We were all glad to have slept in a bit this morning since we didn’t have to leave til 9:00. With Guillaume we set out on a walk around Honfleur. This is one of the most picturesque villages that we have seen. The harbor and its streets were the subject of the Impressionists. There is something about the light in Normandy that makes the street and water just glisten.
So many photos taken, but the following capture some of the historic and charm of the city.
Pastries abound everywhere! The Kouignette is a favorite of the Normandy area.
Saint Catherine’s church is France’s largest wooden church that has a separate bell tower, shown here.
After some free time to do some shopping we headed back to the ship. The MS/Bizet is a small craft and so can dock in the center of the cities. It’s been great to be able to walk into the city or village without trouble.
For lunch it was: Bean consomme with vegetables and white beans and
Croissant Sandwich with ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.
About an hour’s drive to Bayeux and I was able to check another item off the bucket list.
On the way we passed the American Cemetery of Bayeux and a statue of General Eisenhower.
Having seen photos of the famous tapestry that depicted the events leading to and the Battle of Hasting, it has always been something I have wanted to see. Unfortunately, because of the condition of the tapestry, there were no photos allowed in the building. With an audio guide to the pictures, it took about 20 minutes to view it. The tapestry is really not woven as we think of other hangings that are in castles and palaces. It is really 8 strips of linen about 70 meters long and 50 centimeters wide. What is unique about it is the way it has been embroidered. It was first mentioned in the inventory of Bayeux Cathedral around 1476. However, its origin is thought to have been around the end of the 12th century and perhaps was commissioned by Queen Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror.
After viewing the tapestry and the second floor exhibits we walked up the hill to the Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux. I know there are some who consider view churches as ABC, but I find them fascinating and can hardly comprehend how such structures could have been built so many hundreds of years ago. The Bayeux Cathedral’s flying buttresses were massive and it’s gargoyles very scary.
Back to the ship just in time to change clothes for the final port talk with the program directors, Captain’s farewell drink and dinner. Hardly seems possible that the time has gone so quickly and that tomorrow we will leave the ship for the last part of our journey.
Dinner tonight was:
Amuse Geule
Tete Moine with Coburger Ham on Garden leaves and a pastry stick
Tortellini filles with mushrooms
Lemon Sherbet with grenadine and grapefruit
Fillet Mignon
Birthday Cake (for Judiy Brown) and Baked Alaska
Petit Fours
We will miss the “Bon Appetit” from Marco and Milli.
Des (the blonde), our cabin steward was named Employee of the Month for the ship. She was incredible and such a pleasant person who greeted us every morning.
But we must pack, so off to the cabin!
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