As my voyage continues into Normandy, these photos bring back bittersweet memories. My recently deceased Grandmother, Addie, always spoke in glowing terms about her travels through this region of France. Perhaps more than any other member of my family, Addie loved traveling. She saw most of the countries in Europe numerous times and traveled extensively in Africa and South America. I'll miss her very much.
Aussi, je voudrais remercier tout le monde qui m’a accueilli pendant mes vacances en Normandie. Je n’oublierai jamais les jours que j’ai passés dans votre belle région.
Normandy American Cemetery
En route to Omaha Beach.
One of Addie's friends is buried here.
"Here rests in honored glory a comrade in arms known only to God."
A headstone for a Jewish soldier.
The sheer number of grave sites is impressive. Addie also visited the memorial with my Grandfather.
Étretat
I spent a beautiful afternoon in the town of Étretat where I saw the famous Normandy seaside.
It was even possible to walk through a tunnel in the rocks to see a different beach, though the high tide warnings made things a little spooky.
A WWII bunker built into the rocks.
Étretat is a popular suicide destination. There isn't much of a railing up there!
Rouen
For the New Year, I was in the town of Rouen. I've always found the concept of a chocolate fountain rather dirty.
A statue built in the square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
It was cold, but they were still selling flowers!
Normandy is famous for the architectural style of colombage, or half-timbering.
My most vivid memory of the cathedral is that it was truly frigid inside.
For New Year's I was graciously invited to the home of a lovely French family. We ate delicacies for hours and played card games into the morning. The most surprising moment was when no one sang Auld Lang Syne at midnight (excluding me).
Merci et à bientôt!
