a jornada: 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.