Monday, May 31, 2010
Back in London safely
The cruise was excellent, travel back from Oslo with no problems, and we're now back at Pax Lodge for the week. Will be adding more posts and pictures this week now that I have a little more free time and easy access to WiFi.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Jagermeister update
Discussed this drinking phenomena with some new Norwegian friends to "get the scoop". Apparently, Jagermeister is purportedly good for the digestive track so it is consumed for medicinal purposes. Who knew!
Monday, May 24, 2010
May 23 - Normandy Gardens
The beautiful gardens of Normandy are the feature today. We took a ½ day tour from the Port of Cherbourg and visited two outstanding gardens in the peninsula area. The mist in the port area quickly gives way to a beautiful sunny day.
The first, at the Castle of Vauville, is 10 acres in size and a family operation. It has over 500 different species of plants from all over the world and the garden is designed and planted to provide quiet walking paths which allow the plants to develop naturally. The owner has doubled the size of the garden since taking over from his father, and has plans for gradually increasing the gardens further.
We’re here at a perfect time – the rhodos and azaleas are out in full bloom – for a period of 2-3 weeks only. This garden is situated just off the beach area so must be planned in such a way that high growth protects other parts of the garden from the intense winds and species are selected that can deal with salt mist.
The second, the gardens of the Chateau de Nacqueville, were astounding. The chateau is registered as an historical monument and owned by an English family – it has been in their family for several generations. Construction started on the chateau in 1510 as a fortified manor. Like much of this area of Normandy, fortification against attacks by the English was common. It is characteristic of the finest of Cotentin manors. It was occupied during World War II by both the Germans and Americans and was badly damaged in parts. Rebuilding was undertaken to restore the exterior to historic correctness, but the inside has been (and continues to be) upgraded to modern standards.
The gardens were created in 1830 by an English landscape gardener and features a stream with a series of waterfalls leading to a lake. The engineering on-site is amazing as gravity is used for all the water sourcing and the site is laid out in a way that makes the view out to the ocean appear as if passing cruise ships are floating in the air. Again, rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. Ornamental trees, palm trees, and beautiful perennials of many kinds make this an absolutely beautiful setting. The original guard house and drawbridge remain, though the moat has disappeared. The owner personally provided the tour which was special, as she knew the history of the owning families over the ages.
The Beaches of Normandy
Le Havre is our port today. It was built in 1517 to expedite trade with the New World and to protect France from Britain. A large lock separates the tidal River Seine and an inner canal. This port focuses on export of vehicles and the import of petrochemicals with 7000 ships per year. Eighty percent of the nuclear power in France is produced in the area.
Our long day tour today featured the WWII memorials dedicated to the stories of the Allied invasions in Normandy as the overthrow of the Germans began on the western front in Europe. While focused on the American sites, once our guide knew we were from Canada, he shared a lot of information about the British and Canadian contributions in the area as well. Our British guide, Colin, was absolutely superb – definitely a history buff so not only did he share information about the battles in the area, he was able to share the long history of wars, leadership, etc. over the ages – very interesting.
The first stop was the cliffs above Utah and Omaha beaches at the Pont du Hoc.
With a deep mist blowing in off the ocean, you could almost imagine how difficult this landing and battle was – it was cold and wet – and we were only there for an hour. For those soldiers there for many weeks, it would have been very uncomfortable for sure. The top of the cliff is riddled with large holes which would have provided protection for German soldiers as the attacks began. Two of the planned gun platforms were in place at the time of the attack on 6 June 1944 and remnants remain on the cliff.
After here, we traveled to the lower beach level where a beautiful sculpture and several memorials mark the Omaha beach landing sites and battles. Here, ~ 1,000 Americans lost their lives on June 6th, 1944 due to several factors – inaccurate bombing activity from the ships offshore, no tank support for the 1st wave of soldiers, poor weather, a well-qualified German division recently relocated to the area, and the terrain. It was easy to see how the long, flat open beach would have left the soldiers disembarking from landing craft totally exposed. We learned that even with a similar mix of mistakes and bad weather, the Canadians were successful in their part of the mission on Juno beach and also on the Plain of Caen where they took control of the Pegasus Bridge.
