As Ray & Viv's visit is approaching the end we took the opportunity to pop over to Caen for a weekend. With Den picking us up bright and early on Friday morning we caught the 8am ferry, bit choppy but not too bad. Arriving in France we headed straight down to Carrefour to stock up on essentials, although few this time as space was limited
, well with 5 adults and their luggage it was a trifle challenging!!
We were soon in the hotel, unpacked and in the bar opposite for a drink in the sunshine whilst making plans for our short stay. Early eveming it was a Kir or two followed by dinner in L'Embroche which was just lovely. We were so pleased Viv & Ray liked the food there as much as we do. Having started our day at 5am we were all feeling tired so no late night revelling for this bunch of oldies!!
Saturday we were up and out on the bus to the Caen Memorial We have been a couple of times before but this was a first visit for Ray & Viv. We spent the morning there, so much to see and so much to take in that hours just disappeared. We left Ray, Viv & Den there exploring further and headed back into town. I can't do Caen and all its lovely buildings without finding time for some retail therapy
So it was lunch in the sunshine followed by a couple of hours shopping before meeting up with the others for, you've guessed it, an afternoon tipple
Sunday morning and it was time to pack up the car and plan our day. After breakfast we walked the quiet streets of the City centre up to the Abbey des hommes. After a few photos we made out way back doen to Port de Plaisance for a taste of the sunday morning market which was extremely busy. It was then time for us to move on and it was back to the car and out to the beach. For Ray this was one of the reasons for visiting Caen as it was my mother's favourite place and Sword beach in particular was special for us all. He had not had the opportunity of spending some time here so it was good the sun was shining and we were all able to remember Mum in ths way. From the beach we walked up to Bella Riva for a reviving drink and yet more chat. With an eye on the time it was back to the car and on our way to Pegasus Bridge and museum We spent a long time in the museum, so much to see and take in. A walk across the new bridge to the Cafe Gondre completed our visit as we realised we had a very short time to reach the ferry for our return crossing..........
As we left the sunshine of Caen with a last glimpse of the beaches we all wondered where the weekend had gone, it was good to spend time with each other and we didn't waste a minute with all the walking making sure the food and wine didn't do too much damage! The crossing home was flat calm and hot enough for us to sit out on deck in the sunshine until the sun went down as we approached the Isle of Wight.
With their holiday approaching an end it will be back to the Queensland and warmer weather, we shall miss them and will be counting down until our next trip to Oz.
