Friday 27 September

The alarm rung out its annoying tune at 0600 and we quickly went into motion to have our cup oats, cups of tea and get out the door by 6:45am. There was an ever so slight drizzle that we easily shook off as we made our way down through a couple of underpass and then up the access lane to the International Port terminal. It took about 10 minutes and was a nice brisk walk for the morning.

Boarding was not delayed and we went to our premium seats and settled in for the ride. The Brittany Ferries are huge and carry several layers of vehicles and are able to accommodate small trucks.

Vern took a poppa nap and I used the opportunity to catch up on some blogs. At lunch time we went to the self serve cafe and chose a 2 and 3 meal deal. 16 and 18 Euros each. The food was ok, but a bit institutional. I had salmon with sorrel sauce – the flavour was ok but it was dry as cardboard. It came with mash and a nice vegetable mixed dish. Vern had the lamb. We also had a nice salad each and shared a dessert slice and Italian beer.

The six hour trip went fairly smoothly other than a bit of slop in the sea and showers of rain prohibiting any outside promenade walking. The 6 hour journey flew by all too quickly and we were disembarking before we knew it. Roaming on my phone navigated us to our hotel about 18 minutes pulling our fat bags.

We are staying at Villa Andry and historic hotel built in 1867 once occupied by the Germans in the war. The ferry comes in at the port of Ouistreham, which is just along from Sword beach, one of the key D-Day beaches. We chose this accommodation for a bit of history rather than stay in Caen – 15 minutes up the road.

Once checked in we took the convenient splurge and ordered an Uber to take us into Caen to pick up our rental car. The driver was a little distant at first till he found out we were NZers and then we were treated like royalty. He was a bit of a Parisian driver and I shut my eyes at one point. His driving was not helping my internal anxiety for Vernon who is always a little anxious to drive on the left side.

AVIS check in were super friendly and efficient and we were directed to a car park around the block to pick up our virtually brand new Renault. Some careful checking and adjustments followed by deep breathing and we were on our way back to Ouistreham. Vern does so very, very well at the driving.

We arrived safe and without drama, other than the traffic being stopped for 10 minutes while a large boat-ferry required the bridge to be lifted whilst it passed under. Amazing that it fit up the river-canal and through the draw bridge space.

For dinner we took a stroll down the street and chose a light dinner of Galette. Well it was meant to be light however, they were huge and too cheesy in my view. The Galette batter was delicious and crispy. I had a scallop one with onion purée, spinach, mushroom and caramelised onion. And Vern had an Italian style with burrata, jamon, pesto and cherry tomatoes.

We found a little Carre For to get some water and Cider and I saw a wine of the Pfaff label from Pfaffenheim in the Alsace region. A mere 5Euro, and it has come home with me. My mothers maiden name was Pfaff, and her mothers people came from the Alsace. Ahhh little connections.

We also got some nice green French plums of the variety I have just planted at home. Rather tasty.