FRANCE: day 4

Unfortunately, Cedric had to work all day on Saturday. But my new second favorite french friend (marie) was kind enough to be my tour guide. Since I had no expectations except to drink wine, she kindly suggested going to Mont St Michel. I'll be honest in saying that I had never heard of this tourist destination and was kind of hesitant. But I'm glad I trusted Marie because this place was again just absolutely beautiful!

The drive to Mont St Michel wasn't very notable, except that Marie's car was an automatic. Most french cars, including Cedric's, are a stick shift. If I were to live in France, I'd most definitley need an automatic vehichle. Just ask my brother mike. Pretty much a guaruntee I'd stall the car. Whoops!

This is the view driving up to the island. AMAZING. (**according to the google search, Mont St Michel is a tidal island with a population of 41. It's literal translation is Mount of St. Michael). After parking and literally running towards any bathroom we could find; we finally arrived. Walking into the city through the gates, it's a tourist trap with really narrow passageways. (see below). There were many shops selling biscuits, which are basically thin cookies. Come to think of it, I never did try one. Better start planning my next trip JUST to try out the biscuits.
Call me a baby, but the steps on this island were rediculous. I understand that to fully appreciate the beauty, I would need to be at the top. But guess what; we decided NOT to walk all the way up to the top of the cathedral. Call us bad tourists. But our legs and my feet hurt. So, instead we had lunch with a glass of wine. Marie insisted on me trying a traditional french item called a galette. It's similar to a crepe, but with toppings inside. I think I had ham, cheese, and mushrooms. That part was OK. But the basically raw egg on top was pretty much inedible. Instead of actually getting a nutritious lunch, I had wine. (re-occuring theme).

After lunch, we walked around a bit more. I took this photo of the area right outside the island. The tides were low at the time. You could actually walk across to this other miny island. I'd hate to get stuck out there when the it was high tide!!

After the sight seeing, we headed back to Rennes to do some shopping. I just realized I didn't take any photos of the downtown area. There was a great shopping area with all these tiny shops on cobblestone streets. Like I said before, everything in France is small. Although, there was a Gap on almost every other street which was slightly disappointing. Actually I think I saw more Gaps than McDonalds. While shopping, I found this adorable book store. I ended up getting some French animal books for Dori's baby girl Sophia. Better start her young since she'll be traveling the world :).

Between all the shopping & the walking/steps we had to do at Mont St. Michel, we decided we deserved some ice cream. Marie and I couldn't find any GREAT ice cream shops, so she insisted we just buy some Magnums instead. If looks could kill.... I quickly responded asking WHAT the magnums were since I know them as something different. Marie thought this was pretty funny. I got to admit these Magnum ice cream bars were pretty amazing. Not only did we buy ice cream, but we found some "junk" food. The junk food selection was slim, but I did find some knock off brand of Pringles and of course we got some cheese w/ our baguette.

Later that night when Cedric got off work, he invited some friends over for pizza & beer. Of course, they each knew a total of maybe 10 english words. Bummer! (Should have really studied my Rosetta Stone!). So again, thank god Marie was there. At the end of this long day, I think Marie and I were becoming delirious. Everything we said caused a laughing stupor that lasted 10 minutes. If anyone was actually paying attention to our conversation, I'm sure they'd think we were crazy. Did you know the coq (pronounced cock, meaning rooster) was the national icon? Serious?? Exactly the reason why we died laughing!

This was my last night in Rennes with Cedric. I had to get up early to catch the train to Paris. The first part of my trip to France was very memorable and I'm VERY appreciative for Cedric (&Marie) for taking me around western France. I miss them both!!!

FRANCE: day 3

The start to the day was slow; a little hung over. Slept great though! I tried a Nutella sandwhich for breakfast; but I wasn't in any condition for food just yet. Whoops! We had planned on going to the coast of France this day. Cedric's friend Marie joined us too; which was nice to have a female compainion. She rocked. And she spoke amazing english. She taught me all the necessary french terms; most of which aren't appropriate to repeat on here. haha! I miss her already!

First, we headed for Saint Malo. It was about an hour drive from the Rennes area. I didn't have any expectations of the area we were heading to, but WOW. absolutely beautiful sights seen this day. Saint Malo is a walled port city (right on the water). I'm sure the walls surrounding the city were used to fight of pirates or some other amazingly boring story. All I cared about was the beauty.

