by J.D. Roth
On Thursday morning, Kris and I joined a bus tour to the coastal resort town of Étretat. The long drive through French farmland was beautiful. Plus, the day was cold, windy, and wet. I loved it.
There wasn’t much to see in Étretat. It’s the sort of place where you’d spend a relaxing week or two — but not an hour. Still, we browsed a small market, where I let a saleswoman talk me into spending €65 for a new Stetson waxed cotton cap that’s a size too small. It was worth it: I love the cap. (In fact, I just realized I don’t know where the cap is at the moment, and it’s putting me into a bit of a panic.)
The bus then wound through the French countryside to Le Havre, a major seaport. Our path through the city was disrupted by the strikes/protests about retirement reform, the same strikes/protests that plagued our entire stay. Eventually, however, we made it to our destination: Manoir D’Apreval, an apple farm outside Hornfleur.
We toured the apple cider operation at Manoir D’Apreval, and then enjoyed a light lunch, which included Calvados, an apple brandy, as well as a variety of local cheeses.
After lunch, we spent an hour walking through Hornfleur, exploring the shops.
By the end of the day, however, I was exhausted. I felt sick. My throat was sore. I thought about skipping dinner, but persevered. After eating, though, I went straight to bed. I slept and slept and slept.
Updated: 14 November 2010