Day 1 - New York to Rouen

Our chariot was waiting when we finally made our way to the departure gate. We still had some time to kill before boarding, but the time flew by. We boarded a few minutes late due to the catering truck was still off-loading our dinner and breakfast for the flight. In the airport (JFK) masks were still required. On the plane they were encouraged and there was a blend of maskers and no maskers.

First Class and Business was packed, but we were in the Preferred Section. It was probably about 60% and the back was probably about 40%. There was plenty of room onboard. The plane was a 777-200 and it was clean as a whistle. We switched over to the middle section so we could have four contiguous seats for the two of us. Yes indeedy, things were looking good. And then we got airborne… The flight was smooth all the way across the ocean, but that may have been the highlight. The food was awful, the wines extremely disappointing, and for some reason the temperature kept varying. After watching the movie CODA, we decided to head off to sleep because the morning in Paris would come quickly. The plane was very chilly, so most had opened blankets. Thirty minutes later the plane must have been 85 degrees. For the rest of the night the temperature varied from the Artic to the Equator about every 30 minutes. We both did rest, but not like we hoped. The flight did go quickly and before we knew it our little plane icon was sitting on the top of Paris.

Clearing passport control was no problem, but masks were mandated. The lines were a little long because we were second behind another airline’s passengers. I think the plane may have been from Africa due to the dress and traditional garb. The passport checkers were being very careful before the stamp was given. After getting our stamps, we headed out towards the lobby only to find another layer of custom folks going through bags extremely carefully. Lo and behold, a gentleman was being escorted by two policemen and a customs agent, who was holding 4 bricks of an unknown substance wrapped in plastic and duct tape. Clearing without inspection, we headed outside to find a taxi. Asking for help from CDG information agent, he not only told us where to go, but took us directly to insure we got a legit taxi into the city.

After little to no sleep, maneuvering through customs and acquiring transportation can always be a challenge. We found the taxis right outside the airport. Getting a taxi to the train station seemed the right choice as we could just sit back and continue with our journey. Pushing the easy button and jumping in a brand new taxi only to find ourselves in the midst of rush hour. If you are driving, be aware, motorcycles make their own lane and drive between two lanes of traffic. 

 As we entered the 8th arrondissement (district) of the city, we could see Paris coming alive as everyone began their day. It was sensory overload with the sounds of horns, movement of motorcycles, bikes, and scooters between the cars, and the smell of cigarettes. It seems as if everyone in France smokes or vapes.

Our taxi driver was happy to get out of the traffic and leave us at the train station. There are no surprises with a taxi. They are regulated, and so it is 58 Euros from CDG to Gare St-Lazare for the ride.

The train station was bustling and for the second time today, a nice man helped us find the ticket windows. Trains in France run so efficiently when there are no strikes. Lucky for us, they were right on time today. Track numbers are posted on boards visible throughout the station. The trains run on time and are very clean. If you need to use the bathroom at the station, it is co-ed, spotless, and a one-euro coin provides you a seat.

The train pulled out at the designated time with multiple stops before we would reach our destination of Rouen. Leaving the city of Paris, the train sped by the French countryside quietly and quickly. The slow rocking motion lulled us into quick power naps, which were truly needed. No worries, Rouen is the last stop, so we were not going to miss our station.

Gathering the bags once again, we walked about 8 blocks to our hotel for the next couple of days. We are staying in the historic center of old town a block from the Cathedral. Following our travel rules, we dropped our bags and hit the streets immediately. No naps are allowed on day one. Okay, we did power nap on the train, but that does not count. Finding a restaurant quickly, we both decided to plunge into the cuisine of France. Janet had a Croque Monsieur, while I went with a Croque Madame. 

The difference you ask… why the Madame is adorned with a fried egg. Which means Janet is not going touch a Madame with a ten-foot pole.

Refreshed and nourished, we headed to the Joan of Arc museum. What a fascinating way to learn more about the "Maid of Orléans." 

This 15th century teenager changed the course of French history, and for that matter world history with her faith that the visions she experienced were from God. Her story was done graphically on walls of stone in the Archbishops palace where she was sentenced to burn at the stake using 21st century technology. 

 A place not to be missed when you visit Rouen! This museum incorporates a virtual story combining “judges” and “witnesses” to determine Joan’s fate.

We visited a wine shop where Tom found a wine from Spain that he has been in search of, Maturana Blanca. The bottle will be consumed before returning home. Quickly running out of gas from no sleep, we found a café and enjoyed a charcuterie board and a glass of rosè. 

The evening chill was settling in as we headed back to the hotel for hot showers. We did have a dinner, but it is not worth mentioning. 

 Bedtime was before 9 pm local time, and only God knows when we will wake up.  Good Night Rouen.