As my post from last week said, I took some time off to recharge and rejuvenate. Well, I am back this week, rested and recharged! My husband and I took a Viking River Cruise to Paris and Normandy! We had a wonderful time, met some interesting people from around the world and saw amazing sights. We had great weather, and it was a perfect time to be in Paris as the flowers were in full bloom and the city was bustling. Click here to review the itinerary.
Bonjour was the word that greets you at every turn. So I thought it was fitting to highlight in this post. We chose this tour as I love art and the experience of seeing history in action. Paris has it all! History, cathedrals, castles, and museums where you can get lost in history that can take you back to extraordinary times that shape our lives today.
We like the River Cruise experience as the ships are designed for small groups that allow you to get to know each other and visit the little towns of big cities. Besides, all of the details of traveling are taken care of so you can enjoy yourself without stress or worry. If you are on Facebook, I posted a short video of some of the photos that we took to give you a taste of our experience. Click here to visit my page where you can view the video.
A highlight of the trip was a day where we experienced the beaches of Normandy. As you know, this was the 75th Anniversary of this great battle we call D-Day. History tells us that the Invasion of Normandy that took place on June 6, 1944, when the Allied Forces of Britain, America, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the coast of Normandy, France. With a large contingent of over 150,000 soldiers, the Allies attacked and gained a victory that became the turning point for World War II in Europe.
Being on those beaches and hearing the stories that lead up to the invasion by our tour guides put the invasion in perspective like never before. Normandy is a small area so imaging 150,000 soldiers coming off ships in the ocean and jumping out of planes overhead took us back to that terrible day.
There were so many factors that went into the planning of the mission, the weight of the world was on the shoulders of all who participated. Those who fought were brave, and so many gave their lives so we could be free. The reality that so many men from various countries died on that day fighting for our freedom was palpable as you walked on the beaches of Normandy. Our world would not be the same if it were not for those men, and for that, I am forever grateful.
The United States maintains a beautiful cemetery for our fallen soldiers in Normandy. Rows and rows of graves are a stark reminder of those who fought and died for our freedom. Walking through the rows and rows of those gravestones, looking at the names, the ages and where the soldiers came from was sobering. The area is breathtaking and humbling.
I am glad I had the opportunity to experience the Normandy Beaches. If you ever get the chance to go, do it!
We arrived home on June 6, so I had a few days after we returned to catch up on email, write up a new to-do list, do the wash, and repack as I had to take off again!
As you are reading this post, I will be in Las Vegas at the Case Management Society of America Annual Conference. I look forward to this event every year as it brings my case management colleagues together in a relaxed and energetic atmosphere. If you are on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, look for my updates throughout the week! If you are at the conference, make sure you find me and say hello!
Have a good week!
