Rouen May 15th

Today's agenda consisted of visiting the Rouen Cathedral and the historic site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. The discussion will mainly be on the cathedral since the story of Joan of Arc would take some time and the fact that we saw where she was killed is not exactly a pleasant topic.

The Rouen Cathedral was quite honestly an overwhelming sight to take in. Looking at the structure from outside, the cathedral seemed to stretch for over four city blocks in length and at least one block in width. Upon entering the Cathedral, we were greeted by many burning candles along with the natural light flowing in from the abundance of rose windows. As a typical male, I skipped the architecture and beautiful painting and headed towards the other side to find Richard the Lion Heart's Tomb. After this was accomplished I looked at the statues of biblical heroes and saints that the Cathedral chose to have installed. Although a few of them had been decapitated, it was a very enjoyable experience. Fact-- From 1876-1880 the Rouen Cathedral was the tallest building in the World (Enjoy that). Unfortunately, as I am currently in France I am unable to upload many of the pictures I took inside and outside the Cathedral. It should also be noted that if someone is standing in the doorway with a small plate asking for donations, they do not work for the church and may be arrested shortly after you enter for stealing.

Our hotel was literally less than 200 feet from the cathedral and the picture shown here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cathedrale_de_rouen.jpg

This was our view from outside our hotel room windows when we looked up. When we looked down from our rooms we looked upon three outdoor cafe's and a large courtyard in the middle of the city, our location was alright I guess.

Later on in the day some of us visited the Musee Le Secq Des Tournelles (iron museum) and marveled at the many iron keys, locked, gates, staircases and other pieces in the museum. The trip was literally a treat because on May 15th every Museum in Europe was open to the public for free!

Apart from this small excerpt from our day in Rouen, I would like to make a few personal comments on European culture that I would like to share.

--Eating Pizza, hot dogs, burgers and other dishes similar in nature with silverware is annoying, I prefer to eat like a caveman.
--Cobble stone streets are beautiful and canals running through town are great for canal tours.
--I have grown to appreciate how many shops close down early in the day so that the owners can spend time with family. Money isn't everything.
--I miss Taco Bell.
--The diversity and different groups of people is beautiful.
--Amsterdam smells like Pot.

Overall, this trip (so far) has been an excellent learning experience. Although we have dealt with many outrageously rude people, we have also met those fair and kind. Having friends not texting all the time on cell phones and being forced into community has been a great reminder of how marvelous God's creation truly is.

I have been asked to say hello to Samie's Grandma, so hello you.
I would also like to tell my parents that Stephanie and I are doing great and we miss you.

Have a nice day, and please smile at everyone you see since making direct eye contact and smiling in France isn't exactly appropriate ;)

Scotty Granger (1 out of 2 men on the trip)