In early November 2019, I did something I never thought I would do in a million years: I went to France with one of my five sisters. I had never been to Europe before. In fact, my passport was ten years old and had never been stamped. Truthfully, after we signed up for a week long cruise on a Viking River Longboat from Paris to Normandy, I begin to have misgivings. What if I lost my passport and was stranded in a country where I could not speak the language? What if my sister and I got separated and I couldn't find her? Would I have to leave her there? What if one or both of us got sick? What if, upon returning, we couldn't get back in the U.S. and were trapped in the airport (wasn't there a movie about a guy who that happened to?)? What if? What if? And on and on.
It was twelve months of anxiety during which I subscribed to Babbel to learn some basic French; bought clothes and especially shoes I hoped would be appropriate for cool fall weather and lots of walking.
Finally the day arrived. At O'Hare we boarded a flight bound for Paris. It departed three hours late, making for an uncomfortable start to the overnight journey. The following day a Viking representative met us at Charles DeGaulle Airport and drove us to a Paris suburb where we boarded the longboat. From that point forward, the trip was amazing beyond my ability to describe it.
We saw the iconic Eiffel Tower along with the Louvre, Arch de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. From there we sailed down the Seine River stopping to see Vincent Van Gogh's room where he painted; visited Rouen and the very spot where my patron saint, Joan of Arc, was burned at the stake; went inside a castle that dates back to the twelfth century; toured Napoleon's summer palace; bought souvenirs at an outdoor market where I was able to communicate with a vendor using my limited French; and paid our respects to the soldiers on Omaha Beach who lost their lives helping to liberate France. A special ceremony was held in which a French caretaker of the memorial thanked America on behalf of the French people. There wasn't a dry eye in the group.
I realize I have gone on much too long and may be trying your patience. My real message is: if you have an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone - do it. You never know what amazing experiences await you. Be sure to click on the photo tab and check out a few more pictures from my trip.
It was twelve months of anxiety during which I subscribed to Babbel to learn some basic French; bought clothes and especially shoes I hoped would be appropriate for cool fall weather and lots of walking.
Finally the day arrived. At O'Hare we boarded a flight bound for Paris. It departed three hours late, making for an uncomfortable start to the overnight journey. The following day a Viking representative met us at Charles DeGaulle Airport and drove us to a Paris suburb where we boarded the longboat. From that point forward, the trip was amazing beyond my ability to describe it.
We saw the iconic Eiffel Tower along with the Louvre, Arch de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. From there we sailed down the Seine River stopping to see Vincent Van Gogh's room where he painted; visited Rouen and the very spot where my patron saint, Joan of Arc, was burned at the stake; went inside a castle that dates back to the twelfth century; toured Napoleon's summer palace; bought souvenirs at an outdoor market where I was able to communicate with a vendor using my limited French; and paid our respects to the soldiers on Omaha Beach who lost their lives helping to liberate France. A special ceremony was held in which a French caretaker of the memorial thanked America on behalf of the French people. There wasn't a dry eye in the group.
I realize I have gone on much too long and may be trying your patience. My real message is: if you have an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone - do it. You never know what amazing experiences await you. Be sure to click on the photo tab and check out a few more pictures from my trip.
It won't be too much longer...
I haven't forgotten you. I realize I haven't posted much recently and you've been waiting a long time for my next novel. You won't have to be patient too much longer. I recently finished writing the final chapter of "Reilly's Dilemma". It's been almost two years in the making, so it's about time. It likely won't be released until this spring so all the bugs can be worked out. I've had a hard time letting my characters tell me how it ends. I hope I got it right or they - and you, my readers - will let me know. Stay tuned!
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