22 octobre 2011
22h30
Well, the goal was to get up at 9h00 and be out the door around 10h. But, I think we were all pretty tired, and the room was so freezing that we didn’t want to even get out of bed. Did I mention how they screwed the radiator adjustors into place so we can’t make it any warmer…but it’s only eight euros per night :P
But, as we looked up the details about how to get to the beaches, we found very discouraging news. The bus that took us to the city where the bus that would take us to the beach is, wasn’t running. And anyway, the bus to the beach only came twice a day, at 12h30 and 16h30. It was not looking good, and since we got out of bed later, it didn’t look like we were going to make it. Anyway, we decided to take a train to Bayeux and go from there. We figured if we couldn’t find a way to get to the beaches, we would find something to do there. I was really not feeling confident at all. I couldn't believe I was going to spend all this money and not even get to see the beaches!
The beautiful tram station we wait at to take us to the train station:
On the train ride to Bayeux. Oh, the beautiful French countryside:
Somehow, we had a total miracle. When we got off the train and saw an advertisement for taxis to the American Cemetery for only 33 euros! We called, and it turned out they were waiting in the train station parking lot to take us there!! What luck! Actually, this was my first time in a taxi, ever. It only took about twenty five minutes to get there, and our driver even gave us a little description of the beaches and the surrounding area. He was so great, we decided to tip him—even though he said people don’t really do that in France.
We first went to the Visitor’s Center. Actually, the two American landing beaches (Omaha and Utah) are on American territory. Our driver told us as we pulled up, “Welcome home; you’re on American soil!”
"You can manufacture weapons, and you can purchase ammunition, but you can't buy valor, and you can't pull heros off an assembly line."
I was so amazed. It was very interesting because although it was a tourist attraction, the mood was perfectly somber. I mean, three thousand American soldier died on this soil in less than one day. Kind of hard to believe. I’m not a history buff (as probably you all know), but there was so much information there, I really felt like I could take it all in. There were short movies playing that were all very emotional. It was kind of the perfect mood, because I was already contemplative (no energy!).
"The battle belonged that morning to the thin, wet line of khaki that dragged itself ashore on the channel coast of France."
One of the most astounding things I learned was that the Germans put 6.5 million mines along the Atlantic wall for fortifications, as well as 500,000 beach obstacles. Hitler thought no one would be able to get through, but alas, he was defeated. That these men, most under 25 years old, would be willing to go in there and risk their lives in the name of freedom is so mind boggling.
"Nous n'oublions pas, nous n'oublierons jamais, la dette d'infinie gratitude que nous avons contractée envers ceux qui ont tout donné pour notre libération."
"We do not forget, we will never forget, the debt of infinite gratitude that we owe those who gave everything for our liberation."
Seeing the cemetery made it hit even harder. There are over 9,000 soldiers buried here, most of whom have direct connections with the invasions in Normandy. I know I can be very nonchalant about America and our “quest for freedom.” I sometimes think that people are overreacting, or don’t really understand what freedom is. But this really got it to me. I understand that there are people in the world who ask for our help. There are people who want to be liberated from controlling dictators, and the men who go in there to free them—at the ultimate cost, sometimes—are true heros. I feel so amazingly blessed. I hope I don’t forget this. I really am blessed to be an American citizen. As much as I love France, there’s so much I miss about America, too.
The memorial and cemetery:
After seeing all we could before closing time (we didn’t make it to the German batteries), we called the taxi again and headed out. We met a group of cadets from West Point. Oh là là :D Verry nice :P
On the way down to the landing beach, Omaha:
Thank you, all who gave their lives for the love of others.
We may or may not have tried to replicate the Laetoli footprints (c. 3.5 million years ago. First evidence that Australopithecus afarensis was bipedal). Oh, this class has ruined us!! :P
It really was such a pretty day :)
A crab!!!
Omaha:
We finally made it back and got some kebabs (sooo delicious), and managed to get back on the last bus of the night. (Another miracle!) I’m so so so so exhausted tonight; there was a lot of walking in the sand and up hills. But how can I complain?! There were men who charged this beach with near constant artillery firing from all directions in the name of freedom. So amazing.
A random super old church by the train station in Bayeux. Oh, the awesome gems we find in France :)
I never thought I would be the one to see sights like this. I didn’t think I would be so impressed, but somehow being in the very same location on such a beautiful day just made a connection for me. There’s so much I’ve been given in my life, and though I’ve been given my fair share of trials as well, we’re all asked to sacrifice. I hope some day I will be strong enough to give when I’m asked.
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