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We arrived to Mont Saint Michel midday. It was crowded, but still fascinating nevertheless. I was here in 2006 with students, and again with Kathie in 2008.
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Kathie and I had a night’s stay on Mont Saint Michel at the pricy Auberge Saint-Pierre hotel. We tried to take a nap, but nearly impossible with all the people walking about. We could have stayed at a cheaper place off the island, but being on the Mont late and watching the sunset was surreal. This island and Mont are surely impressive.
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The narrow streets could barely handle the amount of tourists that were there though. We spent the afternoon enjoying a lunch over a bay view–mud flats with Normandy mussels (the best!). There is the famous La Mere Pouland restaurant, but it is extremely expensive and left it for another time. I understand their buttered biscuits are extremely delicious.
What was nice staying on the Mont was having the opportunity of visiting the main museum and Cathedral at dusk. I remember hearing music in the halls and indeed there was a woman playing on a piano.
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We were literally by ourselves. The highlight was seeing the sunset from the Cathedral and watching the tidal bore come in. I also counted 17 airplane trails in the sky. This area is definitely a crossroads over Europe.
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I will never forget an incident that happened with our students at the Mont in 2006. A few students had created a skit at the beginning of the main walkway. They had seen other street performers in Europe “panhandling” for monies. A police officer came by and wanted to arrest them. In my bad French, I convinced the officer that the students “meant no harm.” Luckily, he let the students go. I remember shaking his hand.
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Having seen the Mont on a clear night will always be part of our fondest memories.
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