A week in Southern Spain

This has been one incredibly beautiful week. We were in for a real treat with clear blue skies throughout the week and beautiful scenery (unforgettable white villages, ancient ruins and the snow peaked mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the far background).

Our adventure started by taking the train to the Gatwick Airport the night before our flight. With our flight departing early morning there was really no point of staying overnight in our ‘flat’. Yes, my usual high standards are a thing of the past! It made for one funny evening. We arrived at Gatwick Airport close to midnight. Our first priority was to find a quiet corner to close our eyes – at least for a few hours. My high standard kicked in geared as I kept thinking that we could find a quieter corner inside the Airport. As the minutes were going by less and less seats remained available. Yes, there is quite a night life at the Airport (that is, even if everything is closed and that there are no flights leaving at night). That’s when Greg says: “Annick, this is like getting married… you can’t wait for too long or you won’t find anything!”. Not too sure what to think of his comment – I couldn’t help but to laugh hysterically. Here we were in the middle of the night looking for a bench to sleep on. So, we finally settled for three seats available (with armrest in the middle) overlooking the Arcade and facing the escalators. Yes, it was noisy but I was prepared. I took out earplugs and a pillow from my bag and I was now ready for the night. I did manage to make myself comfortable on these two seats with the armrest in the middle – while holding my luggage with one hand - there were some sketchy characters walking around! Believe it or not I did manage to sleep a good 7 hours without getting up. Greg had to shake me in the morning to wake me up! Who knows without him I would have probably missed the flight! Greg qualifies the evening as being the worst evening of his life! He did not close an eye the entire evening and couldn’t help but laugh at me sound asleep in the crazy loud Airport!

Greg had hoped to get a few hours of sleep on the plane but to no avail as the stewardess kept offering products to buy! It was like being at an auction in the Air. It sounded like this: “Sir, would you like to switch seat for 15 pounds? Would you like to buy a lunch for 3 pounds? Sir, would you like to buy passport cases or perfume? Sir, we have nice in-flight souvenirs, would you like to see our brochure?” It was so funny! We did travel with a discount airline after all! We arrived to Spain in great spirits and happy to have finally found out how discounted airlines make their money!

We arrived in Malaga where Joelle and Dom picked us at the Airport. We spent the day checking out our digs! Now, we were back on track – staying at the Miraflores Beach and Country Club. The beds were definitely better than the Airport benches!

We spend the week visiting small villages in the province of Andalusia. We spent a fabulous day in Granada where we visited the Alhambra. No wonder it’s been referred to as a world wonder! It was absolutely incredible! That’s where I found my deep down obsession with gardens and fountains but mostly fountains! I may have taken one too many pictures but it was so beautiful… who could resist? We also visited the Cathedral which turned out to be the most spectacular Cathedral I have ever set foot in. The entire interior was entirely white which large columns and the detail in gold. It was just breathtaking.

We also visited the city of Malaga (hometown of Picasso) and hiked up the mountain of overlooking the city. We though it was a fabulous idea until we read in the traveling book in big capital letter that tourist should not be hiking the mountain as it is not safe to do so! The risk was worth it! The views were splendid! We then spent the rest of the afternoon walking through the ancient streets and lovely villas and took a stroll along the seafront.

The old village of Marbella was absolutely stunning. It was an exact reflection of what I expected Spain to be like with the beautiful courtyards, the balconies with flowers, the small alleys of whitewashed houses and the orange trees! It was incredible!

We also visited the beautiful white city of Mijas. In Mijas, it is possible to hire a burro taxi (guided donkey) to explore the village! To my great excitement, we did see donkeys on the street but did not hire one! We also enjoyed a beautiful afternoon by the beach in Fuegirola where we had a delicious ice cream.

Before talking about Ronda we need to talk about the drive to Ronda. Well, the views along the way were absolutely magnificent according to the other passengers in the car. We had to drive through winding mountain road. I had no idea that I could be afraid of heights inside a car! Once we got to Ronda it was all worth it! Good job on the driving Dom! Ronda was absolutely stunning! Especially the 360ft deep ravine! Once again, I may have gone overboard with the pictures!

There was only one pitfall to the entire trip and we like to refer to it as the “Baggy Trousers” incident. On a night out we ended up by accident in an English bar only to hear on the karaoke a song by the name of “Baggy Trousers”. Really, nothing says Spain like baggy trousers! It ended up being just fine - by that time the Jerez Brandy had taken effect and it turned out to be a funny evening!

