NORMANDY & BRITTANY

A few photos of Ireland that I promised to put on the site.

After staying 4 days at the Franciscan Monastery in Clara, we headed to Dublin to catch the plane to Paris on Fri 22 Sept. All ran very smoothly, car drop off, tickets, passport, baggage checks etc. One lass made a thorough search of one Ortleib bike pannier. She asked if there was a computer there. Fay said no. But when she searched she found the bike computer. Clever girl. No problems. Just repack thanks.
One and a half hours after takeoff we landed at CDG airport in Paris. Jacqueline was there to greet us as promised. She then took us and all our luggage in her gorgeous Renault Scenic to their home at le bec Hellouin. That was about a 1.5 hr trip. During our stay with Jean-Daniel and Jacqueline, we took in the very well presented D Day Museum at Arrowmanches on the north coast. This is where the British troops with allies from a number of countries, stormed into France on 6 June 1944. It was indeed a HUGE operation which surprised the Germans. It was incredible how they made the "harbour" and floated "roads" from England. Over 3,000 vehicles landed in this operation. The Americans landed nearby at Omaha Beach with huge loss of life. We also visited the American War Cemetery. Many people from numerous countries lost their lives in 1944.
Another highlight of our time in Normandy was a visit to see the TAPESTRY. It was made over 900n years ago. It depicts scenes of William's battles and his rise to the English throne. The tapestry is 70 metres long and about 50 cm wide. It was unbelievable.
The wood (or forest) at le bec Hellouin was also a highlight. Jacqueline and Jean-Daniel own the wood which contains Douglas Fir, Corsica Pine, Cedar, Oak to name but a few species. I know the tree doctor would have loved to be there. It is very peaceful to walk in the wood (even if stinging nettles did get me.)
Now here we are in Rennes, Brittany.
Today we explored this beautiful city. The Cathedrale Saint-Pierre was quite a size. The huge front doors were each 25' x 7'. And there were four of them. It dates back to about 1700.
Other places visited included:
jardin du Thabor, Chappelle Saint-Yves - Office of Tourism, the indoor swimming pool with incredible ceramic tiles on outside and inside, the Auberge de Jeunesse (Youth Hostel) and Parlement de Bretagne. It took us from 830 to 1630! We saw a lot and walked heaps.
They have many beautiful malls, mostly with cobblestone streets. The buildings are awesome - huge timber beams on the outside.... Normandy style. People are very friendly (contrary to what Coult reckoned they'd be). About 200,000+ people and around 60,000 students!
Gotta fly.

Thanks Jacqueline and Jean-Daniel in le bec Hellouin, and thanks to Albert, Marie-Paule and Lucas here in Rennes. You have been wonderful hosts.

Tomorrow, we pick up the Pug and head north.

Still no baby.