Happy New Year, Normandie Calling

New Year’s Day 2023 was a Sunday and I spent it doing what I do best on Sundays – nothing.

Season 3 of Emily in Paris was now on Netflix, and I began to watch the first episodes. I was typically unnerved. My soul sister Elizabeth encouraged me to watch the entire season. It gets better, she promised.

I think in fact, I’m just jealous that beautiful little Emily and her friends are all tiny and young and, live in Paris. Also in fact, I do actually love Emily’s way of seeing the world – and life. And I really do love the characters Chef Gabriel, and sassy Sylvie.

Besides all that, I swear my angels whispered, Really. Keep watching. We want to show you something.

So. I spent the entirety of New Year’s Day watching the entire third season of Emily in Paris. I never diss a nudge from my angels.

Lo and behold, in the final episodes, Chef Gabriel’s grandmother is in Paris, from Normandie, to cook with him. He gets ready to re-brand his restaurant and name it for his beloved grandmother, and honor his Norman roots.

The next morning, I became entirely enamored with Normandie as I researched favorite websites for food and recipes, especially. I even peeked at AirBnb wondering where I would stay, if I went to Normandie??

My Paris apartment was going to be up after my 44 nights ;) and my stay there couldn’t be extended. I knew I would be guided where to go next, to stay in France for another month. I was still standing by, and had made no arrangements.

Yet.

Right before my very eyes, a gorgeous, affordable apartment in Bayeux called to me. The title that the owner had given this sweet space was

Tell me a story.

It was the first apartment I’d spotted, and it felt like mine.

Its description noted that there was a parking space, so I wondered if I’d need a car? I wrote a message to the owner asking about this. I told her the apartment seemed perfect if I didn’t need a car.

I went to bed that night, asking my angels for a clear sign. If they wanted me in Bayeux, I would go to Bayeux.

In the morning, there was a beautiful, warm and welcoming letter from Milene. She indicated that I could walk to everything, that a car wouldn’t be necessary. She went on to describe her gorgeous, tiny city in a way that was irresistible, and promised that I would be very happy there.

That was my sign.

With that nod from my angels, I booked 33 nights in Bayeux.

I was on my way to Normandie.