BIG DAY !!! … one of the main reasons for joining this cruise … up early and a lengthy bus ride to the Normandy Beaches … we had a splendid female guide … extremely knowledgeable and ability to share/provoke emotions as we traced/visited the ferocious battles of D-Day 1944. The thoughts, stories & emotions of each beach … Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno & Sword … will burn into your mind and heart. Every American should visit this spot where phenomenal achievements were made and world history occurred in such a short time period … each person that visits the battle scenes and the massive grave sites must deal with the experience individually … emotions are personal as you see, touch and recreate in you mind the pride we have for those that gave all for our freedom … … if you have not visited Normandy, you should !!! and have this experience … you will understand! The thoughts, stories & emotions of each beach … Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno & Sword … will burn into your mind and heart. Exhausted, we returned to the riverboat for drinks & dinner with friends (old & new) … then easy dancing to our boat’s keyboard player/singer.AmaLegro remained overnight in Rouen.
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By: Mel & Karen Ray Up early … breakfast … bus departure to Honfluer … small community renowned for its picturesque harbor (too small for our riverboat). The Village is especially known for its old pastel slate-fronted houses. The harbor and surrounding residences, cafes & bars have been painted by many artists, including Monet. Walking the streets … breathing the fresh harbor air (while dealing with the cold + occasional rain/wind) … watching the many people-sights, and enjoying cappuccinos … we had a fairy tale visit. It is a beautiful place … sure would like to see it in the sunshine !
ALL ABOARD as AmaLegro did a ‘180’ turn and set sail for Les Andelys. Sorry, but this medium simply does not do the job in getting the message and emotions involved in visiting the USA Cemetery … During the 76 days of the Battle of Normandy … 210,000 Allied troops killed 200,000 German troops killed 200,000 German troops captured … … … Please God, let us never forget the price of tyranny. Statue at the front of the cemetery. Lifting life and freedom to the heavens The reflecting pool and walk to the Chapel 9,000+ of our Soldiers rest here
Guest post by Mel & Karen Ray Awakened by the news that we will not proceed to Paris later today as planned. Given the heavy rain of the past week, our boat will not fit under the bridges! Paris is about 30 miles up river so all onshore tours will continue as planned and "departure day" (tomorrow) will continue as we will be bussed into Paris. The interest of Conflans is the "spicy" lives of Napolean Bonaparte and Josephine. A tour guided to visit to their nearby palace gave motivation to hearing all about Napolean's love for Josephine (6 years older than Napolean, born on her family's plantation in Martinique, divorced with 2 children). They were married in a simply registry office service in 1796. The Bonaparte family was furious. She purchased the large chateau (Malmaison 1797). She often made other large purchases (lavish furnishings, exotic plants & wild animals) while Napolean was off winning battles. She was eventually divorced by Naploean as became sterile and he wanted a blood son (his second wife gave him his wish.) Josephine died in 1814 and Napolean returned to Malmaison ofter his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Malmaison was completely restored in the early 20th century. Back on board to pack our luggage and get up to the minute details regarding tours, another MAC concert and disembarkation planned for tomorrow. Another big day tomorrow but the reality of leaving AmaLegro began to set in.
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Linda Carter
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