Viva La France!

Basitlle Day was nuts! Absolutely nuts! I have spent July 4th in Washington D.C. but nothing compares to what Honfleur showed me last night. The day started slow enough with classes but picked up after dinner. We all went into town for drinks and then started a ginormous dance party. Well, OK there were children already dancing but definitely no adults and then "It's Raining Men" started to play and we got the crowd going. By the time a few songs had played we had most the town dancing.

There was a fireworks display that was really exciting and so close the the crowd. We danced even more, and more, and more! It was so much fun. Yes, better than prom. We were a little disappointed in the French men who seemed to be more afraid of us than anything else. About one in the morning was when a few of us decided to call it quits. It was exhausting.

The next morning no one could wake up. We are supposed to start class at nine but most students were still in the process of waking up when that time passed. We had class for maybe five minutes and then had to make our lunches, get on the bus, and leave. We were all dead tired and not really enthusiastic about the days planned activities.

We first went to Giverny, which is home to Monet's gardens where he painted his famous "water lillies." It was a beautiful estate with a large home and thousands of flowers. The pond was filled with lillies and it was easy to see why Monet was so inspired by them.

After Giverny, we went to Roeun. This larger town is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. We visited the church were she was put on trial and walked its vast interior. The church has a rich history that includes several reconstruction attempts due to airrade damage during World War II. The church is also where the Dukes of Normandie are buried dating back to the 1000s. You can just stroll to the front of the giant cathedral and walk on their graves. It was a beautiful place.

We are all back at the house now waiting patiently for pizza to arrive. We are definitely staying in tonight to catch up on class assignments and get some much needed rest. Tomorrow is a down day, I hope.