In October 2008, I embarked on my long-awaited adventure to France, with a view to moving there in the longer term whilst studying the language. At least, this would be my initial, two-week visit during which time I hoped to discover more about the course, the city, the life, etc. I decided to study in Rouen, in the Normandy region north-west of Paris, and had booked myself into a wonderful and very stereotypically French residence known simply as 'La Boulangerie'. It is located in the quiet and picturesque Saint Nicaise district of the city, which is full of narrow streets and medieval, timbered buildings. Just moments after arriving, I discovered that my R4 had company nearby. The photo above shows the spire of Saint Nicaise rising above the street that bears its name. An additional image from Rouen follows in the next entry.