Bonjour ma famille et mes amis
The French and I enjoyed a fabulous dinner in Etretat last night (that's code for 'we ate way too much and must never do that again!'), then took a short walk to the beach to watch the sun go down, just before 9pm. Domi took some gorgeous photos of the sunset, which he has kindly emailed to me for tonight's update. I'm sure my camera can't do that! Or maybe it's just me. We stood there for just a few minutes, as the sun disappeared quite quickly. There were others on the beach doing the same thing - yet you could have heard a pin drop. Well, not on the sand, but you get the idea.
This morning, we had just a short drive from Etretat to Deauville, where we are staying in a charming hotel, decorated in Art Deco style (see first few photos after the sunset). Deauville is a glamorous 'lifestyles of the rich and fabulous' kinda place - famous for its casino, yachts, horse racing and Deauville American Film Festival, a mini-Cannes held in September each year.
Once the premier summer holiday destination for wealthy Parisians, the town is filled with the Belles Maisons, beautiful houses. The French and I spent the afternoon walking through the town and from one end of the beach to the other and back again, in brilliant sunshine. Don't know that I've mentioned it before, but we've been blessed with the most glorious weather since I arrived in Paris, just 12 days ago. Sure, Etretat was 'fresh', as The French would say, but still the sun shone brightly.
Some days I can hardly believe I am so fortunate to be experiencing so many different adventures, and all so relaxed and effortless (though I guess the effortless part will change on the Camino Mozarabe). There have been so many perfect moments - a gorgeous villa, a catch up with friends from home, a beautiful walk, a stunning view, a delicious meal. In one of those moments the other day I asked The French, how do I say 'I feel like I'm in heaven'? He explained to me that, in French, the word for heaven 'ciel' is the same as the word for sky, so the French do not use the same expression 'I am in heaven' as it would not convey the right feeling. Instead, he suggested I would say, 'Je suis aux anges' - I am surrounded by angels. That seems about right to me. And I appreciate every moment.
Tomorrow we will make our way to Mont St Michel. I know very little about this place, other than it's quite special and that Domi is looking forward to taking me there. So I'm not 'getting on the Google' to find out more ... I'm happy for the surprise that awaits. But, before then, on the way we will be making a very important stop in Mouen. More about that in my next update.
Thank you for your emails Helen (Mum), Pam, Michael, Helen C., Sally, Jan, Mandi and Amanda. Great to hear from you and so pleased you are enjoying the updates of adventures with The French. More pictures than words most days, but our surroundings - and the weather - have been so beautiful ... sometimes words just get in the way.
In the meantime, sending love and best wishes.
A bientot
Jenny and The French. xx
