The next stop on the Europe tour with EF Tours was France! (I have kept this post separate from the Paris one because that one has an abundance of photos) We were able to see so many historical sites in France and travel around a lot of the country. Since we took a coach bus as our transportation, we got to see lots of the French countryside which is probably one the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. The sky was always blue, the grass on the rolling hills was a vibrant green with stunning, yellow flowers, there were little villages on hills (almost like in Beauty and the Beast), and there were not very many buildings or factories close to the road.
Our first stop was near Caen at Gold Beach. We stayed at the Gold Beach Hotel right around the corner from the beach. The hotel rooms each had a loft and since there was six of us in the group and five beds, we had to compromise and make it work. However, we got to wake up early and see the sunrise on the beach. This was absolutely beautiful and all of us were just completely in awe of what we were able to experience.
After the incredible experience on the beach, we head up to Juno Beach which was were D-Day occurred in World War II. We were able to explore the museum and see the bunker and the artifacts. This part was really emotional because seeing what the Canadian soldiers had to fight through and what they sacrificed was incredible. We also got to see various Canadian cemeteries which were on land that was given to Canada by France. They were very beautiful cemeteries with white headstones. The day before we also got to see where the Battle of Sommes occurred and the vast land that the Canadians were able to conquer with the British.
Seeing all of these sites in person and looking at all the headstones of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice (some even as young as my age) was such an emotional experience for me. I will forever be grateful for the service of all the soldiers who gave up their lives for my country.
On Saturday, we headed to Arras which is this beautiful French town with cobblestone streets, boutiques, and outdoor markets. We had a large amount of time to spend here and shop around which was so incredible. I went shopping in the French boutiques, practiced my French, and had a delicious lunch with my best friends. After that, we went to the Vimy exposition for all of the 9,000 students that traveled to Europe with EF Tours. There were stations set up where you could hear experiences that soldiers and nurses would go through as well as stations where you could practice Morse Code. There was also an area dedicated to the Invictus Games which is an international, Paralympic event for wounded and injured servicemen and women. It was a really fascinating and enjoyable event.
On Sunday, April 9th, it was the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the day of the big ceremony. We got to see the beautiful, white memorial which was very large and very stunning. It was such an amazing way to commemorate the soldiers. The ceremony itself was beautifully done and very emotional. All the performances were astounding and the speeches from all the special guests were very well done. It was really special for us as well to see our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in person and for me, I love watching documentaries on the Royal Family so it was surreal to see Prince Harry, Prince Charles, and Prince William. This day was a pretty long day because we had to be there early and leave late, but it was all worth it for the incredible ceremony we had the privilege to take part in.
Overall, France is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and would love to go back as soon as possible (maybe after some extra practice with my French). I am so grateful for all the sites we were able to see in such a short period of time and for being able to commemorate the soldiers in some way.
xx
