Brest, a day on the town

    A beautiful day for me to visit the sites.  First, I determined the road route to the the ferry to Ouissant for tomorrow. Next, to the train station to figure my transportation back to Brussels: the local train, five changes to Lille with the last leg to be determined, no fully assembled bikes allowed on the Belgium trains. Perhaps a bus to Tilly where Mielle Nichols' house is located.  Next, I rode up to the American monument (park) tower honoring the Americans for their part in WWI, as well, a plague commentating the French admirals who led the French fleet against the British during our revolution. Apparently, the ground on which the monument rests is American soil.  A great view from the park gave me a very distant view of the German submarine pens within the French naval base. Stationary binoculars gave me a better view. Finally, I biked over to the Brest castle which dates back to the romans (third century) who built the initial fortification.  The Brest Fort defends the 1.2 kilometer opening to the Brest harbor.  Over the centuries the Fort has been modified but the Roman foundation is still in tact, amazing.  Currently, the Fort is a marine history museum.  The tour took two hours with the aid of  an audio hand-held in English. There were nineteenth century painting of the French eighteenth century sailing battle ships defeating the English ships. The French perspective was interesting; they have a great deal of pride in their history.  By the way, my French is improving daily. Constantly,I am asking for the English words in French. Je parle francais un petit peux.  Once people realize how bad my French is, they start speaking with what little English they know.  Tomorrow I am off to Ouessant (pronounced 'whistle') bright and early. The ferry will pass close by the sub pens and fortifications.