I can't spend too long writing because I have to go find something to eat before everything closes. I'm in the small town of Beauvoir, just outside of Mont Saint Michel, and true to my stereotype of a small rural French town, there is very limited internet, food, etc. I suppose everyone really does stick to one schedule, and there's clearly no mid-night snacking here. It is an adorable town, however. I'm still amazed at how every French town seems to be made almost entirely of stone houses. Of course this is because the stone is available, but to a New Jersey girl, that is downright extravagant. Very beautiful though!
I spent most of last night getting here (I had to take three trains because of the timing with getting out of class) and was up early this morning, walking to my hotel for tonight. The Abbey at Mont Saint Michel opens at 9, and although I really would have liked to have slept in for once, I figured getting up early was worth avoiding the crowds. I dropped my backpack (complete with sneakers tied to each side, I am officially a student traveler) at the hotel and walked the 4 km to the Mount. There is a lovely walkway behind the houses that leads directly there, and well, because I'm good at planning my time, I was on the island by 9:45. Sure enough, it was pretty empty, and after marveling at the streets and buildings and doing some tourist window-shopping, I headed up to the Abbey. Well, if Versailles had underwhelmed by expectations from past trips, Mont Saint Michel totally overwhelmed my expectations! It was so amazing. Everything I do in France seems to get more and more inspiring and awesome in turn.

It may have helped that I just finished reading Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth on the train last night. For anyone who hasn't read it and has the slightest inclination in history, art, or whatever, you must read it! It was pretty wrenching, both good and bad. Anyways, I kept walking through the monastic buildings today thinking, I want to build a church, it would be really amazing to be able to build this. I was really inspired by the place today and to put it in clear terms, before today I have posted all but one or two of my photos. Today, I took over 300 photos! I was shocked. No wonder the camera said low battery...

I also have to admit that the sea air feels really good! Paris is amazing, but it can get a little sticky and hot. The weather here is beautiful, with a cool breeze all the time. In the castle it did make me wonder how they stayed warm enough, though. I was amazed today that I didn't get tired or sore walking at all. According to the signs, I walked 10 km today, not including whatever stairs or streets I wandered through on the island. I guess we really do walk a lot for class everyday.

Ok, well, as nice as it is sitting online, I have to go eat. Tomorrow I'm heading back to Paris earlier than originally planned for several reasons, but it will be ok, because I have heard about a cupcake fair in Paris tomorrow evening that I might go to. I also have to still catch up on my schoolwork. This new professor won't let us get away with not reading or participating, but on the other hand, I cannot wait for class now. We're starting to have really great discussions! I'll include a small number of photos from today, two are sketches of mine. Bonsoir all! I'm really starting to miss everyone! And look out for postcards in the next week. The first mailing will be Monday! :) Bonsoir!