Adieu Normandy
Our time in Normandy has flown by and we are leaving for Florence, Italy today. My blog has suffered by my lack of skill, change of venues, and technical snafus including our issue of one electric converter to accommodate five different devices! Duh.
Our expertly crafted itinerary, thanks to Elli’s fantastic expertise in travel planning, was so full of cool, interesting tours that little time was left to eat, drink and sleep, and no time to work on my blog. We were able spend days seeing abbeys, cathedrals, historic sites, and the D-day beaches and American cemetery and Mont St. Michel. Our knowledgeable Enzian guides patiently explained the historical facts and the scenes, brought tears about the stories of bravery and sheer luck and American ingenuity, the legends and religious significance, so crucial to understanding the French history churches, abbeys and cathedrals, rebuilt and original depending on the amount of damage during WWII and other wars throughout the ages since the Vikings cam to France.
D-day, the centerpiece of our trip to Normandy, code name of Neptune referring to the naval assault as part of the larger military Operation Overlord, was the successful victory by the allies over the Nazi regime. I was in awe by the incredible secret operation masterminded by the British and American officers that took place on Omaha, Juno and Utah beaches. The installation of mulberries to create a ocean barrier, and roads so the troops, supplies and weapons could be safely delivered over the sandy beaches and the plans that involved perfect arrival of the surprise assault. It didn’t go perfectly for a variety of factors, but in the end France was liberated leading to the end of WWII.
The people we met and the guide were warm, friendly and still grateful for the “liberators” actions and the lives lost in the pursuit of freedom. We learned a bit about the occupation by the Germans, the courageous actions of the French resistance and the horrors of war, but I came away more gratified than ever to be an American. The American cemetery is so beautifully maintained and the peaceful final resting place overlooking the beaches where thousands of young men, many just boys, made the ultimate sacrifice. It is place to mourn, honor the heroes and pray for peace, but beyond feeling weepy, I felt gratified at the beauty of the place and the equality for all the soldiers regardless of rank, age or status denoted by pure white marble crosses or stars of David — all are called heroes.. It is stunning and unforgettable.
Our last day in Normandy, we went to see the iconic Mont St. Michel, a truly incredible sight and experience that challenged my physical fitness and mental toughness. The crowds of visitors packed into narrow passages and step, dark stairways nearly caused me to turn around after the two-mile walk to get to the entrance from the parking lot. Our very kind, patient guide said it was among the worst she’d ever seen. If friends plan to go, make sure to be among the earlybirds at 9am to avoid the throngs of visitors of all ages and nationalities. It is an epic tour and well-worth the discomfort. Archangel Michel caused the creation of the structures on a rock in an unlikely location that ultimate housed an abbey, a cathedral, church and a prison and now the most famous attraction in France. Suggestion for the French authorities, please moderate the number of visitors allowed in at a time and request that the animal-loving visitors leave their poor pooches at home!
In addition of all the many fascinating tours and sights, we did sneak in a little time to shop, drink and dine on gourmet meals and consume delicious wines, Calvados and local brews. We also made a quick unplanned trip to the emergency room after hubby fell and put a sizable gash in his head requiring 6 staples. To our surprise there was no charge for the medical treatment, courtesy of the French healthcare system — Merci French taxpayers. We admired the abundant, colorful flowers nourished by daily showers and the clean, tidy villages along the way. Our lodging in Port-en-Bessie, near Bayeux was lovely, spacious and elegant. We’ve made French memories to last a lifetime.