25th Anniversary France Adventure - Week #2

7 June, 2015

Had a slow start today, as we got to sleep in and not depart so early from the town of St. Malo.  Today we traveled to Caen, and visited the Peace Memorial.  This memorial was built by the French people honoring those who fought for peace.  Here we reviewed the Pre 1940 time and Germans invasion.  Next it highlighted D Day and the allying nations who made the invasion.  Finally, we walked through Rommel's Caen bunker where German intelligence was gathered.  Our final destination was a movie that compared the preparations of the Germans and Ally Troops.  

I had not realize the importance of  Hilter's Atlantic Wall which is represented by the front face of the

museum and the entrance representing the gap created to make the invasion.  An amazing museum and greatly appreciated.  

Final activity for the day, was to travel to Honfleur and board our ship the MS Bizet.  Enjoyed a wonderful dinner with two couples from Washington.  You might call us the Wild bunch as we had an enjoyable evening laughing and giving the staff a hard time.  Pretty bad when the staff approaches our table and before they start to say anything we have them brushing into laughter also.

8 June 2015

Explored the city of Honfleur this morning.  The old town offers great photo opportunities of a port city.  The bay surrounded by shops, part of the old city wall, & cafes.  Interspersed with a number of unique cathedrals to visit and admire as the "Men from the North" constructed them in various fashions and materials.

After lunch we rode the bus to Bayeux, home of William the Conqueror.  Viewed the historical tapestry dating back to 1100AD, of William's story.  A beautiful tapestry over 300 feet long with various scenes depicting the major events that led to William's Conquering Harold.  

Bayeux also has a magnificent  cathedral where William is buried.  A key city during the Battle of Normandy with a statue of General Eisenhower greeting the visitor as they enter the city.  

More fun and laughing tonight at the table, our dinner table is starting to spark curiosity  of all fellow passengers as they are wondering what we are drinking or what is in our water.  Hmm.. By the way " Does your dog bite?"  ...  " No...that's not my dog".

9 June 2015

Today, was D-Day for our tour group.  First, bright & early we traveled back to the Caen, Peace Memorial, and picked up our tour guide for the day.  Cathy, who grandparents were alive during the 6 June 1944 Normandy landing.  Interesting to hear Cathy communicate that she felt an obligation to keep the world informed of what occurred that day and to not let the efforts & sacrifices of the Ally forces fade into history.  

Our first stop, was the German Battery of Longues.  Here  we observed several battery pillboxes and

the large guns inside.  One box had been struck and destroyed by a shell during the battle.  The command center on the cliff edge was where the Movie, "The Longest Day" was filmed.  

Second stop was Arromanches or Gold Beach where British Forces secured the beach and immediately constructed a artificial bay.  The unique engineering of sinking concrete blocks and the use of Bailey Bridges to create a floating roadway became the port for Ally Forces to unload the immense fleet of equipment.  4000 thousand individual pieces of equipment (dozers, tanks, trucks, & jeeps) per hour to move inland.  

Third Stop was the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach.  Here the bodies of 9,000 American Soldiers lie who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their nation and for freedom.  In addition, some 1500 soldiers, names listed on a wall, who's remains have not been found.  Yet, still today, we find the remains of some of those 1500.  Just 10 months ago, the bodies of two Air Force Pilots remains were located in an excavation.  A humbling site and we were honored to lay a single rose on the grave of a soldier who died April 27th 1944.  A few months before D-Day but fighting for the same cause.

Our fourth stop was Omaha Beach.  The strong winds blew sand in our eyes, however gave us a more

realistic science of what the Americans encountered in poor weather on Omaha Beach.  

Our final site was the Pointe Du Hoc German batteries.  Here the ground along the cliffs were strung

with barb wire still and craters from the shelling that occurred.  The command center was intact end but several large pieces of concrete spread about and exposed foundations indicTed that several pill boxes had been hit and destroyed in the shelling.  

I can now check off my bucket list item to visit

the Normandy Invasion site.  I come away with a greater appreciation of what transpired that day.  As we look back on all of the failed objectives, the weather, and the Germans response; you might say nothing went right that day.  Yet, the troops fighting for freedom prevailed.  Yes, no doubt that God's hand was present that day to ensure that freedom continues to ring.

10 June 2015

Set sail for the first time on our river cruise, last night at 3:30AM and awoke this morning in port at Caudebec.

Took a quick tour of the town.  The chapel, according to Henry the 4th is the most beautiful chapel in France.  After lunch, Cheryl & I, decided because we didn't want to go to an Abbey and taste the wine, to go back into the town.  We went into the chapel and it was impressive.  Purchased a couple of eclairs at the pastries shop & returned to ship for a nice nap.  It was then we learned that the Abbey tour is tomorrow and today we missed out on the drive along the cliffs of Etretat, where the artist Courbet and Monet were inspired.  

Oh well the nap felt good.  Arrived in Rouen this evening as we played. Dance competition in the lounge.  I was amazed at the industrial area we travel thru.  Mile after mile of industrial port area signified that this is a key area for France  & it

S Economy.  

11 June 2015

This morning, we toured the city of Rouen. For a couple of hours.  Visited the cathedral of Mclu  Where due to the bombings, the steeple was literally lifted and twisted on the tower yet did not fall.  It was only recently, that they lifted the spire and straightened on the tower.  Next was a graveyard for those who died of the Black Plague and then some shuffling it became a school yard - yes, a bit creepy.  

As we arrived at the Cathedral of Norte Dome, which by the way the LDS Chapel was right next

door.  Here is where Joan of Arc was tried and condemned to be burned at the stake.  We also walked thru this cathedral and saw the crypt for Richard the Lionhearted.  

We then strolled thru the market area, and observed a number of Timber framed homes that date back to the 14th century.  Visited the big clock in the old town square and then the church that was recently built in honor of Joan of

Arc.  Here a few paces from the entrance is the actual spot where she was burned at the stake.  

At this point, we were free to explore.  Cheryl and I ate lunch at the market area on a sidewalk.cafe where we had a great Italian dinner of Lasagna.  After obtaining a few key photos we wanted we walked and visited the Museum of Fine Art.  Here a few Monet and Renoir photos were on display which was fun to see.  

12 June 2015

Spent the morning traveling up the Seine River.  A relaxing morning sitting on our balcony and

taking beautiful pics of the river and places we went by.  A bit later we, went  up on the deck and enjoyed the river cruise we friends.  

After lunch, we toured the small village of Les Andelys, where Richard the Lion Heart built a castle above the village.  Cheryl and I chose to not hike up the 308 feet hillside to the castle, but instead spent our time in the village shopping, taking pictures, and having a drink with others in our group.  

Spent a relaxing afternoon and cruised the river and arrived at our next port, Veron.  Home of Monet & his gardens.  

13 June 2015

This morning, we kicked our bucket list again by visiting Giverny.  The village where Claude Monet lived and his famous gardens.  Spent several hours, touring the gardens, his home, and the town.  Beautiful scenes and photos to bring home.  

This afternoon, we went into the town of Veron, and bought some snack foods.  Return to the boat and relaxed all afternoon.