bikes and deauville

Bonjour!!

Yesterday was a perfect Saturday. After sleeping in, the five of us (Brittany, Matt, Alicia, Max and I: now called the dream team by some...) went into town and met up with our friends Vincent and Francois. We walked through the morning market and I found a really cute turquoise dress; however, the scruffy tent-owning man wouldn't sell it to me. Obviously I need to work on my bartering skills...and mark my words: I intend on getting that dress for less than 19 euros :)

Afterwards we all rented bicycles, joined by Laura, for about an hour and made a loop around the beach. It was a lot of fun... especially watching Matt fulfill his lifelong dream of riding a tandem. Oh boy, that was a treat.







Today was a lot less eventful. Dr. Davis drove us into Deauville for the day and we just chilled. I read some of Pascal's Pensees and drank the most expensive iced tea EVER. Haha today was just a bad day for French impressions...we had the worst service at one cafe. Apparently the waiter didn't catch on that Brittany speaks french and could understand each rude comment he made. Unfortunately, tip is included in the checks here in Europe so employees don't have to make an effort to be hospitable.

Second reason I'm currently resenting the French:
Tonight, Brittany, Matt, and I went to the beach to watch the sun set and as we're sitting and having a good time, three boys decide they're going to approach us. Now, I'm not quite sure what would have happened if we stuck around, but I don't really want to think about it. They were speaking french and started surrounding us when we grabbed all of our things and booked it back home. Let me just say the adreneline was pumping... Matt got all protective and everything :) Just like Aunt Dawn told him to be.

No worries though, I'm safe and going to bed.

Currently watching: Kittens inspired by Kittens on Youtube...check it out. Priceless.
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

versailles

Bonjour!

Today was a long one, but so good. To begin with, we had theories class this morning, but Matt and I 'unfortunately' missed it because we were assigned kitchen duty. We helped clean up breakfast stuff, washed dishes, and then stuffed tortillas with Maggie for our enchilada dinner this evening. It was a relaxing way to start the day...especially since we had control of the ipod.

Our day trip was to the palace of Versailles. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but both the building and the gardens were extraordinary. I guess the only background I had was the little I remember from the movie Marie Antoinette...but I mostly remember the costumes. We were able to walk through most of the palace, including the king and queen's chambers as well as the newly renovated 'hall of mirrors'. My favorite part was the outside fountains...especially the famous Apollo. It was crazy to think only a few priveleged people occupied and got to enjoy the whole place back in the day. Of course our walk through the lawn included an ice cream and caffe creme!

A front view:


Inside hallway:


Hall of mirrors:


Overview of the gardens:


Apollo:


After returning to Honfluer and eating dinner, we set out to find a karaoke bar. However, the one place we did find was pretty sketch so instead we met two brothers from Quebec and went out for drinks :)

Currently listening to: In my Head by Your Vegas
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

giverny and rouen

Bonjour!

Yesterday was France's national Bastille Day. I absolutely loved it because the festivities felt a lot like America's own Fourth of July (my favorite holiday), complete with fireworks, food, and music. The night was very long as we found a dance party in Honfluer's center square.

Candy from a stranger (don't worry mom, I gave mine to Matt haha):


Taking a break from the party:


Today was our first excursion away from Honfluer! After breakfast we packed up and took the bus to Giverny: the home of Monet. We took a tour of the gardens, his home, and the lily ponds. The lily ponds were definitely my favorite; I can understand why Monet spent so much time there because it was so beautiful and peaceful...aside from all the meandering tourists.
Carla, you would have spent days in the garden...it was so intense even though a lot of flowers aren't currently blooming. The bee factor was enough to keep me away though and Max and I freaked out when a little French boy started petting a bumble bee in front of us.
Interesting facts: Monet had nine children and his house is decorated with nothing but Japanese paintings. At one point I felt like I was in a comic book because the walls were just filled with art and frames.

The outside of the house:


Lily ponds:


More lilies:


Our second stop was Rouen: the city Joan of Arc was tried and burned. Of course there is a museum in her honor near the square she was killed, but most of the town around it has become a shopping mall. Weird to see modern and historic culture intertwined like that.

The square:


A shockingly inappropriate shot glass:


I hope you're all doing well! Postcards are on their way :)

Currently listening to: Keep it loose, Keep it tight by Amos Lee
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

lazy sunday

Today was a pretty chill day...spent the morning at a Catholic church which was absolutely beautiful and spent the rest of the day exploring.



Rolly Polly dog:




The beach was also a highlight this evening. Some of us watched the sunset from the top of a building down on the beach overlooking the mouth of the English Channel. I'm wiped out now so I apologize for the short blog.

Classes actually start tomorrow. Wish me luck :)

Currently listening to: Spice up your life by Spice Girls
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

honfluer

Bonjour!

The day began in Paris and ended in Honfluer, one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. Our chartered bus ride was about three hours through the northern country-side to the bus station. We then paraded through town with all of our luggage and basically announced the Americans had arrived. Somewhat embarassing...

Here's Matt and I on the bus:


Our villa:


After eating dinner and listening to the rules (there are none), Alicia, Max, Brittany, Matt and I did some exploring through the city down by the water and up the hill to church.

Downtown:


The wooden carousel:


Random houses:




We'll be staying in this house for an entire two weeks and I'm stoked to explore all the nooks and crannies...meaning all the chocolate and gelato shops :)

Currently listening to: Come Around by MIA
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com