We got up at 5 am today for a 6:45 am 2:15 hr train from Paris to Caen where our guide, Mathias LeClere, was waiting for us to begin our D-Day tour. Our first stop Ste Mere Eglise where the paratrooper got hung on the church steeple on D-Day (Movie: The Longest Day). Today was this town’s street market so we had time to do a little shopping here.
Then we visited Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and finally the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. All day Mathias gave us lots of details about all that happened at each sight on D-Day and the prep leading up to it.
We stopped for lunch at a seaside town and Janice and I shared a seafood platter with all kinds of different shellfish—and even a European Lobster which was wonderful. We had a great day with one exception—today was a record high temperature day—it was over 100 degrees! When we got to the cemetery Janice was having leg cramps from the heat so Mathias was kind enough to get a wheelchair and show her around. He was a real gem all day helping us take care of her.
After the train ride back to Paris we had dinner at the restaurant next door to the hotel and are off to bed. Too tired today to even download photos since we have been up and going for 17 hours but thought I would post a quick update and let everyone know we are having a wonderful time and photos soon. Tomorrow morning: SLEEPING IN!!!!
 |
Paratrooper church window
|
 |
market day
|
 |
| Eating another snail--notice shell in hand--really small |
 |
| Paratrooper Memorial |
 |
| Rangers Memorial shaped like dagger they used to scale cliffs |
 |
| Statue at cemetery representing the American spirit rising from the waves |
Get some rest. Janice I hope you feel better. I will check blog Monday Morning and read about your wonderful journey! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Donna