July 6th and 7th - Mont St. Michel

The Mont St. Michel story started a mere two days before our trip to Normandie. Having been in contact with Elizabeth, the owner of the hostel B&B we were meant to stay at about when we would be arriving, we were sure that everything would run smoothly for once. But that wouldn't be our style. So we just popped over to the computer real quick to check our email, and we find that Elizabeth has contacted us saying she is "so sorry, but there has been severe damage to the bathroom and she would have to cancel our reservation." Horrified, we got on hostelworld.com only to find that there were no available rooms nearby. But after some searching, we found a cheap hotel in the nearby town of Pontorson, where the train would drop us.

We weren't expecting much, but when we got off the train, what we saw was just the most charming little town. It seemed like the entire town was on one square mile. The only way to describe it would be quaint. We didn't know that Hotel de France was just the guest house of Hotel Arianne, so for about a half hour, we sat in the foyer reading travel brochures (Alligator Bay seems like the place to go for an up close and personal encounter!!) We finally figured out that the reception office was just around the corner in an old fashioned brick building with a beautiful garden out front, complete with our new little friend, Sophie (the owner's cat.)

We were welcomed by Hennie, the sweetest Dutch woman who brought us to our room, which by the way was precious. She went out of her way to inform us that it would be very difficult for us to get to Mont St. Michel in the evening to see it lit up, due to the closing of the buses and extremely overpriced cabs. So...she offered to take us herself and give us our own private tour!

Having been in the big city of Paris, we were not expecting the warm and friendly people who welcomed us into their little town. Even the waitress at the Pizzeria at the corner greeted us with a Bonjour! and a smile...and even refrained from rolling her eyes when we ordered tap water. She merely gave it to us with a Voila!

It was early in the day and we were curious to see Mont St. Michel. While waiting for the bus, we met the most interesting woman. Oringinally from England but a long-time resident of New Zealand, Lucy has been traveling the world for the past year. We guessed that she may be in her 60s, but she was sharp as a tack and worldly...and motherly. We immediately took to her and she to us.

We decided to travel through the island together and she even promised us that before we left, we had to have a crepe (a thin pancake filled with anything from butter, sugar and chocolate, to fruits and liqueur.)

The most fascinating thing about the Mont was the knowledge that this fortress was built over 600 years ago and has survived the raging tides, wars, and elements that for sure should have torn it down ages ago. It wasn't even crumbling. Legend says when the tide comes in on Mont St. Michel, it comes in so fast that even a man on a horse can't beat the water.

We had a wonderful experience walking through the Abbey with an audio-tour, bouncing our thoughts and opinions off Lucy, as she told us the most wonderful stories about her travels, and even helped us out a bit with our French. Then it was off to the Creperie!! We decided it would be wise to get three different crepes and cut them into thirds so we could try three different kinds; caramel, apple, and butter with sugar. DE-LICIOUS!

After Liana took a nap and Ashley read for a while, it was time to go meet up with Hennie (and Lucy - we invited her to come along as well) and head back over to Mont St. Michel where we saw the sun set and got to experience its magnificence at night.

After a much-needed night of sleep in a VERY comfortable bed, we woke up quite hungry and ventured off to get something to eat. We've come to the conclusion that when in France, do as the French do. We bought baguettes, jam and cheese...and sat in the garden with Sophie and indulged :)

Today we're off to San Sebastian, Spain, where a couple days on the beach will hopefully recharge us...as well as give us a nice tan. Haha we hear you guys are experiencing rain back home. That's all for now. You're finally caught up with us! Ball's in your court...

Au Revoir! xoxo