Norman Invasion

The Star-Spangled Banner flies strongly among the flags of other nations including Germany to the left in front of a famous WWII museum in Caen (Normandy).

I admit that I'd like to just "fit in" instead of getting weird looks from people when I open my mouth. My German friend Johannes can also relate to those feelings. However, as the two of us discovered and rediscovered sites commemorating the Second World War, I know that it was easier from my point of view as someone whose countrymen enjoyed such labels as "brave" and "heros".

Deauville is one of Lexington's sister cities. Apart from the sign in front of the grandiose Bluegrass Airport claiming Deauville and somewhere in Japan, I'm not sure what purpose this serves. Deauville and Lexington both have horses... other than that they're not the same. Deauville is the epitome of the typical Norman town even if it is a bit overdone.

Etretat always looked like an elephant to me, but that was just from postcards. Now that I've seen it and the other beautiful cliffs surrounding the area, I ... well, I still think it looks like an elephant. And you?

I studied one summer in Normandy and left with lasting friends & better French. Marie-Noelle & Gilbert graciously welcomed me and a friend back into their home for a little visit last week. Elivira & Pia (not their daughters) work for the summer program that I was a part of. The Rodots have a contagious generosity which makes that they have friends all over the globe.