eveglass | Europe Update, June 1

So I'm now officially on my own. Yesterday I went to Rouen for the day and saw the Cathedral there, as well as the spot where they burned Joan of Arc. I wandered around, had a good time, and caught the afternoon train to Bayeux (making my 7-minute connection, though not without a fair bit of worry as my first train was late!).

Got to Bayeux and checked into the hostel here for two nights. It's actually a very nice place, and the atmosphere is increadible. Within 5 minutes I was part of "the gang." I had dinner with a guy I met from the states, and we all went out for drinks later. I got a sweet cider -- yummmm... cider...

Today I saw the Bayeux Tapestery. Wow! I have a new appreciation for all the people from Quebec City who were working on the reproduction. The audio guide they provide for the tapestry is WAY too fast -- they try to get you through it in 15 minutes. Instead, I took my time and read the original Latin subtitles (*grin*). I also played tour guide to a group of ladies who also thought the guide was too fast. Thank you, Professor McSheffrey who taught my Medieval England class!

I then went briefly to the Bayeux Cathedral. Very pretty, but unfortunately the Crypts are closed for repairs. Alas. At least the Cathedral was nice.

I discovered that apparently tomorrow there's going to be a train strike. So, instead of my original plan of heading out tomorrow morning to Pontorson / Mont-St-Michel, I'm taking the afternoon train today. (Despite having already paid for my room here tonight, I don't want to spend another full day here.) I still don't know where I'm staying tonight, but I'm sure I'll find something. I've got a whole list of hotels and stuff.

I'm trying to figure out, now, how to get from Mont-St-Michel to the Loire Valley, which is where I'm going next. I've discovered, more or less, that no matter what I do, it's going to be long. At the moment I'm thinking that instead of going straight there, I may spend a day a Rennes first. We'll see. I'm sure by my next update, I'll have figured it out.

Anyway, I'm feeling very re-energized after my time in Bayeux. It's great to finally be with a group of other travellers who can give me pointers or are in the same situations I am. Yay!

And now, to do a bit more planning for the next stage of my journey. Keep those emails coming, people! I love getting 'em!

Hugs,
Julie