Europe

17 January 2022

Virginia Bucket List Wineries – Stone Tower Winery

My bucket list journey to visit all of the wineries in Virginia has just begun. But, I believe I have found my favorite winery…at least for now. Stone Tower Winery, a family-owned winery located just about an hour west of DC. It is beautiful and inviting has some of the best wine in Northern Virginia. Everyone has their own tastes and preferences when it comes to wine, but I think Stone Tower has good options for everyone.

I always enjoy a nice glass of wine or bubbly. I stumbled across this gem during COVID-19. Staying in the house was no longer an option and I needed to do something besides a hike. Wineries were a good option and spring was just around the corner. I did not have any real expectations about Stone Towar vineyard and at the time I did not care. It turns out, the wines are so good that I have been back multiple times and I am now a member.

[penci_fancy_heading p_title=”How Is The Wine?” _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22″ _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”]

There is a large variety of wine at Stone Tower! I do not like most Virginia wine but they have some of the best wine I have had in the state. Virginia is really a difficult place to grow good grapes for red wine. Somehow, they have figured out how to combat the terroir to do just that. Usually, I exclusively drink red wine. But, I have tasted pretty much everything they produce. My favorites are the rosé and rosé brut, petit verdot, and the merlot. I even like the chardonnay, and like I said–I do not care much for white wine. [/penci_fancy_heading]

[penci_fancy_heading p_title=”Beautiful Property” title_tag=”h4″ _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A” css=”.vc_custom_1639005878276{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]

My first time at Stone Town Winery was lovely. Its beauty was a surprise. It is super inviting and the atmosphere is great, even when it is crowded (and it is usually very crowded). The barn-style buildings with a backdrop of rolling hills and vines are picturesque and exactly what you would expect to see at a winery. There are so many reasons to visit; after a stressful week at work, a day out with friends, or even a solo day. I always exhale when I pull up to the winery.

Stone Tower Winery has a great ambiance to include its cozy indoor spaces. I have done a few tastings, eaten lunch, or and t hung out with friends in several of Stone Tower’s buildings. There has never been a time when I wanted to leave when I had to. [/penci_fancy_heading]

[penci_fancy_heading p_title=”Wine Experiences” title_tag=”h4″ _use_separator=”yes” _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”]

One of the best things about Stone Tower Winery is that they have several events and wine experiences every month. And, if you can not catch something the first time around, they almost always run the same events time and again. My first introduction to Stone Tower Winery was at one of these events. I went to the wine barrel tasting of its 2019 red wine wines. Usually, wine tastings are of only maybe 3-6 wines. But I was shocked to see that the winery had placed 10 nearly full glasses at my table. The tasting included a food parring of cheese, charcuterie, and other small treats.

My second experience at the winery was the Executive Experience, which included a tour of the property, lunch, and wine tasting of about 8 wines and port. This was a good chance to taste most of the wines the winery produces, and the tour guides are fun and lively. Beware, if you are a lightweight, this tour may be a tad much for you. The pours are generous and there are plenty of them. I loved our tour guide, Joe. He is very knowledgeable and is clearly enjoying his retirement working at Stone Tower.

Besides the wine events, you can visit the property any time for a wine tasting or enjoy their menu. My favorite things on the menu are the wood brick pizzas and the parmesan truffle French fries, especially when they are fresh out of the fryer!

If you are a wine lover or just want to have a good experience, I highly encourage you to spend an afternoon or day at Stone Tower Winery![/penci_fancy_heading]

26 September 2020

Traveling as a Black Woman

I absolutely love to travel. When I boarded a plane for my first overseas trip in 2000, I had not considered what it meant to travel as a black woman. As a matter of fact, I did not consider it at all until years later after I had visited several countries. I was naive to think that the rest of the world would see me differently than how all races, including my own, viewed me in the United States. I would later discover that when I crossed international waters, I did not leave behind the rank I was born into as a black woman in the US or the outward racism that black and brown people face every day. During my travels, sometimes being an American trumps being black, but my blackness is the first thing people see. So, it is the first thing people judge me on.

Since my first trip, travel has become my passion and in one way or another it has taken up a lot of space on my bucket list. Before COVID-19, I traveled to a new country every year. And, with age and experience, every time I set foot on foreign soil, I have a few things running in the back of my mind. How will they receive me as a black woman? What will they think of me? And, will I be uncomfortable for the duration of my trip?

Why now?

You may be wondering why am I talking about this subject now, especially since my blog is focused on my bucket list and solo travel experiences. With everything going on in my country concerning race, it is hard to stay silent about how race has impacted my travels. While the dominant race in the US has a long history of trying to keep everyone in their place, almost every country has also had some sort of system to rank its people. In many ways, those systems may not be visible to those who are not regularly affronted by it, but they are there. For that reason, I am sharing my travel experiences through perspective. I want to highlight that there are constant reminders about where people THINK you should stand or rank in society no matter where in the world you are.

