Across the Pond... (again)

I just know you’re anxiously waiting for Normandy….but I am not quite sure how to do this…  a day (by day) ((by day)) recounting of our trip would take longer than the trip itself, and use up more time than either of us want to spend.  As you might remember, we are (get this) leaving for England in a couple of weeks, so this trip will be firmly in the lock box by then. So we'll try to abbreviate and time compress... "try"....

The purpose of our visit to Normandy was twofold; to learn about the food and culture of this region of France, and also visit historical sites that were so important in the liberation of France at the end of WWII. 

So in the interest of time, here’s pretty much all there is to say about the journey from here to there ( “here being Dulles airport, and “there” being Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris)

(here)

 

(going)

(food like material in foil)

(and....there)

Boom...

On our way to the Manoir where we would reside the whole trip we stopped at

Since we were a bit early we walked around the village some…Giverny is a charming little town, you can see why Monet and the other impressionists gravitated there. 

We first toured the impressionist museum which was featuring an exhibit of modern Japanese works that were inspired by Monet’s work.  The didn’t allow pictures, which is unfortunate as they were just beautiful (click the link)..  After that, we walked through the gardens, saw lovely flowers and eventually saw the famous

By this time we had been awake for a long time (sleeping on the plane is always fitful for me) so lunch was a welcome thought.  We ate in the little restaurant associated with the museum.   We had a pre-set menu, but I cheated and quenched my thirst with

Boy it was good!!  hit the spot...And eventually we had a crisp green salad

Followed by duck confit (andwine).  Of course we could have eaten one of the paintings by then, but it was very good.  Once again we were reminded that food is very important here, even in this little shop associated with the museum..  it’s why we go to France (among other reasons). 

The group was kind enough to toast our 50^th wedding anniversary which was that very day.  Wow.. 50 years (and counting)

 

Anyway, during the meal, I noticed one of the servers who wasn’t busy working with his tray.  He was actually spinning it on his finger..

To what end I don’t know, but it was entertaining to watch.  It never dropped.   I think I mentioned during the France I trip that trays seldom leave the servers hand in French restaurants.  Anyway, souls and stomachs fortified, we boarded the coach and nodded (wine and beer) our way for the next two or three hours until we reached our home for the rest of the journey..

More on that later, but somehow that evening we managed to have the lovely light dinner prepared by Madam.

Charcouterie, Rillettes, cheeses, and guess what?… wine

 

 

Hello, France!!  After our long journey I'm not quite sure I could say we were

DFD