...and l'Abbaye

For those of you who may wonder why French is so hard to comprehend while listening, consider that "la baie" and "l'abbaye" are pronounced almost identically.

Though Mont Saint Michel is touristy, the abbey (l'abbaye) that sits at the top of the Mont -- its history, its architecture, its setting -- is truly amazing. After braving the elbow-to-elbow pedestrian traffic climbing up the hill to the Abbey, we were glad to pay the admission fee to get inside where the crowds were thinner. Another wise purchase was the portable audio guides we rented (see Sandy in first picure), which gave detailed recorded "tours" at various numbered locations around the abbey at the push of a button. Not that our French isn't improving, but we were happy to rent the English-language guides.

Once inside, we were captivated by the place itself. This huge building is perched on not enough rock, so there are various interesting engineering adaptations made to hold it up. Notice how the columns change in size in this series of four photographs heading up the structure, from 4.5 Mollywingspans around in the crypt, to a diameter about the same as her leg in the cloisters at the top. Getting the building supplies to the rock and up the rock was also no mean feat.

One room notable for its two gigantic fireplaces was the guest room, where the monks of the abbey received visitors. Since this room also had to support the weight of the refectory directly above it (where the monks ate many of their meals in total silence, shown in the picture), its construction is considered an amazing feat of engineering. Indeed, the refectory itself is impressive for its innovative design; for instance, the weight of the room is lessened by several innovations including the paneled barrel-vault ceiling that can be seen in the photo.

There are more interesting facts than we can write in this short space, but more about the abbey can be found all over the internet.

After a full morning of listening and looking, all five of us were very happy to end with a special lunch splurge and a dessert on fire. Thank you Gran!