[penci_fancy_heading _text_align=”left” p_title=”Black Girl Meets The World” _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A” title_color=”#000000″]How I have felt during my travels is not something I have even talked about with my friends or family. The fact that I do not get to shed my skin color when I board a plane and cross borders and international waters, not that I would want to. I truly believe that there has not been a single continent that I have planted my feet on where my color was not part of the discussion or highlighted. Here are a few of my experiences of what traveling as a black woman has been like for me.[/penci_fancy_heading]

Africa

Sundowner at Amboseli National Park

I had the privilege of living in Africa for a few years and I have been to at least a dozen African countries. My most troubling experience traveling as a black woman has been in Sub-Sahara Africa, particularly in Kenya where I have spent a considerable about of time. I first want to say that I loved my time in Kenya. It is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. And, I would return anytime I had the chance. However, this country still has a considerable amount of European and Indian ex-pats. Many of whom treat the Kenyans poorly or in a belittling manner.

In general, I blended in well into Kenyan society as long as I kept my mouth closed. So, ex-pats were always shocked when I rejected how they treated me or even called them out for their behavior. Kenyans are a strong, hard-working, and successful group of people. So, I am generalizing when I say that it is sad to see Europeans and Asians treating such amazing people as only worthy of serving others in their own land. I certainly did not appreciate Kenyans and ex-pats alike generally assuming that I was the driver, maid, or domestic help. I think that is a dark reflection of colonization.

South Africa has its own troubled past with decades of Apartheid. During my travels there, my skin color prompted a deep conversation with some South Africans who wanted to make sure I understood the difference between colored, an acceptable term in South Africa, and black people. I am not exactly sure what were their intentions. But, by definition, they were colored and I could not help but feel like they were trying to make sure that I understood my place in South African society.

Asia

I have had mixed experiences as a black woman in Asia. Asian societies in general are more homogenous. So the few times I have traveled to Asia, I have expected the worst. Most of my worries did not come to fruition, but I think that was probably because cultural norms would not have allowed for it. And, while I am sure that Afro-Americas vacation, work, and live in Asia, I assume it is not at all on the same level as in Europe. It definitely seems like an anomaly for Asians to see people of color walking their streets.

I was most terrified to travel to Japan. Particularly, I thought I would feel out of place or be the center of negative attention. Japan is a very artistic and colorful country, but you cannot always tell. Walking down the street, no matter rain or shine, you will see a sea of people dressed in dark clothes, with dark hair, and umbrellas with one of three colors. I had heard stories of Japanese restaurants turning people away because they were black. So, I begged people to go with just because I was afraid people would treat me the same. However, Japan was awesome. If people felt any negative thoughts towards me, they kept them to themselves. My natural hair fascinated and amazed them, but I could understand why. Natural hair IS amazing.

My experience of traveling as a black woman in Vietnam was slightly different. First, I want to say how much I enjoyed my travels in Vietnam. I based in 4 cities and each place was cool and had their own unique twists. My friend, who is white, traveled with me. She is a fantastic travel partner and this was our third trip together. But, I am the planner and she is more of a fly by the seat of her pants kind of person. So, I planned, booked, and paid for the entire trip. That meant everything was in my name, yet somehow that did not matter.

The Vietnamese deferred to her almost everywhere we went. It did not matter where or the context. If I asked a question, they turned to her to answer it. And, if I asked for the bill at a restaurant, they brought it to her. We started to make a game out of it just to see what would happen.

My skin color was also the topic of a few conversations. Some described my skin color as “strong,” which I took as a compliment. While others talked about not wanting to get dark in a slightly embarrassing way. I really did not let any of it bother me, but I think it is a shame to have these experiences halfway around the world. Even if to some, these experiences seem insignificant,

Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue, Vietnam

Honfleur, France

Traveling as a black woman in Europe has been varied. I have visited the continent more times than I can count on my hands twice over and I love it. However, our European friends are the cause of a lot of racism around the world. Their ties to and their implementation of slavery around the globe are unmistakable. They have purposefully divided tribes, mistreated dark-skinned people, and pitted neighbors against each other. These actions have left its mark on Europe too.

Discrimination is real and overt in many European nations. However, the only place in Europe where I have really felt out of place was in Croatia. I spent two weeks in that beautiful country and they reminded me every day that I was black. I understand that not many black people live or vacation in Croatia, but it was a bit much. People called out to me on the street, pointed at me, and whispered as I passed by. There was not a single day during my two-week trip where Croatians did not harass me because of my skin color. It was exhausting.

South America

The last experience about traveling as a black woman that I want to share is in South America. To be honest, it has been six years since I last visited South American. The continent is full of brown and black people. So, one would assume they are more open to and accepting of people of color. As a matter of fact, many people from South America would claim that racism is only a problem in the United States. Instead, I believe racism is slightly muted and takes on a sometimes less overt form.

In some countries, there is certainly a distinction between whites, Mestizos and Morenos. I spent two months in Chile several summers ago. Okay, I was in college, so it was many summers ago. I was poor and the place I had planned on staying at for the duration of my trip fell through. So, I not only had to find a place to live but a job to pay for that place.

