Mont-Saint-Michel, France

Mont-Saint Michel Abbey, France

Mont-Saint-Michel

Perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides between Normandy and Brittany stand the 'Wonder of the West', a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls. Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the abbey is a technical and artistic tour de force, having had to adapt to the problems posed by this unique natural site.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/80

I must say that pictures does not grant justice to how breath taking this place is. Towering over the sea stands the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. It is truly spectacular to see the medieval structure surrounded by water. Inside the abbey are winding steps with cobbled stones dating 460 AD. Today, the abbey has been modernized to accommodate tourist from all over the world. However, walking through the rubles and feeling the ocean breeze, you can just immerse yourself to the times where knights used this fortress as a tower for bloodshed and wars.

But what makes the trip to the abbey the most memorable was experiencing for the first time in my life the kindness of people in the most unexpected places. 

Sharing my story would sound unreal and one would even say that it only happens in movies. 

With our huge luggage and carry-on bags, three stooges withstand the sleepless nights to be able to reach Mont Saint-Michel. It is the one place we would not dare missing out while we're in Europe. Combating the cold, lack of sleep and excitement we were able to reach the abbey; and yes, the place surpass our expectations. However, we were so exhausted that when we step out of the van carrying us from the abbey to the town, where our bags were, we didn't notice the time. The last bus departed just five minutes from the time we arrived! Panic rushed through our bodies because if we missed the bus, then we will surely miss our train. Our funds were dwindling and we cannot afford to buy another ticket nor stay in the town.Three minds were racing for ideas, and three hearts were trying to find a level of calmness that simply wasn't there. I was already ready to drop dead naked and wish for a miracle to all the saints I know. Then right on cue, my friend talked to a lady inside the hotel and she was able to also ask help from someone. The man offered to drive us to the train station; and a huge sigh of relief washed all over my body. I felt like crying at the backseat of the car as I cannot contain the feeling of an overwhelming gratitude. He even went above and beyond to make sure that we are on the right train.

This person's name is Jean-Yves Vetele....president of the Hotel that we asked help from. Of all the people we happen to meet, a man in a suit showed us kindness; and he just happens to be the person who runs the hotels in the area!

I can definitively say miracles and angels exist; and to top it all of, this incident happened in the church where my favorite archangel is.

The Three Stooges