Un weekend en Normandie, Une coïncidence Canadienne

Here, 'Vache' isn't just a french climbing term.

A typical Norman resident.

So, to my unexpected delight, I got to spend a weekend in Normandy, 2 hours west of Paris - where Emilien's uncle lives, and where his father grew up. Em's uncle Claude runs a small (and organic) farm. But in a strange set of coincidences the farm is also epicentre in an area of signifigant Canadian history. You see it was here:

1. That the first, and most French Canadians came from. There is even a museum dedicated to it. If you know anyone with the last names "Pelletier, Gagnon, Tremblay, Rivard, Fortin, Bouchard and Drouin;" this is where they came from. Including Samuel Champlain, who founded Quebec City and gave us the name "Canada."

I think he also brought small pox, but hey, you can't win'm all.

Where Andrew McBurney's forefather's lived.

2. A few km's down the road is an area called the Falaise Gap. Where the final defeat of the Germans occurred at the end of WWII, just prior to the liberation of Paris.

Falaise Gap. Much more beautiful without all the carnage.

Typical Normandy Road. Great for a jog. If you like that sort of thing...

Other than a history lesson, I also got an opportunity to sample some great regional Normandy cuisine, hospitality, and a great jog through the Normandy countryside. I was told if I just kept going "à droit, à droit, à droit" that I would have jogged 3kms. I'm not in great shape, and with the hills, 3kms is about just enough for me. Turns out, Emilien's dad (Jean-Pierre) MEANT to say 8kms. It was both beautiful and gruelling. But I can proudly say that I did it in 45 minutes. Not bad for a guy who doesn't do cardio.

I can't walk today. My calves are killing me.

Emilien preparing a traditional Normandy dish. Tartlette du Chienne. It was delicious.

à tout à l'heure...