So the ferry to Normandy was approximately the worst. We got on super late & got off super early, so I maybe got 5 hours of sleep. It was very cramped, so I wasn't able to properly get ready for bed or ready for the day. Suffice to say I looked and felt like death. That day, May 25th, will forever live in infamy as Ratchet Day 2014. However, other than feeling and looking like I got hit by a truck, my first day in Normandy was awesome. One of the first places we went was the Musee de Debarquement. Up until our visit, I wasn't really aware of the floating port at D-Day (you can see a picture of part of it to the right). Churchill was a genius to come up with that idea. I can't imagine how quickly they built it, but it had such a huge impact on the war. Without the floating port at Aromanches, the Allies would not of had supplies and thus would not of been able to continue fighting in Europe. They actually built almost all of the pieces for the port in England and then towed it all across to France and sunk the pieces in place. It's actually really interesting stuff, so I suggest you check it out! The beach itself was also pretty gorgeous too (pictures in gallery below). Also, I had my espresso there. I went off to order coffee & she asked if I wanted a large or a small so I said small. Apparently in France, a small coffee is an espresso...but it was so yummy. I only drank espresso for coffee in France. New addiction...? :)
We also were able to visit one of the American beaches, Omaha (pictured right). We also saw a lot of German bunkers and such in the area and visited the American Cemetery (in gallery below). It was a really moving and interesting day. We also went there just a the day before Memorial Day (May 26) so it had some added significance, plus June 6 was the 70th Year Anniversary of D-Day.
I also had one of the best meals of the entire trip for lunch at a coastal town we stopped at (Port-en-Bessin). It was salmon ceviche (raw salmon cured with lemon juice) and it was mind-blowing delicious. It was like butter, so tender and yummy. Absolutely excellent. (Sorry no food porn, I was too busy eating to take a picture).
I also had one of the best meals of the entire trip for lunch at a coastal town we stopped at (Port-en-Bessin). It was salmon ceviche (raw salmon cured with lemon juice) and it was mind-blowing delicious. It was like butter, so tender and yummy. Absolutely excellent. (Sorry no food porn, I was too busy eating to take a picture).
Our next day was easily one of my favorite days of the entire trip. We started our day at Saint Malo, a beautiful castle town that was separate from France, an independent city almost, like the Vatican. The water was so clear and the sand was glittery. We walked barefoot on the beach some and the soles of our feet were covered in glitter, which we decided was proof we're mermaids. The beach was absolutely lovely. There was also a church there too, La place Jean de Chatillon, and it was incredible. It was full of history. It's a very old church, and had been updated and rebuilt often, but in 1944 (during the war) it had been destroyed and was rebuilt and reconsecrated in 1971. The stained glass was therefore modern and it was stunning (pictures below). While we were in Saint Malo, we had a generous amount of free time and so I spent most of the afternoon wandering around the little town with a baguette in hand. It was like something out of a beautiful daydream. The weather was gorgeous too, sunny and pleasantly warm. We also did some shopping at this store that I freaking loved. It's called Cinco and everything in the store was €5. So of course I had to buy tons, and I got a scarf with fleur de lis on it, a red & white polka dot headscarf, a wallet (which I actually needed), and a black French watch (which I kinda needed). I freaking loved that store. Oh, and we had crepes for lunch, and my almond butter crepe was divine.
After Saint Malo, we drove out to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey and it was stunning. The abbey is built in a spiral on a large rock in the sea. It was a climb that made Sutton Hill look like a leisurely stroll. The abbey was so overwhelmingly beautiful. Every room was full of incredible architecture, breathtaking views, and glorious stained glass. It was massive with so many rooms, we needed our map. It was unreal, I could only dream of worshiping there.
Our second day in Normandy was nothing short of perfect. It was a beautiful day full of beautiful views. I think I might not be lying if I said that it was my absolute favorite day of the entire trip. Oceans, castles, churches, sunshine, stained glass, baguettes, espresso, friends...basically everything I loved about our trip rolled into one day.
Our second day in Normandy was nothing short of perfect. It was a beautiful day full of beautiful views. I think I might not be lying if I said that it was my absolute favorite day of the entire trip. Oceans, castles, churches, sunshine, stained glass, baguettes, espresso, friends...basically everything I loved about our trip rolled into one day.