Spring 2023-Normandy & beyond

BUT FIRST LETS TAKE A PEEK AT A STOPOVER IN PORTSMOUTH, UK

Well as you can see this is not Normandy. But that is ok. We flew into London from Chicago and went directly to Portsmouth. Situated on the English canal, it makes for a great place to depart by boat, which is what we will do after 2 days here. Portsmouth is quaint, and the people are friendly and gracious. Probably the best meal so far was in the pub in the center picture. A pub that dates back to the 1800’s.

Alright on to Caen Normandy where we have some family to visit!

This is a very special time for us. We have not been able to visit our family in France for almost 5 years.

Lots of enriching time with our family, a 50th birthday for one, a solemn walk on Omaha beach where Nancy’s father fought. And notice a rare item in the last picture of the four of us sitting outside in the sun! Sun in Normandy! But also notice that we are very cold. It was very, very cold!

Spires everywhere!

And then of course the photographer. She’s pretty important!

Right now the flowers and trees are quite beautiful here, there is definitely a huge difference than what we saw while in Chicago, and it is most welcome.

Now lets jump to another French city, This is our first time visiting Lyon.

On our way to the airport you can see the beautiful fields of rapeseed or as we know it canola oil flowers. The fields stretch across the countryside and are quite stunning.

Speaking of flowers and spring, there is a park in Lyon that is spectacular. Parco della Tète d’Or in the middle of Lyon consists of about 260 acres and includes a botanical garden, rose garden, zoo, lake with boating, and is also used by the population for jogging, biking and various sporting events.

It is quiet easy to spend an entire day there without feeling you are in a big city. A big city with lots of stairs, probably more going up and down than San Francisco. Here in Lyon you will get a workout if you like to walk like we do.