Our Arrival - Part 2

After we arrived here today, I couldn't believe that the pictures we had been looking at for so many days could be so inconsequential compared to the real thing. The outside of the Abbey and all of its buildings really are inspiring, and we had a beautiful day to explore them and the town of Pontlevoy. It must have been amazing to come in the old entrance to the Abbey back when it was in use, with the trees towering along either side of you as the grand building slowly grows in size as you approach.

Our rooms are located in the main part of the Abbey on the third floor. I have a beautiful view of the Town Church which is technically not part of the Abbey, but does reach inside its walls - the bells ring every hour starting at 7AM, but I love it because it reminds me of the church I used to live hear at home. My room is nicely renovated and has beautiful dark wooden furniture - a bunk bed/desk, two single beds I've pushed together to make a larger bed, and lots of wardrobe storage.

I'm glad I brought a blanket, because it is very cold inside the Abbey! There is another space in the Abbey on the top floor up near our rooms with a great DVD projection screen, seating, and an empty bar area that I'm sure is the hang-out spot when the students are here, but to keep warm, we all curled up in the rec room down- stairs near the kitchen and watched Chocolat together to get into the French mood - we had some amazing goat cheese pizza! I think half of us fell asleep during the movie...it is going to be great to get some rest after our tour of the grounds and the city!