Undaunted Joy #132

Of Being Somewhere New

(View of the ocean from our Airbnb in Normandy)

On noon on Wednesday, my family boarded a 10 hour flight to Paris. We usually sleep well on overnight flights but this flight was in some sort of a bizzarro world.

The stewards were all very old and without the lovely manners which set the tone for everyone stuck in a confined space for almost half a day. There was a child who talked, whined, or cried for most of that flight. Neither of his parents would pay attention to him which was really all he wanted or needed and we all had to suffer. Then there were the Germans. They seemed to need no sleep at all and were holding was sounded like board meetings all night long.

From our flight we stood in customs for a very long time. I nearly wished my sons were still young so we could go in the express line for families with little ones. We then took a hour train into Paris, switched to a train to Caen for another two hours. All four of us slept on that train ride, slumped in our seats like marionettes but with our heads tilted back, snoring and drooling all over the place. I do not understand why Europeans think Americans are so gauche.

At Caen we rented a car and my husband drove another two hours through windy roads that made me feel as if I was in an episode of Top Gear. Finally, on Thursday at 5pm, just before then sun set we met our host, Christian, at our Airbnb, an old stone house on the dunes of The Hauge, Normandy.

Christian was about 70 and spoke a little English. He laughed as each of my men, tall and strong walked in the door. He walked us through the entire house and started a fire in the fireplace.

Yesterday we explored the city of Cherbourg which I knew vaguely from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, the old film with Catherine Deneuve. There is something wonderful that happens to one’s mind when they are in a city where no one knows you. Where every window is a delight. Each sign calls out to you with curiosity.

Basilique de la Santé Trinité

Today we explore a new city. My husband is in charge of the itinerary. I am just along for the ride. I am happy to go wherever he takes me.