Ron and Darold's European Adventure - 2019

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After leaving Prague, we arrived in Paris (Charles De Gaulle Airport) to pick up our rental car for our trip to Normandy and the WWII beaches! Unfortunately, the car was not ready which delayed our trip for over an hour and we drove to Bayeux in pouring rain as the sun set, making the grey day even bleaker. We arrived at Au Loup Historic Apartments in Bayeux late but we were able to gain access by connecting with the hotel staff during a frantic drive in the dark with pouring rain! The apartments were not a normal hotel as you get codes and basically stay in a fully equipped apartment in an old cottage courtyard in the French village. Lovely apartment style residence and 2 minutes walking distance from the 11th century church and downtown. Very quaint and convenient!

Next day we get a tour to the American Beaches with Normandy Sightseeing tours. Highly recommended! A wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide. It pays to get a PH. D. in history! The moments of sun peaking out of the clouds made this trip into our devastating past, filled with glimmers of hope. It was so emotional and overwhelming to comprehend what the Allies accomplished with the D-Day invasion. The next day Darold and I embarked on our own to the Canadian Beaches, Canadian Cemetary (near Caen and Juno Beach) and other notable memorials to the incredible contribution that our Canadian soldiers gave to this day in history.

These 3 wet and rainy days in November will remain in our memories forever. So glad we added this trip to our European adventure. Now off to Paris for 3 days staying at a home exchange with Chira, right outside of Victor Hugo Square. Near Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. Too little time with too much to see!

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Photos

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Beautiful Gothic Church in Bayeux.

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Ron walking down a stretch of Juno Beach.

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Crucifix on Juno Beach outside of Canadian Memorial Museum. Worth the visit!

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German bunkers outside the Canadian War museum.

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German bunkers outside the Canadian War museum.

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Commemorate marker outside of the Canadian Museum on Juno Beach

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One of 2 Canadian Cemeteries from WWII. In upper left corner is the football that Darold left at the cemetery when we honored the fallen Canadian soldiers.

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Over 2000 Canadian boys buried at this Cemetery

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The Beny-Sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery near Reviers, that had rows of Maple trees lining the length of it. Maple leaves covered the grass on this cold November day.

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Sadly, the average age on these Canadian Crosses was probably between 18 to 20 years old!

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Darold places a football with a Canadian flag on it that we brought from Canada. A fitting tribute to the Canadian Boys who gave their lives for our freedom!

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Christmas Decoration were lit up on November 30th in Bayeux, France. Quaint little French village in Normandy.

Comments

[Dianne barber]

Good to hear from you, have a great trip and a Wonderful Christmas.

[Sharon Braun]

greeting
Great to hear of your travels-- take care -- hugs!!!

[Susan Smitten]

Inspiring...
This is what we will be doing in France next summer... looking forward to hearing more about it when you get back. xoxo sue