I was shocked that Chileans required people to include a picture of themselves on resumes. That made it easy for them to discriminate against people based on looks, to include the color of one’s skin. I had to find a job where they paid me under the table to teach English to kids. Two of the kids were from Bolivia and were the same skin color as me. The Chilean boys picked on these two Bolivian boys all the time, calling them ugly because of their skin color. Besides those poor Bolivian kids, other Afro-Americans, who spent significant time in Chile, and I were picked on in one way or another.

São Paulo, Brazil

[penci_fancy_heading _text_align=”left” p_title=”My love for travel continues” _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”]These are just a few of my experiences. I would like to reiterate that I am writing about this topic at this time because of what our nation is going through at this moment. Race issues are not a new phenomenon. But instead, I think it is important to note that the entire world suffers from some form of us versus them mentality. It is becoming harder to ignore our pasts. We should not let this moment pass without choosing to do something different. Especially, when the world is paying attention to things they have thought little about before.[/penci_fancy_heading]

2 June 202015 August 2020

Food Tour in France: A Foodie’s Bucket List

I would not be surprised if everyone who ever thought about traveling to France, also thought about eating lots of French food. Of course, it has been at the front of my mind every time I have traveled to France. It is a good tour to do especially do as a solo traveler. Also, doing a food tour in every new country I visit is on my bucket list, and I am always looking for ways to check things off. However, I did not end up booking a food tour in France until I had visited the country several times.

Food tours are great for several reasons. Spending hours strolling through new cities with wonderful guides. Tasting the best or most unique food a country has to offer. And, discovering hard to find restaurants and food stalls makes food tours special. However, my food tour in France had an unexpected twist to it. Let me start by saying that France is one of two countries in the world where food culture is so important to the society that it earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The other country being Japan. UNESCO rewarded France for its gastronomic meals. The French people’s appreciation for celebrating food and all the things that accompany a delicious meal are worth the honor.

Almost every country has amazing food and special meals that make those countries stand out. But, the French have a way of preparing a gastronomic meal with a succession of dishes of food paired with wine, beautiful table settings, and the social aspects that are all very “French.” Meals tend to be long, and start with an aperitif and end with a digestive. In between those two drinks, restaurants serve an array of beautifully prepared dishes.

[penci_fancy_heading _text_align=”left” p_title=”Why A Food Tour in France?” title_tag=”h3″ _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”]I was really excited about doing a food tour in France. Along with its designation as a cultural world heritage, France also has the appellation d’origine controllé (protected designation of origin). It is the certification that France gives to several agricultural products, to include its wines, cheeses, and butters.

I had hoped that the food tour would not only include these amazing French treats, but it would also introduce me to some of the country’s infamous dishes. When I thought of doing a food tour in France, I thought about succulent duck confit, fluffy soufflés, escargot, or the lesser known French salted caramels.

To be frank, I expected to experience the fancy side of French food. Food tours in France, however, focus mostly on the simpler side of French cuisine. Things, such as freshly made baguettes, cured meats, macarons, eclairs, and of course crepes. While it was not what I expected, it was still worth it.[/penci_fancy_heading]

[penci_fancy_heading _text_align=”left” p_title=”Which City To Do A Food Tour?” title_tag=”h3″ _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”]I think that you should do your food tour in Paris, hands down. Part of the food tour experience is to see the city. What better way to see Paris than while strolling the streets on a food tour. There are multiple food tour companies to choose from, however, I think they do a poor job distinguishing themselves from each other. I chose Secret Food Tours Paris in Montmartre. The online description of the tour was slightly underwhelming. But, I felt the same way about all of the food tours I researched.

During my many trips to Paris, somehow I had never been to Montmartre. It is a village full of charm, located in the 18 arrondissement and is thought to be one of the city’s most famous districts. Montmartre is quite the scene with its artistic vibe, museums, and influences on cinema. It is also known for its gourmet cooking and multi-generational mom and pop restaurants and shops.

Coffee in Vietnam: My Favorite Cafes

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[penci_fancy_heading _text_align=”left” p_title=”How Much Food Will I Eat?” title_tag=”h3″ _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”]Normally, I chose food tours that have between 8-10 tastings at multiple restaurants around the city. I found the food tour in France to be quite different from all of the other tours I have been on in other countries. We went to a lovely chocolate shop and tasted some of the best macarons I have ever eaten.

But, during most of our other stops, we just talked about history. The history of the shop and the food they sold. Cheeses, cured sausages, and eclairs were all on the menu. However, we did not enjoy these tasty treats at the local shops. Instead, our guide collected all of the food and we all sat together for a “meal” at the tour company’s shop.

