Our Hotel here in Bayeux

Gallery, Day trip to Normandy

The more I travel, the more I realize that it's an art.

"what do you mean it's an art"?

Well, it's a technique, knack, know how, ability.

There is a technique, to booking good quality accommodation and plane flights at the most reasonable price.
There is a technique to boarding a plane.
There is a technique in the way to talk to a taxi driver, waitress, airline officials.

I've just filled in the pre arrival forms for Britain.  (we never heard of these before last year) It's just one more thing to do.

I'm now so used to going through the steps that I do it automatically and it often surprises the people I travel with.
But that comes with experience and confidence.

On the way to Normandy

This is my fifth time to visit France.

The first time I was to come with a friend who pulled out of the trip at the last minute.
It was November, it was absolutely freezing cold, and I was beside myself with fear at having to manage alone.
But I did it by the skin of my teeth.
I was determined to see as much as I could and I'm sure it did it through gritted teeth.
I ate chicken for 4 days (I bought it at a market by pointing) because I didn't know what to buy in the cafe…. I was afraid to try and speak French and when I did, I was laughed at after my first attempt… !!!!

So bread and chicken it was… it was amazing I didn't get poisoned…!!!

I surprised myself, I walked and walked and I even found my way to Versailles on the train.

When I re-visit a place, the memories that are tucked away in the case – return…. sometimes they are uncomfortable, sometimes, warm and exciting. But through it all is growth, confidence and I never make the same mistake twice.

flowers at the American War Cemetery, Normandy.

Photography and film has always been important to me, but that's a visual reminder.
The more and more I travel I am aware that there is an internal, emotional connection to a place that you visit. Here in Bayeux, I have a strong feeling of attachment simply because of my passion with the Bayeux Tapestry.

I had the same feeling with my Mexican students and friends and also in South Africa.

I would like to think after all this time I'm a "traveler" not a "tourist"
That's why I write a blog, photograph and film and have an urge to "share"

The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience.  The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him.  He goes "sight-seeing."  ~Daniel J. Boorstin