You pull up and see this huge wall; which has a few access points to get inside. The streets inside the city are narrow and wind up and around the hills. The area now is a huge tourist attraction. It wasn't that busy when I went, but with kids back in school, its not much of a suprise. We had a great lunch of chicken panini's. Delicous. I might have even had a coca cola. (no pepsi products anywhere). Cedric's puppy joined along for the day, which is very normal in france. The french love their dogs and take them everywhere. (and i mean everywhere-out to dinner, shopping, etc). We ended up walking around most of the perimeter of the city (along the top of the wall). Met many students along the way; kids get long open lunches to do as they please. From a distance, there is a small island that has a high end restaurant on it. It's the only thing on the island and obvisouly only accessible by boat. (Probably cheap, right?). A few of the pictures taken in Saint Malo:

Next we hopped into the car and drove the short scenic route towards Dinard. Dinard is another touristy area with many beaches. This is a typical beach town (no walled city here). The homes along the coast were AMAZING. We decided I would marry whichever single man/boy/grandpa was available. Just because I wanted to live there. that. bad.

We parked and walked along the coast. The area we walked was a very hilly cliffside. We could see Saint Malo in a distance along the whole walk (did I mention AMAZING views??). There were a few times where I was concerned Baya would fall off the edge. Thankfully no rescue missions needed.

(one of my future homes)

(steep cliff w/ my house in the background)

There was a large beach in Dinard, but dogs weren't allowed. So Cedric drove us to this smaller beach which happened to be right off a popular golf course. (Cedric is a golfer; rather good golfer). This golf course has a view of the ocean from almost every hole. Anyways, we walked a short (narrow) path to get to this beach. Not too many people, but it was perfect. Baya was free to run, but she hated the water. Absolutely refused to get in the water. The water was freezing, so I don't blame her. The views were breathtaking. The serenity was priceless. I could go back there everyday and be perfectly content. (need a sugga daddy to pay the bills though). OHH.. the speedo's were plentiful. Still not sure why Cedric doesn't own a speedo?? :)

(this picture doesn't do it justice)

(super tired)

(hottie tanning next to us)

After the beach, we headed to Cedric's parents house. They live in Bruz, which is near Rennes. Cedric's parents (mom-Francois & stepdad-Eve: spelling may be way off) had us over for a meal. First off; they live on a golf course (7th tee box maybe?). Another abosolutely stunning location. Second off; they don't speak english (humbling). Third off; they made us a five course meal (normal?)
The dinner was ate outside on their back porch; where the views are shown in the pictures below. We started off with a bottle of champagne, which of course was delicious. The first course was sliced sausage (like a summer sausage). The next course was grilled sausage (links), peppers marinated in oil, and then a tomato dish w/ sardines (yuck). Now started the red wine (vin rouge). The next course was grilled steaks w/ a traditional french dish called Ratatouille. It's like a vegetable stew. Next was the cheese course. Not a clue what kinds I ate, but very good. Lastly we had a desert of apple crumble (good but too much butter for me).

Basically, the whole day was perfect. I got to see beautiful sights and end with an amazing meal w/ very generous people. Yes, it would have been better if I could speak French, but thankfully Cedric and Marie could translate for me. By now, I was really stuffed, exhausted, and thankful for bed.

FRANCE : day 1 & 2

The day I had been dreaming of for years had finally arrived. My flights were from DSM to CHi and then CHI straight to Paris. With the 7 hour time change, my goal was to sleep on my overnight flight as much as possible. No such luck :)

I started my Wed morning in Ames by waking up super early (try 5:45 am). My mom wasn't going to be pick me up until 10am, so I could have slept in but was WAY too excited. I was basically all packed, so the morning was spent pacing back and forth watching the clock tick on by. Mom and Howard picked me up on time and we headed to DSM for an early lunch. Had to start the trip off right with a glass of wine of course! With the intense security at the DSM International Airport, we had plenty of time to relax before the flight. When it was time for me to treck thru the security, I said my quick goodbyes. Not confirmed, but I'm pretty sure my mom probably cried all the way out to the car. (such a softie).

