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France #2


Another whirlwind of a week - I'm looking forward to everything settling back to normal so that I (we) can all get some routine back in our lives. This time last week we set off on a bike adventure, the first proper one since before the kids were born. We headed to France with Simon and Sharron, only for she and I to discover that our first stop was actually Belgium. We should have clocked this - after all we knew we were going to go to the Menin Gate - but somehow neither of us had realised that this was not France... good job we weren't navigating!

The weather forecast had looked poor and Glenn was in a quandry before we left as to what combo of gear to wear. I only have one set of bike clothes so for me it was a much easier decision. As it was although we left in rain by the time we reached the M3 it had dried up and by France it was warm again. We finished the journey complaining about being too hot - just can't please us!

The Menin Gate was a really sombre occasion - a commemoration of the 1.7 million men and women who died in WWII. That is such an enormous number of lives, and yet we still seem to be killing each other around the world. I walked along the ramparts of Ypres and promised myself that I will go back and spend more time there - it's a beautiful and historic old town with much more to explore.

From here on Monday we set out for Normandy and the beaches. The plan was to do a number of particular sights, with whatever we could fit in around this. We did Utah and Omaha beaches, Pegasus Bridge, Dead Man's Corner and the American Cemetery over 2 days. By that time it was all beginning to wash over me but I learned so much. Actually what I realised was just how little I really knew about the war and what happened where, also something to remedy otherwise it does become just another forgotten war. We had a lovely time and I really enjoyed being on the bike again - 4 days was definitely enough though - very difficult to feel you've moved much when you spend so much of the day travelling.

We got home late on Wednesday evening with me feeling a bit sorry for myself. Glenn had some bug while we'd been away which I then got. It made me feel very tired and nauseous and for 2 days I just wanted to avoid food and sleep. Unfortunately I had to work so that wasn't going to happen! At least it didn't last too long.

While we were in France the kids were having a ball with Simon and Audrey. Every time we got a message from them they were doing something else, at the waterpark, making necklaces, walking with Piper, playing on the zipwire, teaching Simon to make slime, eating popcorn under a duvet while watching a film... they came home absolutely full of the fun they had and how much they'd enjoyed their stay which was so lovely to hear. A repeat visit is clearly on the cards every summer!

So another 2 weeks of holiday and then back to school. We've started to get ready; Izzy just can't wait  and nor can Glenn quite frankly. They are making the most of having the time to spend with friends. They both seem to drift in and out which is good but a bit strange. This weeks highlight is having Ben and Laurie come visit mid week. They are coming by train which will be an adventure but one I'm sure they are ready for - kids can't wait!!








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