Falaise: The Museum

Sometimes there are no words.  Sometimes you just walk in silence.

Falaise

Falaise is a small city in the center of Normandy.  From August 12-21, 1944, the Allies were working to circle a large German force (German Army Group B, with the 7th Army and the Fifth Panzer Army).  As the Allies circled them, the Falaise pocket was formed.   During the roughly 10 days, 10,000 German troops were killed and 50,000 surrendered.  It was the beginning of the end of the Nazi's.

However, as part of the bombing and destruction of the German defenses, civilians were innocent victims.   It is estimated that nearly 10,000 citizens of Falaise were killed.   And 2/3rds of the city was destroyed in the fighting.  A small museum is across the square from this church.  It is dedicated to the citizens of Falaise.   There didn't appear to be much anger towards the Allies.  The Nazi's were despised.  But the museum don't focus on that much.  It addresses the innocent civilians. 

Here is the church in the center of town.  It wasn't very ornate.  But, you could still see the Gothic style.

I find it fascinating that the churches are, for the most part, open to anyone.  We were able to walk in.  The doors were unlocked.

The Last Night of Music on the Ship

I wanted to mention the wonderful vocalist and pianist.   Over the week, she did an amazing job entertaining us in the evening with a wide variety of musical styles.

There was a lot of dancing, smiling, and laughing all due to her.

Well done.

Travels on the Journey

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting these three over the week.

It was the last night in Budapest.  And the party ran late into the night.   Well, let for this old guy.  I think I was in bed by 8:30.  Maybe.

Budapest by Night: 2

The evening was perfect.   Slightly cool.   Not too hot.

Perfectly still.

I need to return to Budapest.  There is a wonderful history there than I need to spend more time absorbing.

Budapest by Night: 1

On the last night of my visit, I took a cruise down the Danube to see the lights.  It was phenomenal.

More Travelers You Meet on the Way

Meet Yvonne! 

She was from Louisiana and was traveling with a rather distinguished gentleman.   The two of them had me laughing at some of their rather unique Southern colloquialisms.   Damn...I spelled that correctly on the first attempt!.  Maybe I am not going senile.

Travelers You Meet on Board

Meet Rick!

I met Rick and his wife as they were boarding the boat.   He was from the middle of the US and was keeping busy with work while on board.  He is an attorney that represented individuals vs larger insurance companies.

It was a pleasure meeting you, Rick!

Budapest: Shoes at the River

One of the most moving parts of the river trip on the Danube was to see the memorial of shoes left on the banks of the river.  Through 1944 and 1945, the Fascist organization, "Arrow Cross" rounded up nearly 3500 people, 800 of whom were Jews, ordered them to remove their shoes, and shot them on the banks of the Danube River.  Their bodies were left to fall into the river where they were carried downstream as a reminder to those who opposed them. 

Men's shoes.   Women's shoes.  Children's shoes.

There wasn't much talking.   It was amazing to me that such a simple thing can still bring reverence 75 years later.  Maybe there is hope for humanity after all.

Then again, one should never underestimate a person's ability to do unspeakable acts against another for a cause.

Saint Matthias Church. Inside

This was a much darker church inside.   Older.   The lighting wasn't great.  And there was a somber tone in the entire church.  

But I liked this church a lot.  Less ostentatious.   Almost...cold.   That isn't quite the right word.  It was warm outside.  But, it was cooler inside.   Musty.  Old. 

But I liked it.

Budapest: Matthias Church

Once again it was hard to imagine the effort it took to construct such buildings.    Believed to have been founded in 1015.   More recent evidence suggests it wasn't founded until 1247. 

The architecture was stunning.  Typical Baroque style.   But, still stunning.

I can't imagine the still of those who carved stone like this.

Back with Friends: Time for Farkle!

Meet Claude

And Bob!

And Carol!

And the major ingredients to Farkle!

The View from the Gottweig Abbey

Not a bad view. 

The Gottweig Abbey: The Altar

Quite amazing.

The Gottweig Abbey: The Church

It was...stunning to say the least.