The flight to Chicago was super quick and the wine helped me get a good 45 minute nap in. The next flight was the long one; which is never "fun". Being ever prepared, I brought along tylenol PM to help fall asleep (6pm central time departure = 1am Paris time). No such luck. I think I slept a combined total of 2 hours on the 9 hour flight. My seat mate was nice, which helped pass the time. (Thankfully, he wasn't a dirty/smelly frenchman).

Arrival into France wasn't as exciting as I had hoped. But sitting in the airport train station isn't very exciting. My flight arrived at 9:30am (paris time) and my train didn't depart for Cedric's until 1:15pm. I got my first experience of the joys of French bathrooms. For a mere 50cents, I was able to use a hardly sanitary toilet. At least this toilet stall had a toilet seat (had this problem a few 3-4 times while in France) and soap is a luxury in most toilettes. The other "first" experience in France was to purchase my first meal in the train station. I was the confused american standing in line trying to order; but successfully ordered a "poulet nuggets w/ frites".

Eventually, my train arrived and off I went towards Rennes, France. The 3 hour treck went by pretty quickly. The french countryside was exactly as I thought it'd be. Lots of random little towns; little farming communities. The houses are all the same offwhite color (mostly stone facade), reddish roofs (some clay). Gorgeous, sunny day; but I didn't have a window seat, so no photos.

Heading into Rennes, I was getting anxious. Cedric was meeting me there, so I'd finally have a familiar face & someone who speaks the english language! As I got off the train in the outdoor station, it was the first time in fresh air since DSM. Felt amazing. Went up the escalator and Cedric's there; wearing an ISU t-shirt of course! A big hug and we were off in Cedric's tiny car (normal, yet hard to get used to). First we stopped at the local supermarket. Interesting to say the least. You have to pay to use a shopping cart. A whole aisle of cheese. Another huge section of sausages. Then the pate's took up another whole section. Thankfully, they did have some "normal" food (pringles!).

Finally to Cedric's apartment, I got to meet his American Bulldog puppy, Baya. She was too cute. I brought her a gift; ISU cyclones collar. Personally, I think an IOWA one would look better but Cedric is too loyal for that. Cedric also got his requested gifts.... 2 bottles of captain morgan & ISU clothes. To say he was excited doesn't even begin to explain. France doesn't import Captain Morgan, so Cedric's been deprived for too long. Since I personally don't like Captain, I stuck to my wine. THE best part about being in France; the wine is cheap. Thankfully I was warned by both Cedric and his friend Marie that all I needed to spend on wine was 3-4 Euro ($4-6 american). They of course offer more expensive bottles, but these "cheap" bottles were delicous. Like I said before I left Des Moines, this trip is all about the wine.

Cedric's apartment was in a new apartment complex. Some differences from America: the toilet is always in a separate room. The sink will be in the same room as the shower/tub. The shower at Ced's had to be the worlds smallest shower. Everytime I moved, I seemed to accidently knock the shower handle in the off position. (Frustrating!). The kitchen seemed non-existant. There was a sink (no dishwasher of course), a small stove, a decent sized fridge, and only a few upper cabinets. They use these ugly flower wallpapers (offended Marie w/ this question; whoops!). Cedric has a washer, but no dryer (which is typical). They hang most of their clothes to dry. He did have a nice sized balcony. The overall impression is that nothing in France is big. Absolutely nothing.

The first night in France was off to a good start. At this point, I was exhaused but I was determined to have a good time. Cedric didn't have to work the next morning, so we decided this was the best night to go out w/ his friends. But this also meant I had been awake for far too long (ended up being 38 hours w/ only 2 short naps).

The combination of a lack of sleep, little to eat, lots of wine, and too many vodka redbulls made for a drunken first night. We made our way to the downtown area of Rennes. Rennes is a college town and it happened to be the first weekend back for school. Lots of people were out and about. We met up with Cedric's friends (many don't speak a lick of english). But, it ended up being a good time.

Highlights of the night include: the swings in the bar (me falling off it!) Then Marie had her chance....

Bottle Service (to be cool like TDUB)

Me attempting to speak French with Cedric's friends... Epic Failure. "Je suis American!!!"

dancing to Soulja Boy like the good ol days

Basically, it was a successful first day in France (with terrible hangover the next day). I'm probably forgetting a million details, but I wouldn't want to bore you either :)