Our next stop was the American Cemetery where 9,387 soldiers lost in battles in the area are buried. The perfectly aligned crosses, in every direction, are enscripted on one side, purportedly facing the U.S. In total, 14,000 are buried in Normandy, while another 14,000 were repatriated to the States when the cemeteries in the area were consolidated in the 50s. France has given the US land use in perpetuity so the site is managed and maintained by the States. A very moving site with beautiful gardens. The holly oak, which is green all year, lines many of the long walkways between the different sectors of the cemetery. Large wall diagrams show the movement of the various allied forces in the area over the summer of 1944 and the contributions of the various regiments.
Our afternoon was spent at the Caen War Memorial centre. An absolutely fantastic collection of print, picture, and video information about the time between WWI and WWII (economic, social and political happenings around the world), and then after the war. We didn’t even have time to get to the 2nd half of the exhibit as there was so much to read and listen to in the pre-1945 section. Definitely worth a 2nd visit on a return trip.
The return trip through the countryside of Normandy offered views of a mainly agricultural area with many cattle grazing in the hedge-surrounded fields.
Dairy and beef cattle are both raised – including a Normandy breed – it features “sunglasses” around the eyes! Camembert cheese is made from the milk of a certain breed of cow in this area. Apples are plentiful in the area after introduction from the Pyrenees in the 11th century. Distilled, it forms the traditional drink of Normandy, Calvados – an apple brandy. Flax in the fields produces first seeds and oil, then linen threads from the stocks which are exported to China. There is lots of limestone in the area so the houses are all block stone construction. Numerous 17th century castles are visible along the routes in the area – no stops to view today though as it wasn’t the focus of the tour.
Our long day tour today featured the WWII memorials dedicated to the stories of the Allied invasions in Normandy as the overthrow of the Germans began on the western front in Europe. While focused on the American sites, once our guide knew we were from Canada, he shared a lot of information about the British and Canadian contributions in the area as well. Our British guide, Colin, was absolutely superb – definitely a history buff so not only did he share information about the battles in the area, he was able to share the long history of wars, leadership, etc. over the ages – very interesting.
The first stop was the cliffs above Utah and Omaha beaches at the Pont du Hoc.
With a deep mist blowing in off the ocean, you could almost imagine how difficult this landing and battle was – it was cold and wet – and we were only there for an hour. For those soldiers there for many weeks, it would have been very uncomfortable for sure. The top of the cliff is riddled with large holes which would have provided protection for German soldiers as the attacks began. Two of the planned gun platforms were in place at the time of the attack on 6 June 1944 and remnants remain on the cliff.
After here, we traveled to the lower beach level where a beautiful sculpture and several memorials mark the Omaha beach landing sites and battles. Here, ~ 1,000 Americans lost their lives on June 6th, 1944 due to several factors – inaccurate bombing activity from the ships offshore, no tank support for the 1st wave of soldiers, poor weather, a well-qualified German division recently relocated to the area, and the terrain. It was easy to see how the long, flat open beach would have left the soldiers disembarking from landing craft totally exposed. We learned that even with a similar mix of mistakes and bad weather, the Canadians were successful in their part of the mission on Juno beach and also on the Plain of Caen where they took control of the Pegasus Bridge.
Our next stop was the American Cemetery where 9,387 soldiers lost in battles in the area are buried. The perfectly aligned crosses, in every direction, are enscripted on one side, purportedly facing the U.S. In total, 14,000 are buried in Normandy, while another 14,000 were repatriated to the States when the cemeteries in the area were consolidated in the 50s. France has given the US land use in perpetuity so the site is managed and maintained by the States. A very moving site with beautiful gardens. The holly oak, which is green all year, lines many of the long walkways between the different sectors of the cemetery. Large wall diagrams show the movement of the various allied forces in the area over the summer of 1944 and the contributions of the various regiments.
Our afternoon was spent at the Caen War Memorial centre. An absolutely fantastic collection of print, picture, and video information about the time between WWI and WWII (economic, social and political happenings around the world), and then after the war. We didn’t even have time to get to the 2nd half of the exhibit as there was so much to read and listen to in the pre-1945 section. Definitely worth a 2nd visit on a return trip.
The return trip through the countryside of Normandy offered views of a mainly agricultural area with many cattle grazing in the hedge-surrounded fields.
