Life in Caen

I have been in Caen for almost a month, and I don’t think I ever want to leave.  Surprisingly with the exception of peanut butter and country music, I don’t really feel homesick. (Shout out to mom and dad who are probably the only people read this, still love you all)

For those who are interested about Caen, Normandy and why it’s so hard to leave, this is what I get to see everyday when I go to class:

View of St Pierre circa 13th century, from Chateau de Caen 

Chateau de Caen, built in 1060 by William the Conqueror

Church ruins, never rebuilt after WWII

Despite almost being completely destroyed after WWII, Caen still holds a lot of history in its buildings and monuments, some dating back as far as the 11^th century. The city was largely rebuilt to still resemble what it used to be before the war, with a traditional Normandy style. The main road in Caen for example, St. Pierre has many modern shops and restaurants but still showcases older relics from its rich past.

The most striking is how normal this is to many people. Just across from a French bakery that I go to are the two oldest wooden buildings in Caen.  As if my accent and backpack didn’t scream American already, I stood there with my French macaroon for a good 20 minutes just staring at them amazement that by a miracle, was not destroyed 70 years ago.   

Circa 16th Century, photo:www.namericanlogcrafters.com

When I’m not completely geeking out with all the history here-WWII, Charlemagne, William the Conqueror-  I love to sit in a café and just people watch or do homework for a couple hours.  The Starbucks and Panera in my hometown don’t compare to the cafés here. For one, nobody rushes you- the French like to take their time with food (see other blog post).  Secondly, it's so interesting to see the different people, professors, students, and people walking the streets. The way of life is so much more relaxed, and enjoyable.  C’est la vie, translation: “what happens, happens” seems to be the motto. Although living this way does have its quirks.Worker strikes or closed shops on Mondays for example seem to happen with no rhyme or reason sometimes.

Favorite Café: Mémoranda 

Probably the better French phrase that my host mom comically likes to say is “La vie est belle”.  And after living in France for almost a month, I have to agree that life is certainly beautiful.