Tuesday, March 20, 2012

First concert in Normandy area...

Cerisy Le Foret, France
 Left Paris about 9am and drove to a little village where we would all stay for the night in the home of a gal who helped plan the tour.  She has a house which was built in 1900.  It's in Cerisy Le Foret, population 800, surrounded by dairy farms with an elementary school across the street.  Children were at recess as we arrived and came running to peer at the visitors in town.

Shannon is an American but has lived in France as long as she lived in the States.  She is a translator of films here.
City Center...
 Cozzie and I stayed at the home while the others went to set up plus all else that was happening for this big event in the area.  Two other bands were opening with MBD beginning about 10pm.


 Cerisy Le Foret is nearly litter free.  It is a town half hour from Omaha Beach.  After 4 years of occupation by Germany, France began to be liberated on June 6, 1944.  This town was liberated on July 14, 1944.  It sustained much damage from bombs so has been largely rebuilt.

There is a memorial to honor the liberators of the town which is also true of most towns in the area I'm told.
 Little grocery store...
Selected bread, fruit, cheese and yogurt...

Headed off for a walk around town after a nice nap...

Abbey was built in 1042 and still stands with many rebuilds due to fires etc...

Cemetery across the street from the Abbey...

Probably a section of the original structure with newer beside it...

Property has two large, magnificent structures which are open to tourists only...

Beautifully maintained buildings and grounds...


Backside of the Abbey...
Watching the doggie and the horses...





Lovely fish pond on the edge of town...

Annual Sculpture event draws many renowned people who continue their creations each year...
Town's residents own farms that surround the village...
World War II Memorial..
"In Memory of our Liberators..."
The town's elementery school...



It's been a great day.  It's been wonderful to learn a bit more about THE GREATEST GENERATION of men who bravely stormed the beach at Normandy and began the liberation of France.

I'll learn about the concert in the morning.  Better get some sleep myself while Cozzie is down for the night.

1 comment:

Marge B. said...

Dear 'Grandma Lee',

You know I really think Cozzie could greatly benefit from having his 'Great Aunt Marge' attending him on this tour, as well. I can tell from some of the pics you've sent of him, that he's looking somewhat stressed. I sense that he is quite anxious about not having his favorite Great Aunt at his beck & call. But I understand that this is a learning venture for you all. But I'll speak in behalf of Cozzie in saying that you need to seriously consider ALL of his needs in planning the next tour, so that ALL of his needs are provided for.

(Ha-Ha!!) Well.....if I ever retire, it would be a dream to accompany you guys. Sounds like you're thoroughly enjoying this time together in a beautiful country. However, I'm sure this tour includes a lot of work too.

Praying for good rest, safety, positive 'bonding time', and continued good health....

Love, 'Great Aunt' Marge