We’re on our way: Traveling to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion

It feels momentous, unbelievable, delightful, and sacred. Twelve days in France leading up to the 80th anniversary of the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Our friends Kathy and Steve wished us bon voyage, with the hope we would “enjoy every moment – the profound and the light-hearted.” There are certain to be plenty of both emotions. Lance served in the Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. For him there could be no more profound pilgrimage.

We counted up. Traveling to Bayeux would happen in seven stages: car, bus, plane, plane, cab, train, and rental car. We’ve checked each one off so far without too many surprises. Aer Lingus fed us a delicious Irish beef stew and chocolate mousse for dinner, and we watched Napoleon before managing to get a little sleep. Approaching Dublin early this morning, the moon shone through veils of cloud and the lights of the city twinkled below. We were glad to be across the Atlantic and well on our way.

I am much anticipating staying for an entire week at a Bayeux hotel apartment where we will have a kitchenette and outdoor patio. Having a home base and rental car will allow us flexibility in exploring all the historic sites and enjoying local foods from the markets and shops. Two nights each in Rouen and Paris round out our French adventure. For now, I’m going to enjoy the sunny French countryside from the train window.