Paris to Normandy

Went from Paris to Normandy.

Visited the Louvre, Museum D'Orsay, Eifel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and shopping in Paris.

Our tour guide, Ken, was all world. The first day we said after him, Bon Jour, siv vous ple.

The French people could not have been more welcoming, hospitable and helpful.

Then to Monet;s home and gardens. Awesome, beautiful, spectacular. Son Brian =, an artist, took more than a150 dazzling pictures of the flowers and gardens. The colors of the flowers jumped out at you! The river journey was smooth and almost comforting.

Then to Rouen, and a tour of Notre Dame Cathedral and a newly constructed church in the shape of a boat. The story of Joan of Arc is different than what we learned as children. She must have been one great lady with faith much greater than mine.

Then on to Normandy. It was overwhelming.

When we came back to the ship, our room was ship shape, and the food and wine at dinner were better than good.

When you arrive at the cemetery (we were at the American), it reminds you of the true cost of war. All those young men, probably an average age of 22, from so many countries who gave their lives for their nations.

They had veterans in the group come up, and then saluted them with the crowd singing the Star Spangled Banner. Tears were like raindrops on a light day.

I am so thankful to those who served and those who sacrificed their lives so that we were able to come to Europe as free men and women.

Viking was top shelf. As the old American comedian would say-Try it, you'll like it!