Another long bus ride with yet another tour guide that I can’t fully understand. I think she spoke for a full two hours without taking a breath, then read us the entire Bible. You can’t stop verbal diarrhea with Imodium!
When we do get off the bus, my wife is always 10 steps ahead of me. But only after 10 a.m.- before that she walks while I run. I then slow down for the remainder of the day, while she speeds up. She’s as frustrated as anyone with the lethargic, unruly pace of group travel: in her words,”like herding cats.” I guess cats don’t follow directions very well!
Our first stops were Caen, Sword Beach, Juno Beach, and Gold Beach – Arromanches. A museum film explained the Mulberry Operation, the remains of which still litter the shore line. Its construction allowed 220,000 soldiers, 530,000 tons of supplies, and 39,000 vehicles to pass through Normandy following D-Day.
We had sauerkraut for lunch again today – standard fare in the Normandy region? Between Hitler and sauerkraut, two reasons to dislike Germany. I did take German in High School and College, but have yet to travel there. Germany also gave us the polka and the accordion from yesterday’s theme luncheon. Their influence in Northern France still exists despite our efforts to drive them out!
A very emotional stop was next – to see the American Cemetery on Omaha Beach – 10,000 white marble crosses, all identical with the exception of those of Jewish faith. It was a gorgeous sunny day as we paid tribute to those who died for and served our country. Words can’t express my gratitude for my Father and other veteran’s who gave me this beautiful day to honor them.
Further on down the road, we parked to gather sand from Omaha Beach. Hopefully, there will be enough for everyone to take home. We bought and filled a commemorative glass bottle to remind us of what a bad day is really like. American Veterans thank you!
Security was an issue with every monument we visited. One of my fellow travelers was practically down to his underwear while trying to pass through the metal detectors. I joked that he must have “a mind like a steel trap.” It turned out to be his belt buckle, and he’s not even from Texas!
I went up to “thank” one of our Veteran’s on our tour for his service, while standing on Omaha Beach. He is from “The Big Buckle State” (and wearing the Texas Star on his shirt to prove it), and served in Vietnam. He was paraphrasing a Commander’s harsh words to his men in trying to get them to move up the cliffs, rather than freeze there in shock like sitting ducks. “There are two types of men on this beach, those that are dead and those who will die. Now let’s move!” It sounded like something John Wayne might say!
Today gave me plenty to be thankful for – I’m counting the ways. I’m particularly thankful that when this trip is over in four days, I won’t have to go back to work. Let’s motor on back to the boat and toast to our good retirement fortune. Wine Time!
Glad we’re back to our pace. Your #1 fan!