We spent two days in Honfleur. Many people took excursions into Paris; I had enough of Paris last year and earlier this year. Unlike the experience at Bruges, it was a 25-minute walk into the city.

I love these small cities in Europe. I keep thinking, why don’t I come here for a few days instead of going someplace like Paris, where there are so many people and tourists. I’m thinking I’ve got to stop that. We took a vacation several years ago where we traveled to five small cities (really, we’re talking towns or villages) in Europe, staying four days each. That was one of my favorite trips. When you’re in a smaller place without touristy sites, there is a stronger connection to the local flavor of the place.

So off to Honfleur. The local church is called St. Catherine of Alexandria. It is the oldest wooden church in France. Constructed by shipbuilders they say. On the first day Rebecca said, “I think we’ve been here before.” I said, “I’ve never been here.” When we came back to the ship that evening, I looked it up. Well, she was right. I was wrong. I hate saying that. But we had been there nearly two years to the day. We were on a bus tour around this part of France, and apparently we stopped here.

Construction of the church started in 1460 at the end of the 100 Years War between England and France. The church is unique because the bell tower is detached from the main sanctuary. The reason: Since the bell tower is the highest part of the church, if lightening strikes, only the bell tower burns down, not the church. Inside the church on the right is a Shrine to St. Therese of Lisieux, along with one of her relics.

The area of France around Honfleur is called Normandy, initially controlled by Franks but eventually attacked and settled in the 9^th century by Vikings (there will be a lot of Vikings talked about on this trip). The Viking chief was called Rollo. After continued battles with the Franks, Rollo and Charles the Simple, King of the West Franks struck a deal regarding the land. The Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte gave Rollo control of Normandy on the condition he convert to Christianity. So Rollo was baptized and took the Christian name of Robert. All of Rollo’s followers joined him.

Our two days in Honfleur were quite relaxing. The temperature was good; overcast on the first day and sunny the second. Like Bruges, the city was quaint, houses were colorful, with restaurants and fishing boats surrounding the port. Not many tourists but several local French families were out with their children riding on the Ferris wheel and carousel.

Some people have asked me: “Why do you go to so many Churches?” It is primarily due to faith but, besides that, I love European history and how its foundation impacted Western culture. history. The foundation is an intertwining of the Judeo-Christian religion along with Greek philosophy. Following the churches is a great way to follow the spread of Christianity, which transformed the culture of Western civilization.

Also, I’m in churches to pray. Seriously. At my age, I am sadly aware that several people I know and love are suffering. A dear friend, roughly my age, is painfully enduring chemotherapy in her battle with stage 4 cancer. Another close friend has an 8-year-old grandson who survived the removal of a brain tumor but was left blind. Another friend has an older teenage granddaughter who is severely mentally impaired. The list goes on. Rebecca and I are in these are in these churches to pray. We are so blessed right now to be able to travel. We believe we’re called to remember those close to us who are deeply suffering. We NEVER forget those we love who do not have the same opportunity.

A close friend said to me years ago that no one gets off the planet without suffering. She was right. But I have digressed.

Walking around Honfleur was wonderful laid-back experience. Like Bruges, I could spend a few days there. Interestingly enough, neither Bruges nor Honfleur were bombed during the World Wars. Maybe that has something to do with it.