Dairy and beef cattle are both raised – including a Normandy breed – it features “sunglasses” around the eyes! Camembert cheese is made from the milk of a certain breed of cow in this area. Apples are plentiful in the area after introduction from the Pyrenees in the 11th century. Distilled, it forms the traditional drink of Normandy, Calvados – an apple brandy. Flax in the fields produces first seeds and oil, then linen threads from the stocks which are exported to China. There is lots of limestone in the area so the houses are all block stone construction. Numerous 17th century castles are visible along the routes in the area – no stops to view today though as it wasn’t the focus of the tour.
Sailing with Norwegians - a new experience
Sailing with 1300+ Norwegians, Jagermeister is definitely the drink of choice it appears – and any time of day or night! The bartenders are walking around at 10:00 a.m. offering shots while we’re still making our way through coffee and breakfast– a bit of a culture shock for us! Or HUGE cans of Foster beer – about 2 times the size of our cans of beer at home. We thought there must be a special on the beer on arrival day as most tables in the dining room were adorned – but it turns out, it is just a favourite! A lot of alcohol consumed on this cruise – but no wild parties or problems – everyone is well behaved!
May 20 - Arrival day, Oslo, Norway
Our 9 day Normandy & British Isles cruise begins today in Oslo. No problems with flight from London due to volcanic ash, although the cruise transportation fellow that met us at the airport said a number were delayed on earlier flights. Our cruise experience began with the news that the ship had been plagued by Norwalk virus on the last couple of sailings, so was undergoing an intense cleaning before we could board – all precautionary to decrease the chance of sickness. Slowed lines considerably and then everyone had to wait for cabins but by late afternoon, everyone was getting settled. The precautions also include TOTAL handling of all food service by staff – again, a rare event for them so it is taking everyone a little getting used to. Unfortunately, it means the library is closed as well (though we can still get a daily Sudoku puzzle!) as they have no means to sanitize the books, as they are doing with every other surface of the ship (many times a day).
Having cruised before, a quick tour of the ship helped us get our bearings pretty quickly. Off we go! A day at sea tomorrow.
Having cruised before, a quick tour of the ship helped us get our bearings pretty quickly. Off we go! A day at sea tomorrow.
Pax Lodge Welcomes Guiders
Pax Lodge World Centre is located in Hampstead Heath just north of central London.
It is co-located with Olave House, the headquarters of the World Bureau.
The facility operates like a hostel (B&B) for Guiding members (and others) – but is also a meeting place for Guiding committees while offering girl and adult programming a number of times during the year. So …. It is a busy place. You receive the code to the security door and are asked to sign in/out so they know where you are in the event of a fire, but other than that, everyone comes and goes on a multitude of schedules. It is ideally located near the north tube line, so it’s a quick 13 minute ride to central London
As you enter, you are greeted by a beautiful collection of the symbols of the four World Centres – the squirrel for Our Chalet, the Cuernavaca tree of life for Our Cabana, and the emblems for Pax Lodge and Sangam.
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The lower floor has offices, meeting space and the large common dining hall. The 2nd and 3rd floors are predominantly residence rooms for visitors together with staff space, a common kitchen and laundry facilities. A very efficient layout that is very welcoming for visitors.
Like the other World Centres, it is actively promoting the WAGGGS 3-year Global Action Themes and encourages members staying at the Lodge to participate in examining the issues and proposing actions in their own community to address the issues. The walls are covered with ideas from various sessions and from visitors staying at the Lodge.
It is co-located with Olave House, the headquarters of the World Bureau.
The facility operates like a hostel (B&B) for Guiding members (and others) – but is also a meeting place for Guiding committees while offering girl and adult programming a number of times during the year. So …. It is a busy place. You receive the code to the security door and are asked to sign in/out so they know where you are in the event of a fire, but other than that, everyone comes and goes on a multitude of schedules. It is ideally located near the north tube line, so it’s a quick 13 minute ride to central London
As you enter, you are greeted by a beautiful collection of the symbols of the four World Centres – the squirrel for Our Chalet, the Cuernavaca tree of life for Our Cabana, and the emblems for Pax Lodge and Sangam.
.
The lower floor has offices, meeting space and the large common dining hall. The 2nd and 3rd floors are predominantly residence rooms for visitors together with staff space, a common kitchen and laundry facilities. A very efficient layout that is very welcoming for visitors.
Like the other World Centres, it is actively promoting the WAGGGS 3-year Global Action Themes and encourages members staying at the Lodge to participate in examining the issues and proposing actions in their own community to address the issues. The walls are covered with ideas from various sessions and from visitors staying at the Lodge.
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