A road trip to Normandy is something almost all expat families do while they are in Belgium. Knowing that Ted is such a history buff, we chose his visit for this trip. We loaded the car with things for the kids to do, food to eat, and put our bags in our new top of the car luggage rack. The family truckster was ready for the 5 hour drive, and the Griswold’s started yet another European Vacation. First real stop (not counting potty breaks) was in a town called Honfleur. It was my favorite town, and might even be my Sedona of Europe! Seaside, marina, lots of cafes/restaurants, old churches, and tons of charm. Kids’ favorite part was the double decker carousel.
Back in the car, we headed to Bayeux where they have a huge cathedral as well as the Bayeux tapestry. We weren’t allowed to take pictures of this amazing piece of embroidery, so you’ll have to check it out for yourself at: http://www.tapestry-bayeux.com/. It was definitely impressive.
Our bed and breakfast was in a town outside of Bayeux called Balleroy. We were the only people there for both nights which was very nice. Each morning we had a lovely breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt from a local farmer, soft boiled eggs, and pastries.
Friday morning we began our tour of Normandy with our private tour guide, Bertrand. We started looking at different tanks located in Bayeux, including the Sherman. We then headed to the Germany military cemetery, which interestingly enough, used to be an American cemetery. From there we went to St. Mere Eglise where the first parachuters were dropped on the D-day invasion. We visited the US Airborne Museum here, which was of particular interest to Ted as he was in the 82nd Airborne division during his Army tenure. From there we headed to Utah beach, where Lindsey decided it was nap time. I stayed in the van with her while the others had a history lesson beach side. Nicholas played in the sand and was oblivious that learning was going on. :) Back in the van again we headed to Pont du Hoc. This was a strategically important station for the Germans, as they could see both Omaha and Utah beaches, and could reach them effectively with their long range guns. It was evident from the massive bomb craters that remain today that US and Allied forces understood the importance as well. Several bunkers, guns, and other evidence of the war remained. The kids thoroughly enjoyed running around here (again oblivious to the history behind it all). It goes without saying that watching the kids play on the same beach where so many armed forces men and women made the ultimate sacrifice can give you a new appreciation of the freedoms we have. I don’t think we’ve ever taken it for granted, but we can also never give thanks enough. Next stop was Omaha Beach and this time the kids and I played in the sand for a bit. Quick pit stop at a nearby souvenir shop for Nicholas to pick out an Army helicopter/jeep Lego set from Grammy and Papa and then we were off to our final destination, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. This is no small place (over 172 acres). Our entire tour with Bertrand lasted from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm with lunch in the van. It was a long, but very interesting, informative day.
Saturday at 10 am we headed back into Bayeux to buy a few more souvenirs and then we were off to Rouen, France. This city was much bigger than we had anticipated and by this point we were all pretty exhausted (including a huge crying fit in the car from Lindsey who wanted to sit next to daddy who was driving). We ate lunch, walked around and saw their enormous and impressive cathedral and got back in the car. By 7 pm we were back in Belgium and it felt good to be home! Nicholas got right to work putting together his Lego project with Paul and Ted. :)
Unfortunately, Sunday was the last day of Grammy and Papa’s visit. They left the house at 8 am, and we rested all day. Even Mother Nature was sad they left as the weather was overcast and gloomy (complete opposite from the other days they were in town). We’re already looking forward to their next visit over here and hope to take them to Italy . . .
