Monday 20220404 Normandy Lunch & After (9 photos)

For lunch we walk a few blocks to a restaurant large enough to serve all of us with a set menu: prawns and apple cider for starter, then pork stew, rich potato gratin, bread, ice cream for dessert, all with plenty of wine and coffee. Our walk to the bus passes a stunning mural with a timeless plea.
Normandy beaches have a variety of museums, but the afternoon schedule continues and takes us on our way to the American Cemetery.

Monday 20220404 Normandy beach & Museum (8 photos)

The bus stops for us to explore the beach area, collect sand, view the remains of metal and concrete structures used to create artificial harbors and roads out in the channel before the Allied invasion, etc. At this museum, we see a movie compiled from old news clips that emphasizes the magnitude of the landings.

Monday 20220404 Normandy Drive (9 photos)

Today, long awaited by many visitors, begins with an unusually heavy drive to the beaches, all of us expecting the sights we will see but perhaps not the emotions. Fields of bright yellow canola blossoms lift the drizzling clouds on our way. We soon see evidences of the battles, beaches, and bunkers.

Sunday 20220403 Dinner & Daily (6 photos)

At tonight's dinner we enjoy our favorite red wine on the ship. I start with pate and both of us have beef bourguignon, which our Bulgarian chef also calls goulash. (I'm sure Jim had dessert, as he never missed any, but no photo.)

Sunday 20220403 Rouen Walk & Joan (9 photos)



 

Walking in Rouen reveals its memorable architecture and history. Many older buildings have scaffolding inside and/or outside for making repairs, a sight repeated throughout France. (Even the Eiffel Tower has preparation for the painting necessary every seven years to resist rust on the Iron Lady.) Our tour includes a medieval palace focusing on Joan of Arc with a video experience and later a modern church to memorialize her death as a military hero. 

Sunday 20220403 Lunch & Rouen Walk (8 photos)

Every meal begins with a menu card. Guess what we had for lunch after the unlisted little appetizer was delivered. To begin our walk in Rouen, I notice a street name. Everyone wants a photo of the amazing cathedral.

Sunday 20220403 Cruising toward Rouen (7 photos)

Breakfast on ship, omelet for me, other for Jim. Cruising toward Rouen, views along shore.