We have returned...

Well we have safely made it back from over 4000 kilometers (2,500 miles) and 16 days of driving throughout France. The experience was absolutely amazing and the people we met along the way was the best part.

Although it is extremely difficult to express this experience in words and photos, we will try over the next several days. We will update the blog with entries for each of our stops with details about the people we met, the history we learned, the food we loved and the cozy Chambres d'hôtes (Bed and Breakfast) where we stayed.

Our first stop was Honfleur. It is a sleepy little fishing village at the mouth of the Seine River on the Atlantic coast. Often referred to as the cradle of Impressionism because it was the inspiration for the original impressionist painters, we found Honfleur to be extremely charming, and immediately understood why artists continue to live and work here for inspiration. After 10 hours of driving we reached Honfleur and immediately set off for the overlook that is behind us in the first pic.



Outside the restaurant for Whit's birthday dinner. Our dining companions included several couples and a mischievous jack russell terrier. In France dogs are allowed to go pretty much everywhere except the beach. So, if you are dining in a restaurant or shopping in a boutique it is not unusual to meet a friendly canine.



We celebrated Whit's birthday dinner with a traditional boullaibase from Honfleur. The pic is not an illusion...that plate is a big as a basketball. The boullaisbase is a traditional dish in the coastal regions of France composed of fish soup, mussels, roules, shrimp and other delightful sea creatures... and it was amazing.




Mariners were the original founders of the city. The church in the center of town dates back to the 14th century, and is a reflection of the town's industry. Its most interesting feature is the ceiling: it is shaped like the hull of a boat.



The port of Honfleur was surrounded by cafes that offer the regional drink, which was cider not wine. Our B&B was really close to the port, and we had a great conversation with the owner over breakfast. It was a great opportunity to practice our French, discuss some french politics and gain a perspective on what is important to the people there.




Before leaving Honfleur the following morning we were able to take advantage of one of favorite things about France...Market Day. We purchased several "pique-nique" items, including fresh picked strawberries, normandie cheese, cider, sausauge, a baguette, apple jam and some walnut bread. It is quite enjoyable to interact with the vendors. They are proud of their products and offer sample after sample of some of the freshest foods we have ever eaten.

Stay tunned...next stop The Beaches of Normandy.