Normandy

Our long awaited and eagerly anticipated July visitors finally came... my parents! We had been planning their trip itinerary just about as long as we had been living in the UK. As they had been to England a few years ago, we were able to travel to another place we've wanted to go: Normandy, France. My dad (and I think Gavin deep down) has always wanted to see many of the historical locals of WWII. And it was all very moving.. if you've watched Band of Brothers (or actually haven't- still the same), just seeing pastures and hedgerows, you can imagine the devastation of war. So many of the memorials, beaches, museums and cemeteries were more emotional than I thought they would be.

We also saw Mont Saint Michel, off the south Normandy coast and the lovely and historic towns of Bayeaux and Honfluer during our trip. Gavin was an amazing driver- we forget how nice it is to drive on straight, navigable roads.  My parents were pretty good sports to sit in the backseat everyday while we, ahem, discussed, routes to our destinations ;)  Our base was a gorgeous bed and breakfast located in the charming village of Putange Pont Ecrepin, along the River Orne. During the Occupation, the Germans used it as a field hospital. It currently is an unbelievable idyllic French setting, nestled into the hills with a gorgeous view of the town below. On our last night there, we enjoyed Bastille Day fireworks from this awesome vantage point. It was wonderful! We also loved the many meals of baguettes, fromage, croissants, pizzas, charcuterie and cafes. Truly hard to leave.

And hard to choose pictures to post because I don't want any memory to slip.

on the Eurostar, ready to depart for Calais!

spot where British glider-troops landed first on D Day...

and the cafe that gratefully handed out champagne in exchange for liberation

our LOVELY lodging...

in this lovely town

site of American paratrooper landing; if you look closely
you can see an actual mannequin and parachute rigged up there
to demonstrate how one paratrooper got stuck on the roof
during the fight.  reverent, right??

German battery, a few miles inland, but made to defend against Navy ships 

our beautiful town from our B & B

Mont Saint Michel, from a distance, is gorgeous...

then you start to see massive parking lots and...

absolute hoards of people

much better from farther away

pizza and a cider was called for after that experience!

another great little village, Ducey

home of the 13th century Bayeaux Tapestry

walking in horrible rain to tour another fantastic village, Honfleur;
such a shame the weather was terrible.

because, how stunning would this be in the sunshine???

so many sidewalk cafes to choose from!
wasn't too hard to find one to enjoy a parting meal of moules et frites ;)

Au revior, Normandie! Merci et Je t'aime!