Ciao, Caen (French people say "ciao," I promise)

As the World Equestrian Games drew to a close, I got ready to say goodbye to the charming city of Caen, my beloved crêperie, and all the cool people at the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) who welcomed me really warmly and treated me as part of the team from Day 1. Truthfully, I was sad not to be headed back to Lausanne (where the federation's bureau is, right next to the lake--apparently it's lovely) with the rest of those crazy-efficient goofballs. So now that I have gotten so behind on blogging and moved so far forward in my travels (how lucky am I to be able to say that? Madness), I think I'll just chronicle the rest of my time in Caen via photos. I've heard they say a handful of words, but math was never my strong suit anyway.

Dinner with Dad in the historic, pedestrian only Quartier de Vaugueux

The smallest and most enthusiastic participant I encountered in the Selfie Stable. He wouldn't stop shouting "Encore une fois!" 

My walk to work on a nice day

Commuting to work isn't always awful, right? 

The biggest, and best millefeuille I've ever eaten- the menu proudly described it as a skyscraper. I googled the restaurant when I got home that night to find that it has a Michelin star! Things make sense now...

The view of the rooftops, from the castle

A cute quartier I stumbled upon during a ramble

Crêpes + Journal + Wine + Wandering. Perfect. 

Perfection is fleeting.

I made a friend (well, mostly I bribed him with food but that't what I do to humans, too). This is Caramel, the owners' dog.

Caramel got the gollywobbles and had to roll it off. Maybe I fed him too much. 

The boats on the river in Caen! To the right, there's a great strip of bars, including an Ice Bar. Why does a small city in Normandy need an ice bar?

Took a break from the desk to see voltige, aka vaulting. Like gymnastics on a horse. A moving horse. 

Because an international equestrian event would not be complete without some awkwardly translated English. (In French, it reads, "Normandy welcomes the world." ....)

I came at the end of the day, so the lady sold me 5 cheeses for 5 euros. Moments like those reminded me that I was certainly not in Pari$$$ anymore.

PIG. They hacked pieces off and made sandwiches with onions and applesauce (bizarre but so so good) right on the spot. This was my last lunch in Caen, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Hands down the best bread I've ever had in my life. (Well, actually, it's a three-way tie but let's not get into it). 

The jumping finale. Most of the jumps were dedicated to the various sponsors of the Games, but this one just showed some creativity and didn't serve a particular commercial purpose. It was everyone's favorite, and such a nice allusion to the French culture surrounding these games. On the other side, what you can't see is a guy who is seated and painting the jump! So cool. P.S. This is the American rider, and she took 3rd!!

VIVE LA FRANCE