Monday, July 4, 2011

At "home" in Orval

On Saturday we left Quimper at around 10 AM, and drove on back roads for a few hours through lush, rolling countryside until we arrived in Orval at 5 PM. We "checked-in" with our British host, went into Coutances for some emergency supplies (grocery stores are all closed on Sundays), returned to our converted stables, settled in, and cooked dinner. 

Yesterday, I wasn't feeling my best (I've been fighting a cold for a few days now), so we spent the day relaxing; I read a trashy novel (the whole thing, mind you), started a book about the D-Day invasion, did some laundry, hung it up outside to dry in the summer sunshine, took a nap, and processed some photos. I was surprised to discover that it was the first time in about ten months that I felt truly relaxed. China was many wonderful, educational things, but calming or soothing are not words I would use to describe it. 

Today I awoke feeling much better, so we headed into Coutances to explore the town. We wandered around an ancient cathedral, past a number of cute shops in old buildings, and through a game-themed botanical garden. On the way "home", we stopped by the Carrefour for more supplies and discovered a carnival setting up in the store's parking lot. Feeling terrible for the animals, we didn't have the heart to visit the attraction this evening. (Some ostriches were cooped up in a pen on hot pavement; it didn't seem very humane.)

Tomorrow we're heading to the D-Day American landing sites at Utah and Omaha beaches. It will be a sobering visit, but definitely one worth making because it will be extremely educational.

It's late, so I should head off to bed. Hugs to all!