When someone stole my coat

If you follow me on twitter you will know that last week someone stole my coat. Not just any coat but my (faux) fur coat. And if you are one of my friends you will how much this coat meant to me.

Bought in my first year of university after months of envying others', my fur coat was nothing special. It was tatty around the cuffs, I had stitched up holes many a time, and too many nights out in it meant it had the slightly matted texture that occurs after cocktails are spilt...

But this coat was special to me. I would put it over any boring outfit and immediately feel amazing. I would wear it on nights out, pretending I was far more sophisticated than I really was. And when no one mentioned the 1920s theme for new year, I felt immediately reassured that I had my coat to cover my inadequate dress.

But alas, someone took it from me. I wasn't so bothered that it was -9 outside and all I had was a cardigan, but I was bothered because of what this coat meant to me. And with all this snow, a fur coat would really be very useful!

What piece of clothing would you be lost without?

Happy in my coat

Lisieux - Le Basilique

The town of Lisieux is not famous for much - the centre is small with not much going on except the usual shops and cafés. However, on the other side of the town is the very beautiful Basilique de Saint Thérèse. Building started on the church in 1929, and was funded purely by donations from around the world. Completed in 1954, the church is quite obviously modern once you step inside. 

In one room, images are created out of mosaics, in beautiful blues and bright gold. Inside the main building, pictures are painted all over in bright colours, and the writing in the stained glass looks more like graffiti. (There is also a strange crucifix, where Jesus looks rather like he is dancing, but we're not sure if the statue had slipped or if it was a slightly blasphemous representation). 

So, while Lisieux doesn't have too much going for it as a town, the basilica is most definitely worth a visit. It's one of the most impressive churches I've been in, and looked beautiful against the snowy winter backdrop. 

A day in Rouen

One very grey day in January we decided to take a trip to Rouen. The city is considered to be the capital of Normandy, mainly for its history - Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in Rouen, and the city was also heavily destroyed during WWII. While many of the buildings look to be quite modern, the centre hosts many beautiful tudor-esque buildings - apparently many are reconstruction, possibly due to damage during the war. While there is not a lot to do, the bustling city centre seems to attract people from far and wide (there were lots of English voices around), and it is worth just wandering through the narrow cobbled streets and admiring the architecture.

The Gare de Rouen (and a rare bit of blue sky)

Palais de Justice

An ornate old Pharmacy

This cross marks the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake

Narrow streets of (potentially mock) Tudor buildings