Juno Beach

Our hotel breakfast was more impressive than a standard continental breakfast in Canada. In addition to the standard fare, there were meats and cheeses, croissants, crepes, baguettes, pain au chocolat, and the list went on. 

They even had fresh eggs that you could set in hot water if you wanted hard or soft boiled eggs. If you didn't know, Ashleigh is a wizard when it comes to making the perfect soft boiled eggs, that is, in her own kitchen. This morning, it took her three attempts to get it just the way she wanted, each one slowly increasing her level of frustration, and I'm sure she would have gone through the whole basket until she was satisfied. She had determination in her eyes, and there was no way I was going to get in her way. 

She also managed to get a really flattering photo of me at breakfast that she thinks should live online forever. I love you too, Ash. ;)

After breakfast, we set off for Juno Beach, about a half an hour drive north of where we were staying. Like Arromanche, the museum offered tours and films in both French and English, which worked nicely for our group. 

Ash and I began in the museum while the Poulain family did their tour outside, and then we swapped. It was a cold and wet day, and the guided tour was mostly outside, however it would be pretty hard to justify not being able to handle a little rain after learning all about the courageous men and women who fought for our freedom 70 years ago.  

The museum was full of personal stories, photographs, radio broadcasts, video, and artifacts that showcased Canada's participation in WWII on the ground, on the sea, and in the sky. A short film at the entrance to the museum, with video projecting on all walls, places you inside a landing boat heading for the shores on D-Day, a powerful way to set the tone for the rest of the museum. 

We could have spent the entire day in the museum and still not have seen everything. We were amazed at how much of a presence Canada had in the the war effort, both at home and overseas, by both soldiers and civilians. 

The guided tour took us into two of the German bunkers that were established along the beach, as they were all across coastal Europe during the occupation, known as the Atlantic Wall. These bunkers served as defensive posts against Allied threats, hidden beneath the ground to remain hidden from satellite imagery. It was interesting to hear how French civilians (who were given the option to either work for the Germans or die) went to great lengths to sabotage the integrity of the walls, making them easily collapsible in the case of an attack. 

The final part of the tour took us right down to the beach itself, as our guide told us of the heroism and sacrifices that so many Canadians made on D-Day, and in the weeks and months that would follow. 

Our tour leader said that while they get fewer and fewer veterans coming back to Juno, there was a 94 year-old veteran on the tour just a few weeks ago. It was his first time back to Juno since 1944. Pretty powerful stuff. 

Our trip to Normandy ended with a visit to the Canadian War Cemetery, just a short drive from Juno Beach, where over 2000 Canadian soldiers are buried. It was a much different atmosphere than the American cemetery, and we liked it that way. The maple trees leading into the  cemetery are a nice touch as well. 

 

We spent the next several hours driving back to Paris, stopping at a bakery to get some lunch. When we got home, we finalized all of our train tickets throughout our week in Italy and had one last dinner with the Poulain family (although we'll be meeting up with them again in the alps). Roasted pork loin, pasta, bread and several kinds of cheese, fruit and yogurt for dessert. 

Our flight leaves tomorrow morning at 7:10, so we'll be up at 4:30. While we planned on taking a taxi to Orly Airport all along, Thierry insists on driving us. Nathalie tells us that's why she married him. 

Naples, here we come!