Normandy Part 1

Upon arriving in Paris and promptly trying to get over our jet lag, we set out to see as much as we could of Paris, especially as it was almost the National Holiday: Bastille Day, July 14. We were interested in comparing how their National Day was celebrated with how ours is celebrated (July 4, Independence Day).  We saw military plane fly-overs and a beautiful fireworks display centered around the Eiffel Tower that started at around 11:00 pm, since it doesn't get totally dark until then in the summer in France. We'll be adding video footage of these events soon.

The next day we were able to spend some time visiting Giverny, also in Normandy, where the famous impressionist artist Monet had a house and was inspired by his water gardens and flower gardens. It was truly magnificent. Additionally we were able to see some of Paris' most beautiful architecture from the River Seine as we traveled by boat. And finally, we took a side-trip to the Normandy Coast and saw the hauntingly beautiful and historically magnificent D-Day beaches and the American National Cemetery.

Above and right:  Omaha Beach in Normandy, The American National Cemetery in Coleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, and another view of Omaha Beach.

Below:  Flowers in Monet's Gardens in Giverny, The Water Lillies of Monet (he created this man-made pond which he later used as an inspiration for his paintings), more flowers, and Monet's House and Museum.