Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Dear France, au revoir.




Well the time has come. I should be leaving France tomorrow. First off I am excited because the keyboard here are different. Typing takes much longer. It beco,es qt leqst ,ilkdly qnooying. (that was typing as if on a normal keyboard)


The past few days have been a whirlwind. I spent time visiting Normandy, the region where the D-Day invasion happened. I saw the American cemetery, battered German emplacements, Omaha Beach and the site where the American Rangers had to climb 150 foot tall cliffs. It was awe inspiring for me to be where so many men my age gave their lives for the sake of an ideal. Every step taken by allied forces pushed liberation one step closer to the oppressed and imprisoned. The type of man created in those times of turmoil does not often exist today. Plus, it was just awesome to see the impact of naval bombardments, even 70 years later. Photos to follow.

I was not only kindly hosted by a French couple in Caen but I was invited out to meet many of their friends, most of whom spoke at least some English. They were very warm and welcoming to me making me feel right at home. I also spent a whole day traveling again with two random Americans. We met in Bayeaux. This is the city closest to the D=Day invasion sites as an entity. Chris, another one, is from South Dakota and Richard is from Atlanta.

Personally this was a point of praise for me. I have been praying that God would encourage my spirit and send believers for me to spend time with. Once again God is so faithful. Meeting Richard at the hotel where our tour was based I find out that he is a strong believer. His family could not come so just Richard traveled this time. It was such a blessing being about to be encouraged in faith by an older Christian. And in of all places, Caen, France! God is truly good.

Today I am in Nice, pronounced neece. I met the Mediterranean today. He is nice. One thing is for sure, people here are terrible at skipping rocks. Perhaps there is a business opportunity here for Americans to come teach French people how to throw a rock in the water. I know it would be more outsourcing but perhaps in could help the economy somehow.

After a wonderful French dinner at a hidden local restaurant and some Gelato I am ready to go to bed. The folks I am staying with tonight, Julian and Maria, have been more then kind. I like them a lot. Everywhere I seem to meet the most wonderful people. Tomorrow may include crossing the Alps on my way to Italy, who knows.

I promise that my next post will be much more full of witty quips and funny stories but I will leave the communist rallies and clothes wearing dogs for next time.


Meeting the Mediterranean

















My backpack home.

6 comments:

  1. Glad your having a good time. Love the pictures. DE

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  2. Chris,
    I finally learned how to do this.
    I hope you are having a wonderful time. We are sure enjoying your blog messages.
    Have fun and remember we love you.
    PAPA

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  3. Dude, I'm freaking pumped you are having this adventure! Way to go out and do it, bro! I'm impressed. Love the posts. They betray a bit of sleep deprivation and mid-trip excitement. Keep it up!

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  4. Wow, I am so amazed at your adventure. After being Gornied I am sure France will never be the same! Travel safe and enjoy! Love Dad

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  5. I am loving your pictures. Looks like you are enjoying beautiful places and meeting interesting people. We are supposed to get somewhere between 6 and 16 inches of snow Friday and Saturday. Go figure, it's Kansas. Travel safely! I love you Chris. Mom

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  6. ohhhhh Chris. Bible study at the Flynns tonight just wasn't the same without you!

    Love the new post!
    lindz

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