In Verdun

which might as well be called Verplanck. For those of you who don't understand that, you are lucky. For those who do, yea this town is basically what Verplanck would be if it were an old town in Europe. It is sort of on the waterfront, like Verplanck, with lots of generally sketchy people wandering around and sitting outside all day. No nuclear power plant in sight though. It is, unlike Verplanck, the site of a major WWI battle, and I am about to go visit 4 memorials on a 4 hour tour. Yesterday I visited the citadel (it is not a coincidence that citadel rhymes, loosely, with on-a-hill) where French soldiers lived underground during a nearly year long battle with the Germans. It was pretty intense, but somewhat cheapened by the way in which one must visit it: you take a little train ride through the tunnels, and stop frequently to see holographic images of soldiers talking about life on the Front. It was sort of like a Disney World ride from hell.

I head into the Champagne region tomorrow which should be some bubbly fun.

Also, I am much recovered since my last post, which is good, since I spend my days walking around and need the energy. I was in Metz two days ago, and when the phrase "Let's Go Metz" popped into my head, I laughed to myself for like 10 minutes about how it was funny on so many different levels. I may be becoming delirious, but little things like that crack me up.

I've surprisingly gotten a little ahead on my itinerary, so hopefully I'll be visiting David in Paris next week, so that is something to look forward to post bubbly.

Anyway, off to eat in a sketchy Verplanck like cafe.