Monday, November 12 – The Crossing

Though I’m going in the wrong direction, I can think of no more appropriate way to leave Normandy than by ship. Fortunately my journey is significantly different than the veterans that made the crossing in the opposite direction. This ferry is, without a doubt, the nicest boat I have ever been on. I have never been on a cruise, but I can say that this ferry is basically a cruise ship. Lounges, restaurants, game rooms, amazing yogurt, and movie theaters abound, though the movie theaters must be spew stations. At least you can look out the window in the lounge or restaurant. The only thing this ferry doesn’t have is speed. This crossing is scheduled to take over 5 hours, but I hardly think that I will have time to enjoy all of the spaces on the ship in that time.

This morning went without a hitch thanks mostly to my buddy at the Concierge. If you are ever staying in Caen, I highly recommend the Kyriad in city center. This guy at the front desk seemed to never sleep, spoke the clearest French I’ve heard in France, and was generally very on top of his shit. Those of you who know me know that I often have little faith in other people. I would trust this guy with my life. I came down to check out at 6:45 am, checked-out, and my taxi pulled right up. It couldn’t have been more like clockwork…well…maybe if the taxi wasn’t 39 euros.

I got to the ferry terminal while it was still dark and had the occasion to watch a stunning sunrise over the water as the trucks and cars were loading. It was really quite magical and felt as every departure should. I don’t know when I’ll be returning to France again, but I’m happy that I left as I did. Though my French has severely deteriorated since graduation from high school, I still felt as though I shared a certain connection with this place. Ireland certainly embraced me with its beauty and wind-driven texturality, but in France a certain aura of coincidence and happiness seemed to follow me. At dinner last night, for example, the radio played Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” “What a feeling,” and “Everybody Hurts,” a very appropriate song for my goodbye to both Laura and France. Part of this aura is certainly associated with the French language. I took such joy in the concierge’s muppet-like use of “C’est inclus.” Everywhere I went I heard funny, warm sounds.

Despite the strong connections to the places that I’ve been on this trip, I am ready to return home. Being with Annie will be great, but I just hope that Oxford isn’t the twilight zone that Cambridge is. I’m thinking of all of you back home…and Justin in NC.