A visit to France

[John Beaman]

I recently made a 2-week visit to France: 5 days in Paris then down the Seine to Normandy and back.

In some quarters France has a reputation for not being very friendly to American tourists. Perhaps, but I must say that with two minor exceptions were treated with friendliness, courtesy, and help wherever we went and regardless of who we were dealing with. It was a great experience dealing with people.

Paris is Paris and I have a new appreciation for the beauty and culture of the city. The Metro and RER trains are fantastic and the US could learn a lot from how they are run. The only caution is traffic: there appear to be no speed limits on the boulevards! I noted the bullet marks in various buildings from the liberation in 1944.

Having studied Chartres in design school, a highlight of the trip for me was a visit. Until one sees it in person no photos or books can do justice to the majesty and size. A great experience. As for Versailles, if the king was spending that kind of money on such opulence while people were starving, no wonder there was a revolution!

When we were docked in Rouen, I saw the bridges and locations where the Germany army retreated in August 1944. Made a great comparison to the photos shown in ATB's Ruckmarsch.

All in all, we had a great time. Viva la France!