my dream come true

Tuesday May 1.
Today we had the day off from class because it was one of the many French national holidays. It is like the equivalent of our labor day, except that literally nobody goes to work, which means that everything is closed, even gas stations. But luckily the one place I have been dying to go my entire life was open for business :)  This magical place, of course, was Monet's garden in Giverny. I met my friends in the train station at 8am(talk about dedication), and we took off on the train to Vernon. Along the way we passed charming little villages in the countryside, rolling hills covered in yellow flowers, and the bluest of skies I have seen yet while in France.
Basically, I was in heaven.

monet actually planted the garden himself!

the cute little frogs were just singing away

we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the house but the light coming through that curtain was just too perfect, i had to sneak a shot.

next we visited the church and cemetery down the street where monet was buried. i put a little flower on his grave.

the print I bought at the gift shop. looked like it was painted right where we were standing!

running through a field of flowers!

emily reading her book by a castle.

we had a picnic in front of this glorious cathedral.

we ended the day relaxing on a dock kicking our feet in the seine.

It was a magical day and I would recommend going to anyone and everyone who loves Monet (and let's face it, who doesn't?).

xoxo Heather


Here's some information and tips for anyone interested:
-The train ride to Vernon costs $23.00 round trip and leaves from St. Lazare train station in Paris. I would suggest taking the first train out at 8:20 am so that you get there as early as possible!
-Once you get off the train you are still 4 miles away from Monet's home. You can either rent a bike ($14 all day), walk, or take the bus ($3.25 each way). If you choose to rent a bike, it is a gorgeous ride, but that will put you behind everyone taking the bus and you may have to wait in a long line when you get there. (same with walking). I would recommend what we did, which was taking the bus one way to get there, then walking back. (That way you have as much time as you want to explore). If you do this make sure not to get the round trip ticket on the bus because they will try to sell it to you.
-If you're going to walk make sure to stretch. It's not a strenuous walk at all but I was sore the next day.
-The garden costs $6 to get in, but if you have a international student ID card you can get in for $5.
-You can also get a combined ticket to go to the impressionist museum down the street. We didn't do this but I'm sure it's wonderful.
- Don't skip the gift shop-there is an incredible selection of Monet prints-everything from small posters to large wrapped canvases, and they are pretty well priced. I got a gorgeous print for $4.50 euros.
-Bring something to eat for lunch, there are so many prime picnic locations on the walk back.
- Just down the street there is a church with a graveyard where Monet is buried.
-On the walk back, right before you cross the bridge over the Seine, there is a castle straight ahead with a nice park. It's a little hidden by trees. After you cross the bridge, if you walk straight ahead and then take the 2nd left there is a nice cathedral down that road.