Normandy trip - Day 4

Our last day in Europe! After breakfast we packed the car yet again and drove the short distance (1 hour) to Bruges. This was Martin's 3rd time here, and James and my second. Well, who can resist Belgian chocolates! We bought James a TinTin poster and sweater (TinTin being Belgian and a favorite childhood hero of Martin's!).

One of our guidebooks recommended a bakery cafe for lunch and after making some purchases we headed there, just off the main square. We had a simple but amazing lunch - I still want more! James was actually allowed to have just an apple tart, the quality was so good. I could have sat here all day at the communal table - it was heaven.

Still, off we went again and saw the basilica and this time the under croft also. Bruges is just made for walking and wandering. James became my knight in shining armour as he professed to rescue me, Princess Charlotte, from an ancient tower by the canal. So sweet. He did so well considering the amount of walking he did. We coaxed him back to the car without having to carry him by way of a waffle shop. He was so tired he only ate a few mouthfuls and so we saved the rest for later.

Arriving back at the car, he was asleep within minutes and only woke again as we lined up for passport control at Dunkerque. So we sailed back to England and arrived home at about 6pm. Martin did an amazing job driving (nobody else offered - too scary!) We all had a great time and James' knowledge of French has improved. We've seen a bit more of France and love it more and more each time!

Photos are here.

Normandy trip - Day 3

Saturday morning - market day - in Honfleur. I wish we'd had more time to look around but we had a busy day ahead. The fishermen had delivered the days' catch and the fish and shrimp were still wriggling as they were placed on display for sale. Now that's fresh!

On the way to the car I popped into a patisserie and bought a couple of baguettes, then James and I shopped at a local supermarket where the fish was still jumping there too. We bought cherry tomatoes, a Camembert and red wine for our picnic lunch. All packed and ready to go, we reluctantly left Honfleur and headed east to the outskirts of Paris.

On the way we passed motorways signs to Vernon, the town just next to Monet's garden at Giverny. It was soooo tempting to pull off and drive the mere 5 km's but instead the signs flew by and we kept going. Our focus was the grand Château de Chantilly, in the village of the same name, 'The Town of Princes, the Capital of Horses'. A French friend of ours had recommended it and as we couldn't get to the Loire Valley we thought this would be a good compromise.

Cresting the hill the Château was spread out below us - just incredible! Along with the impressive (total understatement!) Château was the Horse Museum. We haven't been to Versailles to compare this but it was a spectacular sight. We parked the car and had our picnic on the grass overlooking the Chateau. I never wanted that cheese to end! Afterwards we heaved ourselves up and spent some time exploring the apartments and treasures within. At 2pm there was a little train to take us around the extensive parkland and gardens. James fell asleep, full of food and little legs worn out.

The sat-nav took us back onto the motorway and onto Lille. We had visited here last November with friends and it was a totally different atmosphere this time, but still a lovely place. We found our hotel, Couvent des Minimes, a renovated convent int he heart of the city, then wandered about to find some dinner. There were plenty of people about in the evening and we were happy to see some of the familiar buildings then relax over dinner and beer!

Photos are here.

Normandy trip - Day 2

Day 2. Bayeux and the Beaches.

After breakfast of croissants, cheese and cafe au lait we spent some time exploring the streets of Honfleur which were blooming with summer flowers. We always like to step beyond the main tourist streets and this time was no exception. James did a great job tackling the hills and was allowed, as usual, to light a candle at the church of St Leonard.

Returning to our car in its secure park we drove to Bayeux, home of the famous, 1000 year old tapestry. First we looked around Notre Dame, bearing a striking resemblance to its sister in Paris. Unfortunately it was closed and we couldn't get in but the outside was impressive enough! I ducked into a patisserie and bought an almond meringue to share. That kept a certain little boy quiet for a while!

The Bayeux Tapestry tour had an audio guide which told the story of its commissioning by the Bishop Odo of Bayeux, William the Conqueror's half-brother and the main story of William's Battle at Hastings and ascension to the English throne in 1066. At 70 metres long the tapestry is more like an embroidery and is thought to be produced in the decade after the famous battle.

Heading a short distance north we wanted to visit the D-day beaches where the allies landed in their droves in June 6th, 1944. Here at Omaha Beach is a memorial to the American soldiers that fell liberating France, and further up at Juno Beach is the huge Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. This cemetery, atop a steep cliff overlooking the English Channel is a beautiful setting for the final resting place for over 20,000 men and women. It is a place of reflection and quiet respect.

By now the day was ending so we parked at Courseulles-sur-Mer and had dinner at a bistro. Darren and Gill especially enjoyed the fresh mussels and local apple cider. We took the slow coast road back to Honfleur in the evening light.