We finished the day at a small stand to have one of the most iconic French desserts, crepes. I must say that the food tour in France was the only one I have been on where I did not walk away completely stuffed. That may seem like a positive thing, but I was slightly disappointed. Particularly since it was the most expensive food tour I have ever been on.[/penci_fancy_heading]

[penci_fancy_heading _text_align=”left” p_title=”How Will We Get Around?” title_tag=”h3″ _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”35px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A” css=”.vc_custom_1596839050149{margin-bottom: 35px !important;}”]You will have the chance to see beautiful Montmartre by foot on a 3-4 hour guided tour. You will see and learn about this popular district and wonderful French culture. Wear comfortable walking shoes and keep your eyes open to view the city’s charm.[/penci_fancy_heading]

Ultimately, I am glad I did the tour. As part of my bucket list food adventures, the goal is to have new food experiences. I certainly had that on my food tour in France. Even if I think Paris let me down. Not that the food I had on the tour was not great. But, why not show off the glamorous side of French cuisine to the world? For whatever reason, it is hard to find tours in France that are able to do what other countries have perfected.

[penci_fancy_heading p_title=”Leave A Comment” title_tag=”h5″ _use_separator=”yes” separator_border_width=”2″ _title_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _title_fsize=”25px” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:Simonetta%3A%22regular%2Citalic%2C900%2C900italic%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”][/penci_fancy_heading]

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26 December 201910 May 2020

Le Soufflé in Paris: A Visitor’s Review

When you think of Paris, France, I am sure food is one of the first things that comes to mind. France is one of the best culinary playgrounds in the entire world. And of course it is not just about the food. France has some of the best wine and apple brandy in the world. One French dish that I do not think gets enough attention is the soufflé. In all of my trips to France, I do not think I have ever really sought out soufflé. But, for one of my latest trips to France, a friend said I could not leave without making a stop to Le Soufflé in Paris.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of eating a soufflé, it’s something definitely worth indulging in. Soufflé, comes from the French verb souffler and means to blow, breath, inflate or to puff. It is an egg-based dished combined with either savory or sweet ingredients and baked until it’s soft and fluffy. I will say that a good soufflé will taste exactly as I just described it. Looks can be deceiving, as it seems like it will be a heavy and dense meal. Once you sink your fork or spoon into the soufflé, you will be amazed at how it is so fluffy and light.

France – 10 Things to Consider Before Traveling

21 December 201910 May 2020

Mont-Saint-Michel: A Visitor’s Guide

bucket list: 7 days in normandy_mont-saint-michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a beautiful, magical castle that looks like it could star in any Disney movie. I was amazed that my experience at Mont-Saint-Michel was exactly as I expected. Built in 1523, it is listed as a UNESCO site for its architectural heritage. It is just as beautiful as the pictures and I felt like I was in a fairytale. On top of that, the changing tides make this place even more magical. Depending on the time of day, this city on a hill becomes an island.

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The Benedictine abbey is one of the main tourist attractions at Mont-Saint-Michel. This abbey, which is dedicated to Saint Michel the Archangel, offers amazing panoramic views of medieval religious architecture. If you can time it right, arrive before the tide comes in, go to the top of the abbey, and watch as Mont-Saint-Michel becomes an island.

Since the abbey is one of the main draws to the island, I recommend that you buy tickets online ahead of time to skip the line at Viator.com. If you are able to arrive at Mont-Saint-Michel before all of tour buses show up, you should make a beeline to the abbey to avoid large crowds.

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I arrived at Mont-Saint-Michel very early in the morning, so I could find as many places to enjoy the amazing views from the city with as few people around as possible. If you time your visit right, you can arrive at low tide and over the course of a couple of hours watch Mont-Saint-Michel become an island. It is really amazing to watch.

[penci_fancy_heading p_title=”How To Prepare” title_tag=”h4″ _use_separator=”yes” separator_border_width=”2″ _title_typo=”font_family:Dancing%20Script%3A%22regular%2C700%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”][/penci_fancy_heading]

1. Dress in layers: Due to Mont-Saint-Michel’s location, the weather can change quickly. Even during the summer, temperatures can be cooler than other parts of France. I recommend carrying a light rain jacket or travel umbrella even if the forecast does not call for rain.

2. Watch the tides: It is wonderful to watch this place transform into an island. However, several times a year, the tides rise so high that the bridge becomes engulfed. During those times, Mont-Saint-Michel impossible to access. Make sure you check out the tide tables before your trip.

3. Wear comfortable shoes: From the moment you enter Mont-Saint-Michel you will be climbing your way up to the Abbey. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

4. Where to eat: I find the food on the island to be a tad expensive, but people say you must stop by La Mère Poulard for their infamous omelet. It will cost you more than $40. Make reservations if you want to indulge yourself.

[penci_fancy_heading p_title=”How to Get There” title_tag=”h4″ _use_separator=”yes” separator_border_width=”2″ _title_typo=”font_family:Dancing%20Script%3A%22regular%2C700%22|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” _subtitle_typo=”font_family:%3A” _desc_typo=”font_family:%3A”][/penci_fancy_heading]

I think the best way to get to Mont-Saint-Michel is to drive because it will give you the most flexibility. Most tour buses start arriving around mid- to late morning. At that point, the city becomes almost impossible to navigate. Arriving early will allow you to see what you want with a little more ease. It is only about a two hour drive from Paris, Caen, or Bayeux. Parking is easy and will cost about $15. Once you park, you can either walk or take the free trolley to the Mount. The walk will take you about 30 minutes from the car park but it is a beautiful walk as you will have great views of the Mount as you approach it.

