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Hello friends. We've covered some ground since our last post. Not that many miles, but many great experiences.
First off, we had our first stay with new friends we met through the SERVAS organization. We stayed two nights with a wonderful family just outside of Caen, France. We walked their dog, went to their children's school and had two fabulous meals. It was a great two nights.
We then had a mystical two days at the beaches and museums of Normandy. Anything I add will be understating how incredible the sights and the history of the area are. The beaches are just gorgeous and lush. It was a perect day when we are on Omaha Beach and at the American Cemetery overlooking the water. You listen to Dwight Eisenhower talk about making the decision to go forward with the invasion and you're blown away with his humility as he states, there's really nothing you can do at that point, it's all up to your sergeants and men in the field. Then you think of the locals witnessing all the ships and people coming ashore into their village. Must've looked like a giant sea monster rising from the ocean.
From there we headed to Ghent, Belgium and two nights with another welcoming SERVAS family. Ghent is a lovely town and we focused on chocolate tasting the the torture chambers of the castle. Being a Game of Thrones fans I was able to identify all the tools of the trade quite nicely.
Then on to Brugge, Belgium, another lovely town in this charming country. We timed it just right and hit a market right in the town center. Then we took on two great museums - the French Fry and Chocolate Museums. Great fun! We capped the day off with a canal tour of the city which included perhaps the funniest politcal line I've heard in awhile (as I don't have access to watch the Jon Stewart Show). As we passed the local university, the boat guide says, "And here's where many of our politicians go to school. This is where they learn to speak without saying nothing".
Last night we made it into Antwerp. Celeste and I were enjoying a nice dinner out only to return to chaos as the power went out in our room apparently due to overflowing chicken noodle soup in one of our room sockets. We slept it off as best we could today and had a great evening out going to a pub recommended to us by some travelers during our stay in Pommard, France. We really missed Amy's dad in this place as we did some beer tasting. The bar keep was nice enough to give us a glass of his the house brew to go along with the Trappist we were told to try. The girls even knocked off a new food and tried the Lindeman's Kriek (Cherry Beer).
We hope you're all doing well. We'll be posting our upcoming European route so if any of you have some free time in Oct, Nov or Dec and want to meet up with us we'd love to spend time together.
All the best -- AG
- comments
Kathy Essma Wow, we just live for your blogs. I am ready to sell the house, buy a shack, and use the $ to travel while we are still healthy. Love, Aunt Kathy
Kris Defnet Your trip has inspired me - I've decided to support you with a wine tour. I found a nice red blend from Spain and a great vinho verde from Portugal. Still looking for a wine from Iceland, but have certainly been enjoying your stay in France! I may need to switch to chocolate for your stay in Belguim although cherry beer doesn't sound all that bad!
George Herbst We enjoy reading your blogs and following travels. It sounds like you are building live-long memories. We just returned from a twelve day tour of national parks and are happy to be home. It was a very short time away when compared to what you all are doing. Regards.
Amy Aunt Kathy - I can just see you and Uncle Ray doing that! On a smaller scale, you are welcome to meet up with us anywhere. We would love it. Kris - Love the beer tour idea. Some days I feel like we are on a sweets tour of the world. Good thing we walk it all off. Uncle George - Saw all the pics from your trip. It looked beautiful. I think the Tetons are the most amazing peaks. Glad you are home safe.