Normandy Part Deux: Bayeux, Caen, and the D-Day Beaches

Day 3 (Sunday, August 30, 2009)

After another lovely breakfast, I collected my luggage and began the hour-long drive to Bayeux. Although I was looking forward to the next part of my trip, I was very sad to leave gorgeous Honfleur and the charming bed and breakfast.

Once in Bayeux, I immediately checked into my hotel, La Reine Mathilde. Although my room had not yet been cleaned, the girl at the front desk allowed me to store my baggage while I headed out, a huge convenience that I very much appreciated.

Exterior of La Reine Mathilde Hotel.

My room at La Reine Mathilde.

Normandy Part Une: Giverny, Honfleur, Rouen, and Etretat

Day 1 (Friday, August 28, 2009)

After landing in sunny Paris, I was easily able to find the Europcar Rental office, where I had arranged a four week car rental through Gemut. Initially, I began speaking to the representative in French, so she obviously assumed that I spoke the language well, as she then responded to me much faster than I will probably ever be able to understand. I think my dazed and confused look reeled her back in, so she immediately switched to English, which was very good for both of us. Within about ten minutes, I had found the car and placed all of my items inside, and was on my way out of Paris.

My first stop along the way was to Giverny, which is famous for being the former home of the impressionist painter Claude Monet. Monet painted some of his most famous works at his private property, including the much-beloved series of paintings of water lilies.  The grounds of his former home, including all of the gardens, have been turned into a museum, which cost six Euro per person to enter. 

Monet's home.

La Fortuna and Arenal, Costa Rica

Volcan Arenal, which we saw very little of during our time in La Fortuna.


After spending four days at the beach, Melissa and I headed into the interior of Costa Rica to the much visited city of La Fortuna. This city is the main gateway to Volcan Arenal, which is one of the most visited sights in Costa Rica. Although there is very little to see in the town itself, there are dozens of activities and things to partake in outside of La Fortuna.