If you do not want to or cannot rent a car, then join a tour group is the next best way to go. There are generally daily tours from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel.

Finally, you can also take the train and bus from Paris. Travel from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel has become relatively easy and there are multiple options.

14 November 201913 August 2020

7 Days In Normandy: The Ultimate Itinerary

I am really into World War II history, so my bucket list would not be complete without having Normandy on the list. I knew I would love spending time in Normandy. However, I did not realize how much I would hate leaving the region after spending only a week there. Most people think of Paris or southern France when they consider vacationing in the country. Even when people traveling to Normandy, they usually only take day trips from Paris. My trip to Normandy is now at the top of my list for favorite vacations, so I think it is definitely worth dedicating more time than a day trip to the region. Here is my itinerary for 7 days in Normandy.

- Tip: Fly into Paris and take the train from Charles de Gaulle airport to your final destination in the Normandy region. You could also taxi to Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris (50-55€) and take the train to Normandy from there. Which one you chose may just depend on train departure times.
- Stay flexible: I did not book a lot of things in advance. Good weather makes some activities in Normandy more enjoyable, so my schedule was set on the fly.
- Where to stay: I stayed in Bayeux which is central to most of the highlights of Normandy. It is quiet, but still has a lot to see.

Day 1: Caen

Caen was my first stop because it is the closest town to Bayeux, which was my base location for lodging during my trip. There is a lot to do in Caen. However, since I had only one day to explore, I focused most of my time on a few places, to include the Mémorial de Caen (approx. 20€), L’ Abbaye-Aux-Hommes, and Caen Castle. It is worth spending 2-3 days in Caen if you have extra time. Since the D-Day sites are what brought me to Normandy in the first place, my main priority was to spend as much time as I wanted in the Mémorial de Caen, which is a museum and war memorial commemorating World War II and the Allies battle for Caen.

After about 3 hours in the museum, I caught a bus from right in front of the museum and made my way to the city center. I got off at Caen Castle, which is one of the largest medieval enclosures in Europe and home to the must-see Normandy Museum and Le Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Then I strolled along the Rue Saint-Pierre until I arrived at L’ Abbaye-aux-Hommes, which was consecrated in 1077. Many of the items in the church date back to the XI and XIII centuries. Frankly, I like the outside of the church more than the inside, but it is still worth a visit.

Abbaye-aux-Hommes

Visit Calvados Experience

While wine is one of the most popular beverages in most of France, the apple is king in Normandy. Apples are made into cider, an aperitif called pommeau, and apple brandy. You can take a tour to learn about how these delicious products are made and enjoy a tasting at the Calvados Experience.

How to get there: The best way to get there is by renting a car and driving. You can also book a tour, but driving gives you the most freedom.
Location: About a 40-45 minute drive from the Caen train station.

Calvados Experience

Day 2: Mont-Saint-Michel and Normandy Beaches

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a magical place. From far away it looks like something you would see in a Disney movie. Depending on the time of day and tide, it becomes an island. Definitely a gem of Normandy. It is about a 2 hour drive from Paris and Caen. You could also join a tour group from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, but you will have more flexibility and the opportunity to beat the tour buses and crowds if you drive. Make sure you visit the beautiful gothic Abbey. I find the food on the island to be a tad expensive, but people say you must stop by La Mère Poulard for their infamous omelet. It will cost you more than $40. Make reservations if you want to indulge yourself.

Tip: Mont-Saint-Michel is very hilly. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Also, the weather can change without warning. Dress in layers and take a rain jacket just in case.
Tip: Make sure to check the tide tables before your trip. There are times when the island is inaccessible due to high tide.

Sainte-Mère-Église

I started my tour of D-Day beach sites by visiting Sainte-Mère-Église. It is a commune in Normandy that was the first Frenchtown of Cotentin that American paratroopers liberated on D-Day. If you look up at the church, there is a dummy paratrooper hanging from the church steeple in remembrance of John Steele. He spent two and a half hours hanging from the steeple while playing dead to keep German soldiers from capturing him.

Directly across from the church is the Musée Airborne. It does a great job paying homage to the paratroopers who risked their lives in the early morning hours of D-Day. Before you leave this cute town, take some time to grab a cup of coffee, crepe or a light snack and walk around to the shops.

Utah Beach

Utah Beach was the first D-Day beach that I visited on my trip to the Normandy region. My first stop was the museum at the beach site. It is very well done and depicts what happened in the lead up to D-Day. It is one of the most important sites of the commemoration of the battle which marked the beginning of Western Europe’s liberation. There are more than 2,000 artifacts in the museum. As for the beach, the monuments on or near the beach provide a reminder of the brave men who in the early morning of 6 June 1944 and risked their lives to begin the journey to liberate France.

