IMEC

since one of the perks of my fellowship this year is funded research travel, i decided about a month ago to head over to caen, on the normandy coast, and spend a few days in the archives of IMEC (Institut Mémoires de l'édition contemporaine). the archives are located in the abbaye d'ardenne, which was established in the 12th century, nearly annihilated during world war II, and reopened as a site for research in art and literature in 1988.    

the archives and reading room are housed in the old cathedral

a view of the courtyard in front of the cathedral

the entrance and administrative offices

as a researcher, you can stay onsite for 40 euros a night, which includes a ride to and from the train station as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. the rooms and cafeteria are located in the old barn and are both very comfortable. and when i say cafeteria, what i mean is ONSITE CHEF - duck, pork tenderloin, the most marvelous lentil and ham salad i've ever eaten, wine at lunch! (not ideal in a research scenario, but who can resist?), five kinds of cheese, pear tartes... all enjoyed with literature geeks from around the world... i didn't find any smoking-gun-type documents in the archives, nothing that is going to make my dissertation blow minds or anything, but it was such an enjoyable experience i don't care. in fact, knox and i are thinking of going back in the spring - a little lovers/geeks retreat, if you will.