Day 6 Highlights: First Eurail Ride - Bike Ride through Vernon to Giverny - Monet's Garden - Seine River Cruise
It's hard to believe that this is our last night in Paris. The time has gone by quickly, but we've really enjoyed ourselves! I can't say enough about how incredible Paris is and I highly recommend spending at least several days here. It took about 4 for us to finally get over the jet lag.
It's hard for us to say what our favorite moment has been, because they've all been so incredible! Today fits right in with new and amazing experiences! We validated our rail passes, and rode to Vernon, an amazing quaint little town that you don't really read about in the guide books. From Vernon, we rented bikes and rode 4 miles each way to Giverny to see Monet's Garden. What an amazing experience to bike through the French countryside! We encountered so many nice people! One lady even shouted to us from her garden and asked us to stop. She ran inside and grabbed a pre-printed note written in English which gave directions to a very nice path to Giverny. I thought that was so sweet of her. She wanted nothing in return. Just being friendly.
As we rode up and down small hills, we passed many small homes, lots of beautiful flowers and amazing views of the hillside. It was a peaceful experience. And then we got to Monet's Gardens with the swarms and swarms of pushy tourists. Ugh! But we didn't let that ruin our time.
Monet's Gardens were amazing beyond words. I got teary-eyed (I know - this is a daily occurence, but it is truly amazing to be at these places!) To see the pond of waterlilies, and know how many different paintings were made of this place, gave me chills. There were so many different and beautiful flowers - and the smell in the air - was like perfume - it smelled so good. I could type on and on about Monet's Gardens, but what made it extra special was seeing how much Eric enjoyed it as well. He was as into taking pictures of flowers as I was. It was just such a wonderful experience.
After our tour of Giverny, we rode back to Vernon and wandered around for a couple of hours. We found a beautiful church - a smaller version of Notre Dame - very peaceful and interesting to walk around. We also walked around the Seine (which apparently is an incredible long river!) It was fun to see the houses that look like old timey chalets. I hope we will be able to upload some pictures so you can see (lobby computer was being used though.)
Now we are on our way to have a romantic dinner and an evening cruise on the Seine so that we can see all of Paris lit up at night. Tomorrow, we leave very early for Bern, Switzerland, and begin the next leg of our journey: Alpine hiking, biking, and a visit to a chocolate factory and the town of Gruyere to have some more cheese! I'm not sure where there will be internet cafes, but if we find one, we will keep you updated.
It's hard to believe that this is our last night in Paris. The time has gone by quickly, but we've really enjoyed ourselves! I can't say enough about how incredible Paris is and I highly recommend spending at least several days here. It took about 4 for us to finally get over the jet lag.
It's hard for us to say what our favorite moment has been, because they've all been so incredible! Today fits right in with new and amazing experiences! We validated our rail passes, and rode to Vernon, an amazing quaint little town that you don't really read about in the guide books. From Vernon, we rented bikes and rode 4 miles each way to Giverny to see Monet's Garden. What an amazing experience to bike through the French countryside! We encountered so many nice people! One lady even shouted to us from her garden and asked us to stop. She ran inside and grabbed a pre-printed note written in English which gave directions to a very nice path to Giverny. I thought that was so sweet of her. She wanted nothing in return. Just being friendly.
As we rode up and down small hills, we passed many small homes, lots of beautiful flowers and amazing views of the hillside. It was a peaceful experience. And then we got to Monet's Gardens with the swarms and swarms of pushy tourists. Ugh! But we didn't let that ruin our time.
Monet's Gardens were amazing beyond words. I got teary-eyed (I know - this is a daily occurence, but it is truly amazing to be at these places!) To see the pond of waterlilies, and know how many different paintings were made of this place, gave me chills. There were so many different and beautiful flowers - and the smell in the air - was like perfume - it smelled so good. I could type on and on about Monet's Gardens, but what made it extra special was seeing how much Eric enjoyed it as well. He was as into taking pictures of flowers as I was. It was just such a wonderful experience.
After our tour of Giverny, we rode back to Vernon and wandered around for a couple of hours. We found a beautiful church - a smaller version of Notre Dame - very peaceful and interesting to walk around. We also walked around the Seine (which apparently is an incredible long river!) It was fun to see the houses that look like old timey chalets. I hope we will be able to upload some pictures so you can see (lobby computer was being used though.)
Now we are on our way to have a romantic dinner and an evening cruise on the Seine so that we can see all of Paris lit up at night. Tomorrow, we leave very early for Bern, Switzerland, and begin the next leg of our journey: Alpine hiking, biking, and a visit to a chocolate factory and the town of Gruyere to have some more cheese! I'm not sure where there will be internet cafes, but if we find one, we will keep you updated.
2 comments:
All this and a 5 lb chocolate bar tooooo!!!!!
xoxoxo-D
Sis, this is so wonderful... I can see it all in your writing (and Eric's). What a wonderful day you had... beautiful sights and warm/welcoming people. I simply MUST see these places and experience the awe and wonder. (We'll have to work on Dad.) I look forward to your posts... hope you find a place in Switzerland so that we can continue the adventure with you. Be safe and have a wonderful "ride" to Switzerland.
LOVE, MOM
LOVE, MOM
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