Day 3: Normandy D-Day Beaches

Since I started with Utah beach, I decided to tackle the rest of the D-Day beach sites mostly from west to east. I mostly wanted to start from the furthest destination from my lodging and work my way back home. My tour was not comprehensive of all of the D-Day sites because I did not have enough time. I think you need a full week or more dedicated to the sites to see everything. It was important for me to see as much of the region as possible so I hit many of the American highlights plus one German cemetery.

Pointe du Hoc

Pointe du Hoc has these beautiful cliffs right on the Atlantic Ocean. It was one of my favorite D-Day Normandy beach sites that I visited during my trip. The Germans heavily fortified the entire area as it built up its Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an Allied invasion. At the time, German guns could reach Allied ships at Omaha and Utah Beaches. In the days ahead of the D-Day assault, Allied bombers struck Pointe du Hoc five times to weaken German defenses. To this day, craters from the bombs are sprinkled throughout the fields.

It’s best to visit on a clear day if possible, so you can enjoy the grounds. I went late in the day around 7pm, which was perfect because there was hardly a soul in sight. The sun was just about to set, making a great backdrop for the cliffs and ocean.

Omaha Beach and American Cemetery

The beach is beautiful. It is hard to imagine what it was like over 75 years ago for American soldiers to storm this beach. The topography at Omaha Beach made it easy for the Germans, who had covered the terrain with machine gun nets, mortars, minefields, and barbed wire, easy to defend. The battle at Omaha was one of the most costly battles in terms of human lives lost on D-Day. It is nicknamed “Blood Omaha” because of the more than 4,000 deaths (American and German). It is nice to visit in the morning when the crowds are low and you can take your time to appreciate what happened on this beach.

Normandy American Cemetery

Your next stop should be the Normandy American Cemetery. It reminds me a lot of Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC. Allies battled German troops throughout Normandy for three months on their march towards Paris. Many American soldiers who lost their lives during these battles remain buried at the American Cemetery

Day 4: Normandy D-Day Sites

La Cambe, German Cemetery

As an American, I did not originally consider going to any German sites, mostly because there are so many American sites to visit. However, I heard that the La Cambe cemetery was unique from the other cemeteries, so I wanted to check it out. I am glad I made the stop. The cemetery was established during the Normandy invasion during which 150,000 Germans were killed, wounded or captured between June and August 1944. The grave site is a lot more minimalist than many of the other sites and the gravestones are flat and shaped like crosses. The most striking aspects are the ages of some of the German soldiers, many of who were teenagers when they lost their lives for the German cause.

Arromanches

Not a single allied soldier set foot on this beach on D-Day. The assault on Arromanches came overland, not from the sea. What remains at Arromanches is a sign of an amazing challenge. The Allies built an artificial harbor to help supply a continuous flow of men, equipment, and supplies to continue the fight in Europe. This location is super cool and should not be skipped.

Tip: Make sure to check the tide tables. At high tide, it will be impossible to see what remains of the harbor.

Longues-Sur-Mer

The German battery at Longues-Sur-Mer was home to four 155mm guns protected by bunkers that were about 300 yards back from the shore. The range of the guns was far enough to reach Omaha and Gold beaches, making them a threat to Allied forces on D-Day. This was particularly true since the Longues battery was still operational on the morning of D-Day. I almost skipped out on visiting this site, but I am glad I stopped, especially since it is the only heavy battery left in the region that still has its guns.

Day 5: Honfleur

Honfleur is a port city in the Normandy region that has a very old town vibe. It has a picturesque port that is adorned with cafes, restaurants and shops. I think it is slightly more touristy than some of the other small towns in the region. It is even busy in early September when vacation season is over and the kids have returned to school. Outside of its beautiful vibe, the main draw to this city is the Sainte Catherine’s Church, the Museé Egène Boudin. The village is a series of winding streets that carry you between wooden houses and several shops selling Normandy treats.

Tip: There is no direct train service to Honfleur. From Paris, you can take the train from Gare St.-Lazare to Deauville. Bus number 20 will take you to Honfleur. Another option is to take a two hour bus from Caen. My recommendation is that you rent a car and drive!

Day 6: Fécamp and Étretat

Fécamp and Étretat are beautiful coastal towns in the northwestern part of France’s Normandy region that you can visit in one day. I would first stop in Fécamp to get your first look at the white cliffs that adorn parts of northern France. While you are in Fécamp, make sure to do a tour of the Bénédictine Palace where you will learn about the palace, sip bénédictine, and enjoy the Tasting Room, Tea Room and shop.

Étretat is less than a half-hour drive from Fécamp and was one of the most beautiful places I have ever traveled to. I have said that about a lot of places, but Étretat is definitely at the top of the list. It is known for its chalk cliffs and 3 natural arches. The area’s beauty drew several artists to its shores, like Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet, and Claude Monet. The three sites I would focus on are Les Jardins d’Étretat, Falaise d’Amont, and Falaise d’Étretat.

