traveltales: HISTORIC CITY

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

HISTORIC CITY

STE MERE EGLISE

In Ste. Mere Eglise, France we walked a couple blocks of the small city down to city hall. In France the city halls are called hotel de what-ever. Traveling around the country each one we saw had lovely flower boxes hanging from the windows and the colorful blooms added to each building. Besides the flags flying in front, this city hall also had the number 0 marker that marked the beginning of Liberty Way. This is where the road started and mile markers are all along the way to the road’s end in Bastogne, Belgium. The unique marker has a crown of 48 stars representing the 48 states at that time. (Alaska and Hawaii were still territories) The torch emerging from the sea is modeled on the torch of the Statue of Liberty. Thousands of troops and equipment traveled this road.

The Airborne Museum at Ste. Mere Eglise is shaped like a parachute. Ste. Mere Eglise was at the heart of the American 82^nd Airborne Division’s operations on D-day in WW II. Located just off the main square, the museum is comprised of two main buildings. Paratroopers landed in trees, gardens and in yards. There are many funny stories about individual landings. Their mission was to take and hold the city. It was the first French city to be liberated. The occupying Germans were overwhelmed by the sheer number of Allied troops.

I stepped inside a WW II glider and was amazed at how big it was. The 512 gliders carried jeeps, supplies and men to the front. The glider didn’t look all that sturdy, but they did the job.

Before leaving the city we visited the church where the parachute of one soldier, John Steele, got hung up on the steeple. He tried to free his ropes but dropped his knife. German soldiers shot at him so he played dead for a couple hours before being cut down, but he survived.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.