Some thoughts on Europe, Barcelona and Normandy France

I have yet to do any articles regarding travel so today I would like to point out some areas in Europe starting with Barcelona. When you go to Barcelona one things stands out and that is the work of Antonio Gaudí who was a Spanish architect known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism. Gaudí's works have a highly individualized, one-of-a-kind style. Most are located in Barcelona, including his main work, the church of the Sagrada which continues to be built to this day. The city of Barcelona only recently approved a building permit after it has been being constructed for over a hundred years. It is truly an amazing building seemingly violating every known engineering rule. Other must see's are his apartments and his park all of which will amaze you. But Beaune, France has our soul, Paris, France has our heart, the beaches of Normandy have our patriotism, Lyon, France to us is the dining capital of the world, Florence is the fashion capital of the world, and finally Barcelona is the Art, Intellectual, Engineering, and Architectural capital of the world. Every time we come home we have many, many observations of Europe. We feel such a closeness to these wonderful people and feel that despite the world’s problems just as we feel in America there are millions of decent hard working people everywhere who can solve anything they put their minds too. So many young people here and young families wanting what everyone wants for their children, a safe place to live, a good education, and an honest wage. Don’t forget but up until 1946 or so Europe was constantly at war or overrun by some invading force and they have not really known true peace for only 70 years or so. But they have risen like a phoenix from the ashes and have something we can all be proud of. There is much we can learn from their style of living, and oh how well they live. The food, the wine, the art, the clothes, the nightly strolls on the oceanfront, or the Ramblas, or the streets of Paris. 

And that brings me to the Normandy Beaches, Utah, Ponte du Hoc(Ranger Assault up a 300 ft cliff with 2000 pound bombs raining down on top of them, craters the size of our house), and Omaha and the American Cemetery and Memorial on Omaha Beach. It was a moving and emotional day and maybe a pilgrimage we all should take. Many American’s were here but what was truly remarkable was not 10, not 100, not 500 but thousands upon thousands of French Citizens here of all ages, quiet, respectful, honoring the American dead. I saw hundreds of teenagers in school groups quietly listening to the stories of D-Day. I saw French Citizens placing roses on American graves, I personally witnessed French parents with their young children telling how great the Americans were. The parents are raising their children to love Americans. I saw private residence upon private residence miles upon miles going to the beach’s flying American Flags in their front yards proudly. As an American Veteran I was given discounts to the museums. How many French citizens who visit America are given veterans discounts? How many times do we teach our own children how great the French are? I reject any claims that the French do not respect, love, and honor Americans. Clark and I have been treated with nothing but courtesy, care, and respect. Those who say negative things regarding the French have just not been here and tried to know and love these wonderful people. They have different priorities than we do and I am not sure that their priorities are not better than ours. They will never give up the two-hour lunch and maybe we would be emotionally and physically healthier if we did the same. So I am proud to say Vive Le France. Soon I am returning to France and hopefully will have great travel stories to tell you soon.