Étretat

Day 7: Normandy’s Cheese and Caramel

You cannot leave Normandy without indulging in some of the region’s treats. Normandy’s cows, bred in the Pay d’Auge region, make some of the best milk that is rich in proteins. That delicious milk is used to create Normandy cream and butter that is used in the region’s four most famous cheeses; Camembert du Normandie, Livarot, Pont-L’Évêque, and Neufchatel. I did a tour at La Masion du Camembert. The tour and cheese tasting was a little underwhelming, but I still think it is worth checking out.

Once you have filled your belly with cheese, head over to Isigny-sur-mer and stop by Caramels D’Isigny to taste some of the best caramel you will ever eat. They offer a tour of how they make their delicious treats. There is a shop on the premises that sells three types of caramel; tender, slightly sticky or fondant (not sticky), as well as caramel popcorn, ice cream, crepe and waffle toppings, and lots of other goodies.

11 November 201910 May 2020

Tips for Driving in France

I rarely drive whenever visiting another country. As a matter of fact, I’ve only driven in Kenya and France. I can be quite an aggressive driver but it also stresses me out. I prefer to sit back on a tour bus, train, or metro to get me where I need to go. It takes the stress out of travel. I definitely do not want to drive in crowded, traffic heavy cities, where you spend most of your days getting from place to place. However, there are certain locations where I think it is way worth it to drive, and the countryside of France is one of those places.

As an American driving in France, my first question was which side of the road do they drive in in France. I spent two years driving on the left side of the road in Kenya. While I eventually got use to it, picking up that skill again, while on vacation, is not what I wanted to do. Thankfully, the French drive on the right side of the road.

I do not think I would ever attempt to driving in Paris or even parts of southern France where the cities are much more walkable and public transportation is readily available. However, in the countryside, renting a car is a must if you want the freedom to see the best sites. It was at the forefront of my mind as I planned my trip to France. I found that having a car gave me so much freedom. I never felt rushed and I was able to enjoy everything exactly the way I wanted to. As you prepare for your adventures, here are a few tips for driving in France.

Renting a Car

Renting a car in France is fairly simple and straight forward. Several US companies, such as Enterprise, Sixt, and Hertz will allow you to easily book rental car reservations in France. You should reserve your vehicle well in advance, especially if you want an automatic car. Rental car companies in Europe have more manual vehicles on hand, so reserving early will ensure that you get what you want.

Make sure you get the insurance that comes with the vehicle. So much can go wrong while driving in an unfamiliar location, so it is better to be safe than sorry. I also got supplemental insurance to cover the windshield and tires. Apparently it would have cost me between several hundreds to $1,000 to fix either of those things if they were damaged. You can drive in France with a US license, but I also got an international driver’s license from AAA before my trip just in case I needed it. However, no one ever asked to see it.

Getting around

A lot of newer cars have navigation systems built into the vehicle, but they do not always accurately identify locations. I used Google Maps and Apple Maps for the majority of my trip on my iPhone. They worked perfectly and regularly gave me multiple route options to get to my destinations.

On the road

I found road and traffic signs in France pretty easy to follow and I was never really confused about what I should be doing. However, I also think generally followed what I saw other people doing. Some things to note.

Roundabouts: There are a lot of roundabouts, particularly in the countryside. They sometimes pop up out of no where. I think it is pretty easy to figure out who has the right away, but I did sometimes hesitate if I felt like other drivers were being a tad aggressive.

Traffic lights: Traffic lights are generally on the right side of the road instead of hanging overhead like in the United States. I note this, because I tend to pull all the way up to the line when I stop at a light. However, if you do this in France, you may be slightly past the light and will be unable to tell when it changes to green.

Slow drivers: Slow drivers should stay to the right. Once upon a time, slow drivers drove in the right lane in the United States. Not anymore! However, in France, the left lane on the highway it strictly used for passing. It is normal to see drivers moving back and forth from the right lane to the left as they hop around slower drivers.

Tolls: I think toll booths are impossible to avoid if you are on the highways in France. However, they are super easy to get through. No cash? No worries. Toll booths accept credit cards. You can insert your card and be on your way in less than 30 seconds. They are not that expensive. However, depending on the duration of your trip, you may go through several toll booths, adding to the cost.

Speeding: One of the best tips for driving in France is to watch your speed. I received a ticket during my last trip to France, caught by a speed camera, which is the easiest way to get caught on the road. Apparently there are warnings that the cameras are coming. If you do not know what to look out for though, those warnings can be easy to miss. I did not see too many cops while I was there, but they are there, hiding around behind bushes!

Tickets are relatively cheap compared to what you would pay in the US. If you are driving a rental car, the rental company will let you know via email that the car was caught by a speed camera. Then, they will charge your credit card accordingly. You may also receive an Avis de Contravention, which is a notice that you need to pay your ticket, in the mail from the French government.

Tip: Speed limits change rapidly in the countryside with little warning. If you are approaching a small town, you should assume that you will have to lower your speed by 20-30 kilometers.

