Blogs from Upper Normandy, France, Europe - page 15

We departed our berth just after 8.10 that morning to await the opening of the bridge and get through the locks to the mouth of the Seine in time to catch the tide we hoped would carry us to Rouen, some 65 miles upriver. As we waited for the bridge we found amusement in a couple next to the Vieux Bassin (harbour we were in). We watched them scurrying back and forth from the water’s edge to their camera which was rested on a bollard, trying desperately to get a holiday snap of themselves. Apparently this wasn’t all that easy - they completed the ritual at least 5 times whilst we were waiting and for all I know they’re still there. The lock on the way out was fun. On the way in the water had ... read more

14/06/10 After checking out of our little hotel in Paris, we dragged our suitcases through the subway then 1km along the road through roadworks to the Peageot pickup. You may think we are mad and wonder why we didnt get a taxi, well when we were told 20 euro for a 1km journey, we though bugger off! Mike had a broken wheel so it wasnt turning and eventually wore through and feel of which caused his other wheel to fall off, and he had to drag his suitcase the last 100m, lucky it was just a cheap suitcase and we have now thrown it out. We got our car without problems and Mike picked up driving on the right quickly and well, unfortunately I cant say the same for myself! When we made it to Normandy ... read more

Normandy: We disembarked at Le Harve, another gorgeous day. We picked up the keys to a Chevrolet Matiz from the rental agency. We joked about its ugliness then got in. the American turned to me from the driver's seat and said, “ I have a confession to make. I haven't driven 'Stick' in years and don't remember how to..”. I gave him a refresher of clutch control. After about five minutes of grinding, revving and inevitably stalling, I offered to drive, in a flash he was outside the passenger door, so I took the wheel. The decision was to head to Arromanches to view a part of Gold Beach and what remains of the Mulberry Harbour there. The giant concrete 'breeze blocks' littering the beach and shoreline were an interesting sight. There was also a lot ... read more

When we first started planning our roadtrip through Europe, there was really only one place that I was concerned about going, and that was the beaches of Normandy. For those of you that don't know, my Grandfather on my Mom's side was among those that stormed the beaches during World War II. He was in the third wave of soldiers, which is probably one of the deciding factors of my family existing to this day. I've always wanted to see these beaches because they are such a symbol of both freedom and tragedy in World history, and I wanted to see for myself the place that held such a grave importance to the liberation of Europe from the holds of Hitler. When we drove out of Paris we didn't really know where we were headed, we ... read more

Subtle, beautiful, peaceful, so in harmony with nature and so impressionistic. Giverny! We felt right at home in Claude Monet's charming gardens and bright, (the dining room is totally painted the brightest yellow we have ever seen) eclectic "cottagey" home. Our own little Ballston Lake garden tends to get a little busy/messy like Monet's (on a much, much smaller scale). We love the wild and muted colors of flowers competing for the light. Even the so called Japanese garden doesn't adhere to the traditional rules of Japanese landscaping - but there is bamboo and little arched bridges and waterlilies galore! What a contrast to the formality we would goggle at later the same day in Versailles. This is not to complain - just pointing out the vast difference between the surroundings of creative types - like ... read more