Sensual

Day 11 - Giverny & Vernon

Friday, June 17th, 2016

Sensual

I think the best word to describe today is sensual – it has been a feast for the senses.

This morning we arrived in Vernon and took a short ride into the town of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. We visited the beautiful gardens and charming stone farmhouse where he lived and worked, and saw the water garden with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas that inspired many of his masterpieces. There is no way for our pictures to do it justice. Not only did we drink in the beauty with our eyes but everywhere you caught the different scents of the flowers wafting on air and you could hear the birds chirping in the trees.  It was amazing, even with the hundreds of people who were tourists just like us. 

Our senses were somewhat assaulted at the end of tour as we were ready to walk back to the bus, when the heavens opened and we were drenched with a rather cold shower, even as the sun was still shining in others parts of the sky.

Lunch today was a taste of Normandy and we indulged in French cheeses and meats, breads and pastries.  It was a gastronomical delight.

After lunch some of went for a stroll through this delightful provincial town of Vernon. We saw the Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), Vernon’s oldest house, and the 11th-century Church of Notre Dame with it’s beautiful stained glass windows.  Walking down the street I was mesmerized by the artful displays in all the shops; meats, cheeses, pastries, chocolates, all a fest for the eye.

Tonight we are invited to the Viking Explorer cocktail party for all those who have cruised with Viking before.  I’m sure it will be a lovely evening.