TUESDAY IN BAYEUX, FRANCE (August 6, 2013)

We woke up early on Tuesday and off and on we heard an older French woman yelling.  Of course we couldn't tell what she was yelling but it was definitely loud and her words really traveled!  We were curious about it but  
. . . .  Ohhhh, Tuesday's breakfast was fun!  When we arrived in the dining room only the older couple from New Hampshire and a very odd-looking French woman were at the table.  The French woman sat at the head of the table and she continually muttered and occasionally she would shout things out.  And her eyes didn't focus. Obviously David had to sit by her!  And you all know him -- he greeted her and tried a number of times to have a conversation with her to no avail.  It was pretty funny because she would mutter "Monsieur," and David would think she was talking to him so he would look at her and answer "Madame." This happened 3 or 4 times and it started to sound like an episode of "All right" and "Sal right."   She finally finished her breakfast and left the dining room.  Anthony quickly came in to tell us that she is a very famous French writer who burned herself out on alcohol and drugs.  He told us no other innkeeper will rent her a room but since he knows who she is, he rents to her.  He tries to keep her from the other guests but it's not always possible.  None of us thought to ask him her name so we could google her.  I think we were all too fascinated.  David thinks when she was muttering under her breath she was writing a book.  Probably about rude Americans!

We had the same offerings of food and the same good coffee so I was happy.  Soon after the French writer left, a very nice British couple joined us.  They had traveled overnight and just arrived that morning.  They were great!  Of course right off the bat the woman from New Hampshire made a crack about taking New Hampshire back from them or something like that.  The British woman replied "Indeed!"  David was very offended by the comment and he thinks the British couple, Guy and Paula, were too.  We changed the subject and asked about them and Paula told us their daughter had just gotten married the previous Saturday and they were on holiday to rest and relax.  Well you know me and weddings.  I asked a million questions and they seemed pleased to answer them.  It sounded like it was a very nice wedding!  

At 9:00 David left with Christophe for his tour of more battle scenes.  I read my book awhile and then took a leisurely shower and washed my hair.  I gotta tell you that after the week in London, I was very happy to have down time and time alone!  I finally got myself together and walked into Bayeux to shop.  It's odd but in the little town there are about 10 really good women's clothing shops and probably 5 shoes stores.  Plus 3 lingerie shops with absolutely gorgeous French lingerie!!!  I spent a few hours shopping but didn't buy a thing!  We have too many days left here to carry things with us and our suitcases are too small to pack anything else in them.  Good for saving money, I guess.  

I went to a cafe and had Cafe Americana and a croissant.  Once again I lingered for over an hour just watching people stroll by.  I probably already mentioned this but lots and lots of Europeans travel everywhere with their dogs.  They are allowed on buses and trains and also in cafes and restaurants.  So I saw lots of very cute dogs too!  

Around 6:00 I went back to the B&B to wait for David.  Once again he and Christophe did not return until after 7:30 p.m.  David certainly got his money's worth!!!  He was really worn out so we decided to just go out for a quick pizza and return to our room.  That's exactly what we did!  With a stop for ice cream on the way back, of course!

We didn't have to get up early the next day so we did not even set the alarm.  We had the morning to hang out in Bayeux before catching the train the next afternoon.  I'll let David tell you about his Tuesday in Bayeux!  

In case you can't tell, we are REALLY enjoying ourselves!!!