Rouen, a city of ceramics
Who says ceramic is boring? Rouen was once the capital of ceramics in France and many of its pieces are well conserved in this small but delightful museum. The influences of China, especially in the blue and white style as well as the Chinese figures painted on the porcelain pieces by craftsmen who had never been to China are omnipresent. Much of the credit must go to Marco Polo!
Rouen is also the city of Joan of Arc. She saved the city but she was also burnt there. A very tall cross now marks the spot, next to a church dedicated to her. This church is very modern and shaped liked a fish. Inside, a stretch of stained glass recounts the story of Joan of Arc, from the time she was a simple shepherd to the time of her death.
Walking in the city center makes one feel terribly intimidated by the houses staring over u. In fact, each family had been allocated a very narrow space to build his abode. In efforts to enlarge his livable space, each storey is larger than the one underneath. This gives the impression that the street is smaller than it really is! Guess Singaporeans are not the only kiasu people around!
Dinner was at Flunch, a Ponderosa type place which is very good value for tight budgets!
Back in Paris, we alighted at a station near to the Opera Garnier, the ancient Paris opera house. Pity I couldn't take a picture of the building by night but at least I learnt why! Night shots are best taken without flash and holding the camera still in order to let the maximum amount of light enter the shutter.