Giverny

We left Paris for Giverny yesterday to see Claude Monet's home and gardens. Somehow we missed the first two trains but the third train got us there. Little train station adventure.

 Don't believe what the information signs tell you; they will change without notice (even after you're on the train!) Those French.

His home had to be large; he had many children, the dining room table sat fourteen. It was interesting; Claude's bedroom was huge, his wife's was tiny.  

 Nympheas (French for water lilies).

 The gardens had a misty impressionist feel because it was misty and raining, which lent just the right mood. 

We had intended to rent bikes and ride the four mile path from the train station to Giverny; but decided against it when we discovered dark, threatening skies in Vernon. At the end of the day our pedometer showed only 3.7 miles walked- we were so embarassed.

Monet planted and cared for the gardens himself in an almost English country garden style. His random plantings of color and types of flowers all look perfect together. You can really see how his garden inspired him.

We have extra time so look for a second post just after this one.