Compared to my other trips, this one was regrettably short, but was one of the most meaningful days of my life.
Through couchsurfing I was able to find a host with very positive reviews. For those who don't know what couchsurfing is, it's an online community where travelers can find hosts to stay with. For most, this concept is a little sketch, but I hope this post changes your mind.
The host I found was an older gentleman, around his late 40's, named Patrice. Patrice lives in Caen, which is the main city in Normandy.
My schedule was to arrive Sunday evening, and leave Monday evening. My main objective was to just focus on Juno Beach, but it turned into something much more.
When I first arrived, Patrice was waiting for me at the train station with another Italian couchsurfer. We immediately went to the Caen war museum, which I didn't even know existed. I could have spent the whole day at that museum. Right there I knew I should have ditched school work and spend the whole weekend.
We were only able to see the underground bunker, which was used by the Nazi's. There was also two slabs of the Berlin Wall, and a junk of brick from a factory in Stalingrad. If you don't know what happened in Stalingrad, watch the movie "Enemy at the Gates".
The museum closed shortly after, so we headed back to Patrice's to cook a nice dinner. We had a great time with an amazing turkey cream dish with rice, and wine of course.
Patrice works for the town of Ifs, and helped organize a tiny remembrance ceremony for the town. The ceremony was all in French, and also involved handing out medals. However, they decided to include me in the ceremony! They talked about me coming from Canada to be a part of Rememberance Day in Normandy, and how they must remember the sacrifice that other nations made as well.
The ceremony was finished at the town hall, where they served champagne, and snacks. While here, I was bombarded by the old folks, who were absolutely fascinated by me. My biggest fan was this sweet old lady, who at one point would not let me go, literally.
Below is a picture of me with the president of the veterans (my right), association, and the mayor of Ifs (my left). Notice how the sweet old lady decided she would be part of the picture too ha ha.
When the ceremony was over the mayor gave me a signed book of Canada's involvement in Normandy. For them, having a Canadian at their ceremony was very special, and I am so glad that I was a part of it.
Afterwards Patrice took me to a Canadian war cemetery. I have never been to a war cemetery before, and it was very emotional. The youngest Canadian buried at the cemetery was 15 years old. He was a kid who lied on his application so he could serve. Many of the graves I noticed were marked with kids who were younger than I was. We then came across graves of soldiers from Calgary, and I found one of a soldier who died in Caen at the age of 19. Patrice had saved a rose from the previous ceremony for me to place on one of the graves. He took these pictures, which will be used in the local newspaper.
After the cemetery it was time to head over to Juno Beach. When we arrived, I couldn't believe that I was actually there. Standing there on the beach and looking out across the sea, it was hard to believe I was standing on the spot where it all happened. I then went into the Juno Beach Centre, where Patrice and the Italian left me to the Canadian ceremony and the museum. I was able to meet many nice Canadians while I was there, and a couple of soldiers too. The ceremony was very nice, mainly because I could understand what they were saying this time. I had a quick visit in the museum before Patrice was back to pick me up to drop me at my train.
I wish I had just one more hour there. I really wanted to walk down the beach and take a little more time there. If I can go back one day that is what I will do.
Patrice dropped me off at the train station, and we said our goodbyes. I only had a limited time with him and in Caen, but it was probably the most meaningful trip of my life. I think Normandy is a place where all Canadians should visit at least once in their lifetime.