Parking: Tips on driving in France must include parking. There are very few free places to park. It is usually easier to just pay for parking than circling neighborhoods looking for a free spot. I ended up downloading two parking apps; whoosh and pay by phone to make parking easier. Parking is not crazy expensive, and paying for parking ends up being way less stressful.

Filling up the tank: My final tips for driving in France is less of a tip and more of a warning. Gas is expensive! In late summer 2019, it cost me $20-30 more to fill up my tank in France than in the US. I found the cheapest gas station I could find near my lodging. I only used that station for the duration of my trip. Note that most gas stations will put a hold on your credit card for $120-130 no matter how much it actually cost to fill up your tank. The gas station usually lifts the hold in 1-3 days. If you cannot manage the hit to your credit card each time, then I recommend paying in cash.

19 October 201910 May 2020

Reviews: Brussels Airlines Business Class

On a recent return trip from Belgium, I noticed that the flight was going to be quite full. Out of curiosity, I asked the lovely people at the counter if there was still room in business class. Luck would have it, there were plenty of seats available. Even better, Brussels Airlines was running a very discounted special on upgrades. With such an opportunity, I wanted to share my reviews on the Brussels Airlines business class flight from Brussels to Washington Dulles Airport.

The cabin was fairly modern that alternated between double and single seats along the windows and double seats down the middle of the plane. We received the customary comfort toiletry kit, a bottle of water, and a choice of champagne, orange juice, or water. There were pillows but no blankets on our seats. However, blankets were provided upon request.

Brussels Airlines never has had a great movie selection and I generally end up reading a book or watching TV shows I downloaded onto my iPad. They only have a few recently released movies and not even a good selection of classic movies.

The meal service was pretty good. They served drinks and nuts as a snack before dinner. I think the food was better than economy class, but probably the middle of the pack for business class. I had the veal as an appetizer and it was very good, especially since I had no idea what to expect. The fish was dry but the flavor was decent. As expected, the wine was great!

The seats were lay flat seats, and fairly comfortable. I would say that the single seats give you more privacy, but when I laid down, I was a tad claustrophobic and it felt like I was in an MRI. However, I got use to it with time and slept well.

12 October 201919 September 2021

Étretat Normandy: A Travel Guide

Étretat is one of the most beautiful places I have ever traveled to. It definitely makes the top of my travel list in France. Located in the Normandy region in northwestern France. It is known for its chalk cliffs and 3 natural arches. The area’s beauty drew several artists to its shores, like Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet, and Claude Monet. The three sites I would focus on are Les Jardins d’Étretat, Falaise d’Amont, and Falaise d’Étretat.

I did not get to spend much time in Les Jardins d’Étretat because I wanted to have more time on the cliffs themselves. However, you should not skip this garden. It is full of beautiful and strange sculptures, to include a bunch of large heads embedded into the ground and surrounding foliage. Once you make your way through the garden, there is a pleasant surprise at the top of the hill, Falaise d’Amont. This grassy hilltop overlooks some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever experienced. You can walk right up the edge of the cliffs to enjoy the views.

After enjoying Falaise d’Amont, you can either drive or walk over to Falaise d’Étretat and then start the climb up the cliffs to enjoy more spectacular views. As you climb the cliffs you will be amazed by the many surprises you will find along the trek.

View of Falaise d’Amont from Falaise d’Étretat

When to go

I visited Étretat in September and the crowds were beautifully low and the weather was perfect. I recommend going during good, dry weather to fully enjoy the experience. This adventure is completely outdoors and some of the pathways are made of pebbles that get slick when it rains.

What to expect

To get the full experience of the area, hiking is required and it may feel like a big hike for some people. The views are worth the walk up the cliffs. None of the locations are accessible by car, so if you cannot manage the hike, go to the beach and get a view of the cliffs from there

How to prepare

Even on a sunny, beautiful day, the wind can be in full force. The Normandy region tends to be cooler than the other parts of France no matter the season. When I went in early September, the weather was in the low 60s. It is also possible for the weather to quickly change because of its location along the coast. Walking shoes for the hike, a windbreaker or raincoat, and an umbrella may be handy.

How to get there

Whether you are coming from Paris or another city in Normandy, the best option to get to Étretat is to drive. It gives you the freedom to move around the area at your own speed. Be prepared to pay several tolls, no matter where you come from (ranging from 1.50-5 euro). If you cannot manage the drive, you can take public transportation to Le Havre, and then take the main bus (line 24) to Étretat. Check out the Étretat tourist website for the bus schedule. You can also take the Flixbus from Paris, but its schedule is seasonal and it does not run daily. Another option is to join a tour group for a day trip to Étretat. Viator.com offers tours, but I personally think they are a tad expensive.

Where to eat

There are a lot of touristy options and high-class, Michelin Star options in Étretat. If you are looking for something in the middle, I recommend Le Bistretatais. It is a tiny spot located one street back from the beach. The food is delicious. You can get a three-course, local cuisine meal for 23 Euros. I was one of two lucky tables not reserved for the night, so I recommend you make a reservation ahead of time.