Photos are here.

Normandy trip - Day 1

Day 1 Windsor to Honfleur via the English Channel and the battlefields of the Somme.

Relatively smooth ferry crossing with our car, arriving in France at 1pm. After initializing sat-nav and sticking to the right-hand side of the road we drove to the village of Villers-Bretonneux. This was a quaint surprise as we drove down Rue de Melbourne and stopped to admire the town hall, adorned with kangaroos and the Australian flag flying beside the French. Just outside the village was the Australian National Memorial, a beautiful spot high on a hill surrounded by rolling hills and fields. The white tombstones of hundreds of Australian and allied soldiers are here, as well as all those who were never identified. The cemetery has stood there since 1938 and we were humbled by the respect shown to our fellow countrymen by the French. The gardens were immaculate and there was a peaceful atmosphere. So many young men who died so far from home.

From there we drove the few miles to Le Hamel to a black granite memorial where some trenches of the front line against the Germans were still evident.

Arriving in Honfleur we checked into our hotel, the Cheval Blanc (White Horse). Martin chose this lovely hotel for its location which was right on the harbour. As the sun set we ate a fish dinner, complete with white wine and the apple brandy, Calvados. We strolled around the Vieux basin (Old dock) and James took a ride on the 100 year old carousel. He was thrilled!

Photos are here

Making the most of a soggy weekend

It's been a dull and soggy weekend. But with the folks here we've wanted to make the best of it and offer them an opportunity to travel about. For me, this is the first downtime in about two months so I'm feeling rather exhausted despite (or perhaps from) not much activity.

Yesterday we visited the Source of the Thames just south of Cirencester. We visited in December when there was definite water on the ground. It was a different experience this time around. Where there were open fields we now had to wade through 2 metre high corn plants. Where there were shallow lakes the ground was now dry. But is was an interesting experience nonetheless. Having visited the site of the spring you can picture the fields and oaks where the mighty Thames begins.

Walking back to the car the rain started so we made our way to a nearby pub for lunch. A few ales and ploughmans later we called it a day. Photos are here.

Today, we visited Winchester. Its a favourite location of ours - particularly the Cathedral with its medieval history. We also visited the Great Hall to view Arthur's Round Table. Again - it drizzled so we called it s day and headed back for a cosy dinner. James and Dad are reading Yertle the Turtle. Ahh - its good to have them here!

Mum & Dad arrive

Mum & Dad arrived safely this afternoon following a marathon 30-odd hour flight that included stops at Singapore and Dubai. True to form they had to content with a gloomy, rain-spotted day and Heathrow under siege by protesters.

Understandably they are a little weary but very happy to be here; especially to see James. Tonight Merrilyn is cooking some Windsor Farm Shop sausages (a James favourite) and then I think we'll dodge the showers and take a short stroll up to the Castle.

It's good to have them here and we look forward to a couple of weeks of good times. Dad is keen to take James to Legoland. I'm looking forward to our France road trip next week.

[PS - Just returned from our walk to the Castle; a few drowned rats. Not so lucky dodging the showers!]

Afternoon with friends

Today was another lovely sunny day. Perfect for an afternoon spent with friends and good food.

It was a chance to catch up with our Portuguese friends Alex, Christina, Ricardo, and little Pedro - only two weeks old. Merrilyn again prepared a wonderful array of morsels which we enjoyed on in the garden out front of the apartment.

James and Ricardo enjoyed football (well - soccer). Alex and I couldn't help but join in. Little Ricardo just loves his football and he has quite a skill. James as much enjoyed chasing the ball as kicking.

Alex has recently taken a new job that sees him as President of EMEA. He'll be spending even more time travelling away from his family. So with the arrival of Pedro they have made the decision that the family will move back to their home in Portugal. Alex will still have an apartment somewhere near Marlow where his HQ is located. But we will all miss them very much. We have enjoyed their warm friendship.

Christina and Merrilyn are already planning a possible visit. After all - Portugal is only a few hours away. And who wouldn't want to spend a week with friends by the beach?

Photos are here.

Creative at the Castle

This morning James and I visited the castle to participate in the school holiday art program. You may remember the family shield and armour helmet from the last holidays.

James enjoyed cutting and sticking and laying the 'grass'. Needless to say his white t-shirt needs a good soak! A late addition to the masterpiece is a sign that says "Do not get on the Queen's grass, please".

Photos are here.

Lucerne Videos

Here is the video of our Lucerne trip. It's split in two (YouTube only allows up to 10 minutes each).