London/Normandy 2016: Day 12

Our day started early for our trip home. After waking up around 5:30 AM to finish packing, we all were downstairs ready to check-out of our hotel by 6:30 AM this morning (Caen time). After making sure we had everyone, we made our final walk to the train station in the hopes that our train would be running on time in spite of the ongoing rail strike. Fortunately, our train did arrive on time, but it was very crowded. Some members of our group were unable to even sit in their assigned seats as it was so crowded, and instead were forced to find available seats wherever they were. After ensuring that we were all aboard, we settled in for the ride back to Paris.

London/Normandy 2016: Day 11

Bayeux

    After an exciting day at the beaches of Normandy, our trip followed up with an eventful final day of sightseeing. First, we caught a glimpse of the famous Bayeux Tapestry.  Unfortunately, we were not permitted to photograph the Tapestry but it is definitely an experience we would recommend for others to see.  The Tapestry dates back to the 11th century and depicts the story of William the Conqueror and his role in the battle of Hastings. The Tapestry is laced with beautiful, handwoven designs that show not only medieval warfare but medieval life in general.  It was a true glimpse back into the medieval history of Britain and France.

London/Normandy 2016: Day 10

On our Tour at the Paratrooper Memorial

   Today was another big day for our trip, as we explored some of the areas involved with the D-Day landings in Normandy. We woke early and foraged for lunch at the local bakeries before catching the train to Bayeux, where we met our bus and tour guide. Upon arriving in Bayeux, we were immediately struck by the massive cathedral which dominated the town. We did not have the chance to explore it today; however, tomorrow has promise for seeing it up close.

After meeting our driver and our guide, we went first to a monument to American Paratroopers in the countryside. It was located by a critical bridge which the American troops held against numerous German counter attacks, including several with tanks. The views of the surrounding area were incredible and it was amazing that even such a small bridge played such a critical role in the landings.

London/Normandy 2016: Day 9

Caen Memorial Museum

  Monday was our first full day in France and in the Normandy area. While things did not go according to the
original plan, this didn't stop us from having an enjoyable and thought provoking time today. One road block that tried to dampen our spirits was the realization that due to the holiday, some transportation services were limited. As a result our short bus ride turned into a nice hike to the Caen Memorial Museum.

London/Normandy 2016: Day 8

On the Eurostar -- Amanda seems particularly Enthused

  We woke up early to take the high-speed Eurostar train from London to Paris. The train traveled through the "Chunnel," the tunnel linking the U.K. to France. At it's deepest point, the tunnel is some 250 feet below the English Channel. After switching train stations in Paris, we then took another train to our final destination in Normandy -- Caen. 

At Gare Saint Lazare waiting for our Train to Caen

London/Normandy 2016: Day 7

The War Cabinet Room

   Today we went to the War Cabinet Rooms, which were the secret British government headquarters

throughout the Second World War. The War Rooms were laid out as a museum that explained the importance of the underground headquarters due to the German Blitz that targeted London and other British cities during the Second World War.

London/Normandy 2016: Day 6

WJU Students at Hampton Court Palace

   Today's journey in the U.K. had two major locations of interest on the list. First was Hampton Court

Palace. After a brief 40 minute train ride to the outskirts of the city, we disembarked and came upon the great palace that housed both King Henry VIII and King William III. The palace is built on a massive scale, not just due to the imposing building at the center, but also because of the royal gardens that encompass the entire grounds of the palace. The palace was full of stories about its former occupants, such as how the reign of Henry VIII and his quest for a male heir to the throne would have great consequences
for all of those in England for years to come.

London/Normandy 2016: Day 5

    After an early rise this morning, our group traveled to the Bovington Tank Museum outside of London,

near the southern coast of England. After an interesting underground ride across the city during rush-hour, during which our group was separated for a time we arrived at Waterloo Station to catch our train to Wool, the nearest town to the museum.

We all sought different options for food before boarding the train, as we would probably be eating lunch late or skipping it and going straight into dinner. One of us purchased a duck wrap, which was certainly not what he had hoped for, and after eating half of it, he gave it to another student on the trip. After finding food and then meeting for the train, we boarded the train for the 2.5 hour ride to the museum.

The ride out to the museum was in some aspects boring, but in other ways rewarding. While some members caught-up on some shut-eye on the train, others took in the sights outside the windows as best they could. One of the more spectacular sights was that of fields of yellow flowers, which stretched on for great distances throughout the journey. 

London/Normandy 2016: Day 4

Bletchley Park

    Today we had the opportunity to go to Bletchley Park, which housed British code-breakers during the Second World War. David Kenyon, lead historian at Bletchley Park, provided us with a thorough overview of the exhibition before we began exploring the various buildings and displays. 

London/Normandy 2016: Day 3

The Tower of London

   Our student history trip ambassadors awoke today to a light drizzle that would later dissipate into a

comfortable sixty degree overcast day.  After a swift breakfast at our hostel, we set off to our first destination: the Tower of London. 

Initial Roman Wall

London/Normandy 2016: Day 2

At the Heathrow Airport Train Station

    After spending many sleepless hours on the plane, we finally landed and began our exciting journey in the United Kingdom. After landing, we had a 15 to 20 minute train ride to our hostel. When we arrived to the hostel, we were welcomed to cozy rooms with the  privilege of having no shower curtains in our bathroom; despite this, our rooms are pretty nice. After freshening up in our hostels, we began to explore the city of London and we ended up at the British Museum. 

London/Normandy 2016: Day 1

Happy Travelers

  Yesterday, we left the Pittsburgh airport excited to begin our trip to London and Normandy. After scanning
all our passports, checking our bags, and making it through the security checkpoint, we were finally starting the trip we've been looking forward to all year. Despite the larger size of the group, we managed to navigate the airports smoothly and successfully.