Traveling home
The day was long, and everyone was exhausted.
Our third day in France reminded us of home. When we stepped from the bus to gather groceries for our next day and a half in Normandy, we couldn’t help but notice the large cows, the crisp spring air, and the lush green grass. We entered the supermarket and smelled nothing but fresh food, especially fish. As we wandered the aisles, we were impressed by the endless chocolate and cheese collection and spent 10 minutes in the cereal aisle trying to determine what we would want our first taste to be the next morning. Apparently, it was bran flakes.
We left the store and were back on the bus. Did we stock up on food? No, we didn’t have enough. No, of course we did. I wasn’t paying attention to the debate as we pulled into Manoir de Savigny. My jaw dropped. The first detail I saw was the perfect rainbow that was almost fading as we turned the corner. Unfortunately, my cat-like reflexes weren’t fast enough to catch the sight. This time, we stepped off the bus to be greeted by fresh-cut grass and tended flowers by wet stone and a hint of persimmon. Home.
We were greeted by Eric Bonnifet, the genius behind this beautiful Manoir. He bought the destroyed building 20 years ago and renovated it for 10. The 500-year-old building came fully equipped with modern air conditioning and a surround sound system. What a time to be alive. I stepped inside and was transported back in time. I barely noticed the modern touches. There was a stone staircase that led to our rooms, all with their own unique qualities and design. I opened my window and heard birds chirping, the wind rustling between the trees, and that intoxicating fresh smell again. Home.
As I was exploring the property on my own for a bit, I couldn’t help but wonder when the last Hoosier was staying here. I felt gratitude. Don’t get my words twisted when I say that this was the first time I’ve felt gratitude during this trip, but the view almost brought tears to my eyes. Sure, Parisian architecture floored me, but this was a different kind of beauty. It may be because I’m almost four thousand miles away from home, or it may be because it simply is one of the more beautiful places I’ve stayed. Either way, I can tell the gratitude will remain in my bones past our departure.
After we ate dinner, we spent some time bonding with each other before we leave Europe. More specifically, before we leave college. We listened to French music as laughter and conversation filled the small room. I looked around and tried to take in as much as I could. This was the first time during the trip that we could truly talk with each other, especially after walking nearly 40,000 steps days prior. We were tired, but we stayed. We didn’t want the moment to end. But it did, and we will leave Manoir de Savigny, we will leave Normandy and Europe, but I’m confident that we will never leave this experience behind.
The Manoir de Savigny was renovated 10 years ago.
Ample fresh food, such as fish, was available at the Normandy supermarket.