I am starting to read Stephen Ambrose book “D-Day” to try to prep for the trip next year, so good to know I am on the right track. I too have what I’d consider a very general knowledges about D-Day & want a better foundation.
The war time to today pics you included are amazing to compare. I’ve also read that the French in this area still very much appreciate Americans & others who were there, I’m anxious to see if you experienced any of that,
Yes, you are definitely on the right track. I really wish we had a better foundation when we were there. So if this report at the very least helps better introduce the area, I'll be happy.
Thanks for the tip on the Stephen Ambrose book. We will definitely check it out along with anything he may have written about the 3rd Army during WWII, where JQ's father served.
The French do very much appreciate the Allied forces in this area. You can see and feel that as an American everywhere you visit.
But in our case, and I can only speak personally, the French seemed to be all business when engaging with us - none of them spoke except to tell us the price when we asked "how much"?
But we made a rookie mistake as Americans here. We only spoke English and failed to address anyone properly in French.
For example, to apply any of these simple greetings, would have demonstrated a gesture of goodwill,
- Bonjour – Hello
- Merci – Thank you!
- Oui– Yes
- Pardon – Excuse Me
- S’il vous plait – Please
- Au Revoir – Goodbye
Now to figure out the French term for "how much"? In any event, we will be much better equipped with proper etiquette next time!!
Poison Ivy, I wanted to pop on again and thank you for your beautiful trip report. The pictures - and detail - are just glorious!
And along the same lines as Mathmagicland's suggestion, I was going to enthusiastically recommend that you consider watching the miniseries Band of Brothers. It is based, in large part, on the above book. It focuses on one group's experience in the European theater during WWII, including D-Day and the liberation of France that followed. It is just superlative. And if you haven't seen Saving Private Ryan in a while, that would be another one to watch. My guess is that both of these fine movies will resonate even more with you now, after what you have seen on this excursion.
Thank you so much! I sincerely appreciate those kind words and am truly glad you are enjoying it. We loved so much about this trip and I hope it shines through.
It's funny you mention these films. JQ and I happened to re-watch Saving Private Ryan about a week ago with great interest and added appreciation for the war effort and tremendous sacrifices during this time in history. I remember seeing it in the theatre on full screen when it first came out and feeling so overwhelmed and utterly silenced with the Omaha beach scenes that I never watched it again - until now.
Band of Brothers is another film we've heard a lot about, but have never seen. Thanks for the recommendation. We plan to watch it this weekend.
My grandfather was part of the "Big Red One" that invaded Omaha Beach. After hearing his stories my whole life, I can't wait to read about your visit to that spot, specifically. I hope to visit one day myself!
Wow. That's incredible to learn about your grandfather, and I'm so grateful for his service. My grandfather wanted to enlist at the age of 34 back then but was told at his age he was better suited to remain a pressman for our local paper as it was vital to print news about the war.
You might watch "The Longest Day" a John Wayne (and other big-name actors) movie about the invasion. It's "Hollywoodized", but a pretty good over-view of what happened.
Great suggestion. This happens to be another movie we've been talking about and plan to watch. May actually watch this one before Band of Brothers since it's older and more in line with the filmmaking of that time. JQ's favorite is Kelly's Heroes.
Speaking of The Longest Day - here's a trip down memory lane:
It's an old episode of To Tell the Truth: fast forward to the 15:54 mark for the 3rd and final guest John M. Steele
2019 Summer announced today...no 12 night BI
! Looking at back to back 7 night western europe and 11 night norway/iceland.
Thanks for letting us know. Too bad no 12nt British Isles - and only the one 7nt BI. oh and no Croatia for the Med cruises either. Too bad again. Hope this changes. They are going back to Kirkwall though so that's progress.
Your b2b plans look amazing! 18 nights of cruising!! Very jealous. We hope to see Iceland someday, but it's lower on the list right now.
I’ve got the Band of Brothers dvd set here from my dad, have been debating whether to watch it...but it sounds like I should so thanks for Your post!
That's great you have the dvd set. We plan to watch it as well.
I'll have to visit the Normandy beaches one day. WWII fascinates me and I've seen many movies about D-Day. I definitely know what you mean about doing research before going, it can make a big difference when you don't really know what you're looking at or the history behind it. Since my European cruise isn't going to France, I'm thinking when we go back the following year we will stay a full week in France and rent a car and drive around. This will definitely be on our list of places to go.
Sounds like a great plan! You will not regret adding Normandy to your bucket list. IMO it's a must see for any visit to France.
Band of Brothers is amazing. The book is fantastic as well. My grandpa was a paratrooper during WWII and he said that Band of Brothers was VERY well done. He was in the 82nd, not 101st but said that a lot of the experiences were similar.
wow. How incredible for your grandpa as well and I'm so grateful for his service. JQ's father never spoke about the war when he returned and it remains a mystery for the family. He'd been gone long before that film was made but we often wonder if given time he would have shared more. They really are the greatest generation.
). In Montreal she would converse with locals as much as they would allow. Glad my insistence on her taking both French and Spanish is occasionally helpful 
