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Best of Normandy, France


Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest: In this episode: FAQ is: What is the best mobile phone to get for a traveler? I’m not sure which will suit me for the price and the needs?

Today’s Destination is: Normandy, France

Today’s Mistake- Bringing too many heavy books

Travel Advice:  Write your Thank you’s in snail mail.

Today’s destination: Normandy, France

Located in the northern part of France, you will find Normandy the place to see WW2 beachheads, including Omaha Beach, the site of the D-Day landing. One warning here is don’t try to get to this destination on a Sunday, as public transportation is not running. That’s what happened to me. My backup plan was to hire a taxi and that worked out fine as I found another couple of travelers who had the same issue join my cab.

Seeing the cemetery at Omaha Beach is breathtaking, and the museum on the grounds is worth it. This part of France belongs to the US. 

You'll find other beaches and  museums in the region also. The area is tourist friendly and most people speak several languages.

 

What movies show Normandy and this time in history?

Saving Private Ryan, D-Day, Band of Brothers, The Longest Day and The Battle of Normandy, 85 Days in Hell are movies that bring this WW2 history to life.

If time allows, Normandy has a rocky island of Mont Saint Michel, with a soaring Gothic abbey on top. One other find is the city of Rouen, with a beautiful cathedral where Catholic saint Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.

 

I stayed in a nearby city called Caen, which is a port city and capital of Calvados department in this region. In the city, I explored the Chateau de Caen, a castle that had been built in the eleventh century, by William the Conqueror.

You may spend several hours exploring this vibrant city, which is not on the main tourist routes. 

 

Today’s Mistake- Bringing too many heavy books

Don’t carry heavy books, including travel books. Use apps whenever you can.

 

Today’s Travel Advice-Write your Thank you’s in snail mail.

Send thank you’s to those who treat you well. It’s always good practice, even if it’s not so

 timely. Here is a way to make your appreciation count. First, express something specific that you remember, such as a meal or activity. Then offer to reciprocate, if you can. Lastly, Wrap up with a closing sentence.

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