[Idyllchat] Right vacation in Normandy

[Joan Herriges]

I had just been thinking how quiet you have been--possibly the result of 
being a good boy?  The reward will be an outstanding holiday.

First, try to get your hands on an excellent book "Major & Mrs. Holt's 
Battlefield Guide to the Normandy Beaches".  Reading this book ahead will 
greatly enhance your visit.  This one of a series of excellent battlefield 
books (WWI, included), published by Pen & Sword Books Ltd., South Yorkshire, 
UK.  ISBN  0 85052 662-0.  I did get ours through Amazon.  Reading this book 
ahead would greatly enhance your enjoyment of the trip.

In May 2000 we stayed in Bayeux at Hotel Rheine Mathilde in (recommended by 
another Idllyer), just adjacent to the famous Tapisserie de la Reine 
Mathilde, which is a must see.  This historic tapestry is astonishing!  The 
modest hotel is very French, and the chef-owner serves a very nice lunch. 
Friends just returned, wishing they could have stayed there longer.

Bruce is the history buff, and I patiently trudge through war museums with 
him with a book to bide the time..  However, the Musee de la Bataille de 
Normandie/Notts Yeomanry Memorial (just on the outskirts of Bayeux) was an 
exception.  It had a great collection of newspapers from the early 30's 
through the end of the war in English, French (and American) which I was 
able to sit and read.  The "why" of war piques my interest.

The most touching moment of our trip was a visit to the American cemetery at 
Omaha Beach.  We visited very early on a misty May morning.  There were few 
visitors, the carillons were playing a hymn, and the number of crosses were 
overwhelming and touches your soul.  We walked the beach, lost in thoughts 
of what faced those brave young men.   The cemetery is lovingly cared for. 
We also visited the German cemetery nearby.

My favorite meal was at one of the beaches in a parking lot on a blustery 
day!  A catering coach, served a wonderful meal of salad and crepes.  Unable 
to eat outdoors, they provided a tray to take to our car.  We laughed, as 
they served us on china plates--after all, we are in France!  Beats the US 
Styrofoam culture.

Know you and Barbara will enjoy this sojourn, and will await blogs detailing 
your adventures.  Happy New Year to you both.  Joan.



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Vance Roy" <gigli.saw at dplanet.ch>
To: "Idyll Chat" <idyllchat at lists.untours.com>
Sent: Friday, January 05, 2007 8:45 AM
Subject: [Idyllchat] Right vacation in Normandy


> Believe it or not, I was such a good boy this past year that Mrs.  Claus 
> brought me a week in Normandy with The Right vacation this  April. We will 
> stay in Bayeux, and take day trips to the cemeteries  and WW II beaches.
>
> We will stay at the Dean's Manor House on the outskirts of Bayeux.
>
> Would anyone on the list that has knowledge of this area and/or the  Manor 
> House, please let me hear your ideas, suggestions, dos and  don'ts etc.
>
> Thanks
>
> Vance Roy
> gigli.saw at dplanet.ch
> http://homepage.mac.com/fredch
>
> Freedom of speech is wonderful. It makes it easier to spot the morons.
> AJC Vent
>
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