MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2008

Today we left for our visit to Normandy and Brittany. We packed up, took the 29 bus to the gare St. Lazare. Our train left at 10:50. It was an hour ride and when we arrived we had a bit of lunch at the station. We picked up the rental car and took off for Pont Audemer where we were going to visit some old friends of ours, the Foltz's. Erwin met them over 20 years ago when he first stayed in what was then the Auberge du Vieux Puits. Erwin had been back there many times and later with Alexandria. About 5 years or so ago, the Foltz's, Jacques and Hélène, retired and sold off a part of the complex. They retained their living quarters and one building that they renovated and use as a four room inn, complete with a modern kitchen and wonderful living-dining room. Check out their web site at www.logisvieuxpuits.com/welcome-en.htm

We arrived in the middle of the afternoon and had a wonderful visit. Here are Hélène and Erwin.

A family friend, Vanessa, stopped by and had tea with us. We chatted both in English and in French. After a wonderful visit, renewing old friendships and talking about fond memories of previous visits, we drove off toward Trouville, about 45 minutes away on the coast. We had booked a hotel there.
That evening we went out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants called Les Vapeurs.

They specialize in mussels, which we certainly ordered and enjoyed. After dinner, Alexandria had an after-dinner digestif. Notice the bottle that they left on the table.

If possible when we dine there, we try to be seated at the sidewalk tables. It's the most pleasant part of the entire restaurant.

After a short walk, we went back to the Latitudes Hotel for a good nice rest before a long drive the next day.