Normandie.

As I type, I am on the bus heading to Normandie. There’s already some rain- which the region is known for.

“I love summer in Normandie – it’s the best day of the year.”

We will be visiting Omaha Beach, the American cemetery, German artillery, Canadian landing, and more. Stay tuned.

A very moving day on so many levels.

The Normans are so grateful and they wear it on their sleeves – or their backs, as the case may be.

If you’ve been here, you know. Streets lined with flags of France, Canada, UK, and then some. Gratitude pours from their buildings and souls. Faces of American and allied forces’ soldiers from WWII are posted along the streets. It’s overwhelming in the most beautiful way.

Some 100,000 citizens were left homeless after the invasion. Areas were bombes. There were fires. And 20,000 citizens died. Still, their gratitude knows no end. If ever you can watch French TV, you can tune in every June 6 to see their solemn tribute.

Today is a 12-hour day, and I can already tell it’s not enough time.

Juno Beach is next.

What a day. So full, yet not enough. You’d need a full week. And delving into the history is riveting. Our tour guide is a historian, from Normandy. Her grandmother was in Normandie during the Invasion. Remembers everything being on fire. Bombings from the allied forces to oust the Germans. Wow. Their gratitude is in-borne through generations, now. There is t a Parisian I’ve met who doesn’t feel the same either.

I only have days left to figure out how to pack my bags without going overweight. I mean – days left to enjoy my favorite city. I rescheduled my city tour in the Citroën – the one that was cancelled yesterday. From there? Start organizing my return. And open the floodgates of tears, I guess.

More champagne till then.

For now, my shoes are full of sand, and my heart is full of gratitude.

🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇨🇦 🇫🇷 🇳🇱 🇧🇪 🇬🇷 🇳🇴 🇵🇱 🇳🇿 and more!

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