Laon, France

July 5, 2010
We took our time getting going this morning – it was nice to sleep in. We drove in to Laon. It is a walled medieval town on a hill surrounded by a more modern city. Most importantly, it is the home to a magnificent cathedral – the Notre Dame de Laon and the Chapel of the Knights’ Templar. This cathedral was as big – if not bigger than the Notre Dame in Paris. It was less decorated and somewhat in disrepair – but magnificent none the less.

After leaving Laon, our much relaxed state of mind was disrupted as we reencountered Parisian traffic. Eah gads!

We eventually arrived at Camping International at Maisons Laffitte, had supper, and took a very nice walk around the town. We are staying in the same caravan we were in at the beginning of June – we have come full circle.

Tomorrow, we will have a relaxing day around town, packing, repairing luggage, and generally getting ready (physically and mentally) for our return trip to the US on Wednesday. We’ve really come far with our language skills. I was able to order a salad today and explain that I could not have any cheese because I was allergic to milk products. This evening, I purchased two bananas and a grapefruit at a small grocery. Small victories maybe – but good ones at that. This has been a wonderful holiday – one we will never forget.