A very pleasant surprise to wake up to the Pittsburgh slaughter of Milwaukee 8-1. Another homer for Cutch and a great outing by Cole. Hope this trend continues.
A 9:00 departure this morning saw us heading along the river to the floating chapel Je Sers (I serve). We walked through the market and saw some of the many barges. Conflans is the barge center of the Seine and during the blessing of the barges, the eternal flame from the Arc d’ Triumph is even brought here to solemnize the ceremony. It is at the confluence of the Seine and Oise Rivers.
 |
| Our ship, the MS Bizet |
The Je Sers is a converted barge that is supported by the Grand Circle Foundation It is home to an active church and a service oriented project that helps refugees with housing, food, and job searching. It is a wonderful boost to those seeking asylum.
Following the tour of the barge we headed to the high point of Conflans where we had vistas of the town below. It was a quaint town with cobbled streets and window boxes. It was a very warm day and we were glad to take a route that was less steep to the Military Museum and a small church.
After about a 2 1/2 mile walk, it was back to the ship. In the lounge at 11:30, Stanislaus, a Je Sers refugee and now volunteer spoke to the group about his experience in seeking asylum in France from Bosnia. He was caught in the middle between 2 religious groups and feared for his life. He came to France and was aided by the GCT Foundation after being homeless and living on the streets. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and consequently obtained his papers and was eligible for free care. No refugee is turned away by the French government unless they get into trouble with the law and all are eligible for care.
Before sailing we got to meet Captain J.B.’s wife and young son. What a good looking family.
During lunch we set sail for Vernon. Lunch today was Black Bean Soup with Smoked Sausage, a Williams Sandwich ( a baguette with pear, ham, and gorgonzola cheese), and a Vanilla and Walnut Ice Cream served with mocha amaretto and Lady finger. Earle had the Warm Chocolate Cake covered with Chocolate Sauce.
After lunch was a well delivered lecture by Christophe on the French Impressionists, followed by a tour of the wheel house, and then a French lesson by Amandine.
It was a very pleasant afternoon to sail and to take in some Seine scenery.
Around 5:30 we passed by the La Roche Guyon, a castle in a cliff. This is located halfway between Paris and Rouen. It was a strategic location for the King of France in his defense of Normandy and also served as a hiding place for Rommel in 1944 since it was at the entrance to the gates of Normandy.
We toured the wheel house and watched as Captain JB manuevered through a lock.
Around 5:30 we passed by the La Roche Guyon, a castle in a cliff. This is located halfway between Paris and Rouen. It was a strategic location for the King of France in his defense of Normandy and also served as a hiding place for Rommel in 1944 since it was at the entrance to the gates of Normandy.
 |
| A very hot day to be working on the roof! |
Cocktail hour and the port talk followed. It was Mexican night in the bar, so, of course that meant Margaritas!
 |
| Barbara and Charles enjoying Mexican night. |
Dinner was at 7:00 and we served:
Salad of Goat Cheese topped with Honey apple beignets
French Onion Soup with cheese crouton
Grilled lamb shank on Thyme Gravy with Potato Ragout and Ratatouille and Green Beans
Apple crumble with vanilla sauce and ice cream.
After dinner Mrs. Francine Nelson spoke to us. She is 92 years old, was a war bride, still drives, and drinks Jack Daniels everyday. She has been a widow for 42 years. She met her husband in 1944, married him, and came to live in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Her husband, Robert, moved up the ranks of IBM from janitor to Regional Manager in Paris, where he died and she still lives. Mrs. Nelson had a wonderful sense of humor and told it like it was. Just a delightful talk and a wonderful way to end the day.
Off to bed!
No comments:
Post a Comment