Normandy

Known as the site of D-Day in World War II - June 6, 1944........I was able to tour Normandy as part of the "Band of Brothers" tour. So, so sad to see the numbers of cemetery markers in the American cemetery. It was also remarkable to see such beautiful beaches, and how that beauty was pretty deceptive of the history.

A monastery and a town...surrounded by water?

I remember learning about this place when I was in middle school, and it fascinated me. Mont St. Michel is a monastery (still active today) that was built hundreds of years ago. It has become a bit commercialized - the monastery is at the top of the island, but you have to trek up the cobblestone roads filled wtih restaurants and souvenir shops to get there. It is a CLIMB - but the view is worth it. What's fascinating is that when the tide is low, you can easily access the island. However, when the tide is high, you can't reach it as it is surrounded by water. What a beautiful place!

Hampton Court

We were able to visit Westminster Abbey and Hampton Court today.

I couldn't take pictures inside the Abbey..but I wish I could have. So many memorials to famous artists, poets, diplomats, and royalty are there. It's absolutely breathtaking to see where Henry V and Edward the Confessor are buried. Of course, the gift shop was filled to the gills with Royal Wedding memorabilia. The abbey is just beautiful and I go back every time we are in England.

My son was excited about going to Hampton Court, home of Henry VIII and also William and Mary. This gave me an opportunity to test my knowledge of Henry VIII and all of his wives, but it was remarkable to see that many of the decorations/tapestries are original to the day. Even the chapel where Henry VIII learned about the concerns about his second wife is totally intact - and just beautiful.

My son enjoyed going in the maze, reminiscent of the maze in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".