice cream cone looks yummy!! Have one for me! Love you
Girl Power
I can't wait to hear that story! Be careful. Sounds like you are having a great time in your last week. The ice cream looked delicious! Have fun and we will see you soon. We love and miss you.