Rouen

I remember, when I first came to Rouen, being amazed at how people blithely walked past what to me were stupendously beautiful marvels of art and architecture, paying them no mind whatsoever.  After several months, I was doing the same - humans are great at getting used to things. And in the years since, I had forgotten how beautiful Rouen is. But today, I am astounded once again by the beauty of this ancient city.

I dropped my suitcase off at the nearest Nannybag (best invention ever!) and went for a stroll downtown, thinking I'd take a quick spin past the cathedral and then hop on the 10:30 train to Paris. But once I started walking, I realized I needed more time. Thank goodness there are several trains a day from Rouen, many of which don’t even require a reservation!

I bought myself a new sketchbook at an art supply store, and inaugurated it with a quick pencil sketch from an outdoor cafe next to the Cathedrale Jeanne d’Arc. (This cathedral, unlike the main Cathedral made famous by Monet, is notable for being quite possibly the ugliest church in France, surrounded by one of the most charming squares in France). Unfortunately I wasn’t able to finish the drawing, because Laetitia called to let me know I should swing by her apartment before leaving.

Laetitia was packing for a trip with her son to Peru. It was wonderful to see her fabulous little apartment (located right next to the Rouen cathedral - the  beautiful one, Notre Dame de Rouen).

I also got to see Laetitia's collection of wonderful paintings by her dad, Jean-Marie.

After working unhappily as a manufacturing sales rep for over twenty years, J-M tragically died of lung cancer shortly after retiring to paint full time. I remember him doodling, Gitane in one hand, pen in the other, at his big desk in the living room. It especially was beautiful, and poignant, to see the canvases that he'd started but not finished.

And then, more farewells, and I was back on the train - headed to Paris for two precious days before the start of the Olympics!