I’m totally pissy as I write this following a very boozy day.
I started the day with a metro trip to Gare St Lazare where I met up with my tough group leader, Seth. We then all boarded the train bound for Vernon. After a 45 minute trip we arrived. We walked the short distance to collect our bikes and then we were off.
Our first stop was a local market to collect our picnic supplies. But first – the toilet stop! We parked our bikes in the car park adjacent to the markets where there was also one of those public pay toilets – so for 0.20c about 15 of us took turns going by holding the door open, so as to not let it lock again, for the next person – way to rort the system!!
Then we were let loosen the markets. Despite the locals not speaking much English they were so lovely, friendly and helpful. I picked up a ‘traditional’ (which is an upmarket baguette), some creamy cheese, some herb roasted pork, an apple, a patisserie and of course a bottle of bubbly! – All set for a great picnic.
We then road a short distance with our supplies to a park by the river Seine next to the remnants of a 12th century bridge and coach/toll house. Here we sat in a big circle for our picnic and it was just lovely and lots of fun. Everyone on the tour group was great. They were from NZ, Canada, the USA and Australia with three others surprisingly, from Canberra!!
After our picnic, where I pretty much polished off an entire bottle of bubbly myself with minimal help, it was time to get back on our bikes and ride the short distance to the Baudy Hotel. It was quite interesting riding whilst a little bit merry – but there was lots of giggling!
Out the back of the Baudy Hotel is a small studio where Monet used to paint when the weather was inclement. We then walked a short distance to his home in Giverny. We entered the home via the gardens which he designed and built himself. One side was based on a Japanese influence where nature makes its own course and which was also the inspiration for his famous Water Lilies series. Then the other side is very neat, symmetrical and French where the gardens are controlled and manipulated to emphasise mans control over nature. There are beautiful rows of flowers and blossoming trees. The tulips and daffodils are out and it is like a little piece of Floriade.
We then entered Monet’s house. It is large enough, but not overly ostentatious. What I was most surprised about was the large number of Japanese prints throughout the house. They lined the walls of each room and were typical Japanese style paintings and watercolours. Evidently he had never visited Japan, but had hosted guests from Japan.
After the visit to his home we made a brief stop at his grave and that of his wives and children. Then sadly, it was time to go.
We rode back to Vernon to return our bikes then walked back to the train station. On the way to the station we stopped for some supplies for the train ride home. Like our tour guide Seth, I also indulged in an ice cream and a 1664 beer for the train ride! How great is France – you can even enjoy an alcoholic beverage on the train!! Greache!
At home of course, it was time for more bubbles!! Voila!
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