a jornada: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A History Lesson in Normandy

Upon leaving Paris, we rode the train out to the region Normandy where we were met and taken to a small town call Mereville-Franceville. We settled into a retreat center, operated by our friends S, P, E and D. The center hosts, ministers to and educates many groups of primarily college students throughout the year. The town is on the beach, excuse me, “at the sea,” The center is one block from the sea. In the winter months it is sleepy little town with many homes closed up with the shutters and shades down. Since it is dark in the morning until nearly 7:45, nothing is open until 7:30 -- maybe. One morning, R & I enjoyed a café on the plaza in the morning as we walked to the center to join the group. (R & I stayed at a nice comfortable “boarding house” about 2 blocks away as overflow housing.) In the summer months, the town swells to 15,000, as opposed to 1,500 in the winter months. It is a favorite vacation spot for Parisians taking time away for a holiday (about 2 ½ hours from Paris.)

MBA Group (in front of retreat center, Franceville)

While in Normandy, we visited various historical locations led by S (who had joined us in Paris as our tour guide.) He has a wealth of historical knowledge and of WWII in particular.

We visited Mont St Michel – I’d say one of the 8 or 9 “wonders” of the world. I don’t have enough time to write about it and you don’t have enough time to read about it so a few pictures and possibly a google search will have to do. It is one of the most visited sights not only in France but in the world. I would say it is enchanting. I’m not sure how many stair steps it is to the top, but I can confidently say A LOT! One visit, in one day hardly is a beginning of all to see. The cathedral and surrounding village began in the 10^th century as an abbey continuing to be added onto through the 18^th century. Supposedly monks had lived on the island since the 6^th century. Please take a few minutes to look it up and be amazed! (sacred-destinations.com/france/mont-st-michel)

Mont St Michel

Mont St Michel - cloister

Michael (model for the sculpture at top)

Mont St Michel

Mont St Michel - ramparts

Mont St Michel

Mont St Michel sillouette (as we drove away)

Our Our time in Normandy also included visiting all five D-day beaches. Years are wearing away the landscape, softening the harsh terrain left by the intense battles. But many bombed out bunkers remain and can be explored. To walk on ground that so many lives were lost is sobering. We also spent time at the German WWII military cemetery holding over 22,000 German soldiers. A stop at the American National Cemetery, which is US property, in which 9,000 soldiers were buried and names on a wall list about 2,000 of missing soldiers. It is absolutely beautiful with perfectly manicured lawns, flowers and trees. The rose bushes still had last blooms on them.

Pont-Du-Hoc Monument

Pont-Du-Hoc bunker remains

Pont-Du-Hoc canon base remains

American National Cemetery

American National Cemerery

German Military Cemetery

During our stop at the American Cemetery, we had the privilege of laying flowers at the graves of relatives of two from our group. It was very touching as we took time at each grave to honor and commemorate the death of these and so many young soldiers. Also as were leaving the visitor center after watching a short film on the cemetery, an elderly French couple came up to Randy, stopped him and asked in broken English if he was American. Yes, was his reply. The gentleman took R’s hand in both of his hands and said “Merci, merci, merci.” Wow. The scene brings tears to one’s eyes. It was an incredibly moving time at the cemetery.

The city of Rouen was our last stop before leaving Normandy. It is a city founded at the lowest point where the Seine River could be bridged. It was severely damaged during WWII but now is a beautiful city rebuilt. The Cathedral was a highlight to visit as it still stands as was built in the early 15^th century. It has been made famous by Monet, who painted nearly 30 paintings of the cathedral which are now on display in a museum in Paris. Rouen is also the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for her faith and courage.

Rouen Cathedral

Rouen - Place Joan of Arc was burned at the stake

Rouen

We walked the quaint old streets and enjoyed a café before leaving….

Mmmm... did I mention the chocolate croissants???

Rouen -- A wonderful place to spend a cold and cloudy afternoon with friends!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A Joy-Full Afternoon in Paris

My last afternoon in Paris was spent with a good friend, J. She and her husband S, have lived in Paris for 20+ years and minister to Parisians in the center of Paris. God has gifted them not only with hospitality, but sharing their faith simply, clearly and logically with the Parisian people. I say logically because Parisians often times feel that faith in God is a sign of “craziness” when in fact it is the deepest need of the human heart. A decision to consider God needs to be sensical. The French people they share their lives with want to talk about “spiritual things” once they begin to know and trust S & J. God has allowed them to touch many lives over the years.

The afternoon began with lunch in a wonderful tiny café called “Merci”. We had a very tasty fall vegetable soup with bread – perfect for a cold autumn day in Paris. Behind the café is a store, also called “Merci” that sells the most interesting items that are made, ordered and sold to those looking for the unusual. The proceeds from the sales go to charity. Very fun.

"Merci" store front (notice the license plate)

As we walked toward the train station, more of the Parisian charm was enjoyed. She pointed out the place she and S first met, a park surrounded by some of the oldest buildings in Paris (called "Place des Vosges")built atop a “marsh” as the city grew, and a large “department store” (the “Bazar de L Hotel de Ville”) built within an absolutely beautiful OLD building the size of an entire city block. What was interesting was that the entire “basement” of the Bazar, was a home improvement store, much like our Home Depot in the states. It took me completely by surprise! This type of store, which we are accustomed to, the department store, is very rare and people come from miles to shop there.

OLD Paris

Place des Vosges

Bazar de L Hotel de Ville

After a short bus ride, we arrived at the train station, purchased my ticket then had time to enjoy a café a small café across the street. What a gift to share warm coffee and have your heart warmed at the same time. Merci, my friend J!

Coffee warms the heart when shared with a friend.

Fall in France!

When you live in a place that displays very few fall colors and changing of the seasons, what an incredible treat is has been to be in France to experience fall and all the colors of the trees, leaves and skies! Paris and the country sides have warmed my soul and gotten me ready for the upcoming holiday season. Back in Portugal all were readying for Boas Festus (Happy Celebrations/Festivals/Holidays), here in France the Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) decorations are also emerging.

Come walk and drive with me through some fall colors… enjoy …