We arrived in Normandy last night, May 28th, via Ferry from Portsmouth, UK. A rocky ride, here and there, but nothing compared to what our the D-day soldiers must have endured on June 6, 1944.
My dear cousin, Rachel, had arrived at our accommodation a few hours before us and set up the place with french food and wine and beer and we had the most wonderful reunion. She has been working so hard on the tour and has been our rock solid translator and invaluable team member. We could not have done this tour without her.
This morning we made our way to Bernieres-sur-Mer, where we met the Mayor Lapoitier, and his assistant Caroline, at La Salle de la Mer, where we will have 2 performances on June 3rd @ 2PM in English and 8PM in French. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and they seem keen to see the show. This afternoon, we had the same warm welcome at OMAC in Courseulles-sur-Mer, where our first performance will take place this Saturday, June 1st in French at 8PM. We had toast with Normandy Apple juice and delicious biscuits and a reunion with Jackie Lamay, the very kind woman, who first hosted a performance of Le Cadeau de Jake back in June 2014 in Bernieres-sur-Mer for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.
So Day 1 has been a fabulous start to our tour. We are now nestled back in our lodging and each of us is working away on prep for the upcoming shows. Rehearsing soon, then a long walk along Juno Beach…we are so grateful to be here.