Vernon, France, Day 2, 09-10-2016

We had settled into our new home for the next 7 days on the AmaLegro, under the command of Captain Claude Grard, and began our journey.  Our first stop would be Vernon, France.  Before that, we made a short detour to see the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty at night with brilliant lights twinkling. We docked in Vernon at 10:30 am. We went ashore before lunch and visited the farmers' market and areas of interest in Vernon.  Afterwards we returned to the ship for lunch.  Most everyone left the ship around 1:15 pm and traveled to Giverny.  Linda and I stayed back and took a walking tour of Vernon.

A settlement has existed in the Giverny location since neolithic times.  The village church predates  the Middle Ages.  Giverny is mostly noted for being the home of Claud Monet.  Monet lived here from 1883 until his passing in 1926.  He is interred in the village cemetery.  He created the magnificent gardens on his property and some of his most famous paintings were made here.  Even if you are not a lover of the arts, I am sure that most of you have seen the paintings of the little green bridge.

 As I mentioned, Linda and I toured Vernon.  This city saw its beginnings back around 1030 as a small market community.  It was heavily bombarded  by allied bombers in WWII.  British General Bernard Montgomery crossed the River Seine here while advancing to Germany.  Battle damage is still visible on the older structures located in the city.

Our schedule showed us cruising overnight to the French village of Caudebec-en-Caux  Before we set sail, we met, as a group for dinner at the Chef's Table to sample creations of our master chef.  Pam made the arrangements and a great meal was had by all.  I thought the escargot was wonderful.

Monet's little green bridge

Sandy, Manny, Jerry, Linda, Pam, Larry, Pat

Manny, Larry, Jerry, Linda

The first mate, the Captain, the cruise director

Pat and Sue,(The women went straight to the kitchen at Monet's.

Pam taking a break from touring

Sandy and John, enjoying the market

Montgomery, crossing the Seine and entering Vernon

Larry, Pat, Sandy, John, enjoying the Chef's dinner

Pam, Manny, Sue, Jerry, Linda, Roy, we enjoyed it, also

Getting my steps in, while cruising the River Seine

August, 1944, Battle of Vernon

Vernon Market

Ancient bridge at Vernon

All that is left of the old bridge

Me, getting a French haircut.  A cultural challenge.

August 1944, after the battle

Same street, September 2016