Overall, it was an incredible trip. We were all amazed at the history of every village. The Muslim influence over the architecture was absolutely stunning. Most importantly, it was really nice to spend the week with Joelle and Dom! Below are a few pictures of our trip.

The night life at Gatwick Airport....

A day in Granada...

The Cathedral in Granada...

The incredible view of Malaga...

While in Marbella...

Magnificient view of El Tajo in Ronda...

Click here to see additional pictures.

Voyage en Normandie

Bien que depuis longtemps j’étais au courant que le demi-frère de mon grand-père, Edgar Roy, avait participé à la deuxième guerre mondiale je n’avais absolument aucune idée de l’impact du régiment (North Shore) auquel il faisait partie. De plus, j’ai réellement été prise par surprise en réalisant a quel point les gens de la France et particulièrement de Saint-Aubain-sur-mer étaient a jamais reconnaissant de leurs efforts et sacrifices. Un monument est érigé en plein milieu du village portant le nom d’Edgar et expliquant les exploits du régiment North Shore et comment ils ont menés le chemin en franchisant la première étape qui a su marqué le début de la réussite lors de la deuxième guerre mondiale. Edgar est un véritable héros de la deuxième guerre mondiale et jamais je ne me suis sentie aussi fière d’être canadienne et du lien de parenté qui nous uni.

Alors notre voyage…. Comme a l’habitude une carte de la région ne semble jamais être suffisante pour que l’on retrouve notre chemin. Comme nous n’étions pas certains du chemin à suivre pour se rendre au Centre de Juno Beach nous nous sommes arrêté a Lion-sur-mer pour demander des directions. Le village de Lion-sur-mer est absolument magnifique et semble être pris dans le temps avec les maisons de pierres et ses routes étant minuscules. Je suis alors débarquée de la voiture et marcher vers une dame assez âgée qui marchait au bord de la rue. Immédiatement, la dame reconnu mon accent acadien et me demanda si j’étais lié de quelque façon à quelqu’un qui avait combattu lors de la deuxième guerre mondiale. C’est alors que je lui aie répondue dans l’affirmative.

La dame m’a donc invitée a entrée chez elle pour inscrire sur ma carte touristique, les cimetières, monuments et musée que je devais absolument visiter. Alors, une fois assise à la table de cuisine, elle me demanda le nom du demi-frère de mon grand-père. C’est alors que je lui répondis Edgar Roy. La dame s’est alors retournée et s’est excusé pour quelques minutes et est revenu dans la pièce avec les larmes aux yeux et les mains rempli de documents. C’est alors qu’elle m’expliqua qu’Edgar fessait partie du régiment North Shore qui avait délivré son village natale de Saint-Aubin. Elle m’a alors demandé la date de son décès et lorsque je lui aie dit le 6 juin 1944 – le jour du débarquement, c’est alors que la vieille dame versa quelques larmes. Elle m’a expliqué qu’a jamais les gens du village de Saint-Aubin n’oublierait les sacrifices des canadiens et particulièrement des gens du régiment North Shore. Elle m’a demandé de passer le message au gens du nord du Nouveau-Brunswick et de les remercier encore une fois de leurs exploits. C’est alors que la dame m’a tendu une série de documents en précisant que ces documents lui tenait énormément à cœur mais qu’elle insistait pour que je les prennes. J’ai initialement refusé lui indiquant que je pourrais surement trouver l’information ailleurs et qu’elle pouvait garder ses copies. C’est alors qu’elle m’a répondu qu’étant donné tout ce que son village devaient aux canadiens c’etait vraiment la moindre des choses qu’elle pouvait faire – d’autant plus que c’était pour une petite fille lié a l’un des soldats du North Shore.

La vieille dame m’expliqua par la suite qu’elle était au village de Saint-Aubin la journée du 6 juin 1944 (le jour J) et elle a vécu les atrocités qui se sont produits cette journée. Elle me raconta également quelques anecdotes de ses rencontres avec les acadiens du régiment.

La dame ne cessait d’exprimer sa reconnaissance envers les canadiens et comment je devais être fière d’avoir de la parenté avec Edgar. Elle m’a également mentionné qu’il y avait un monument érigé en l’honneur du régiment North Shore au milieu du village de Saint-Aubin et que je devais absolument m’y rendre. En fait, le monument en question est érigé sur la plage – le lieu même des attaques allemandes sur le régiment North Shore.

Suite a cette rencontre, nous sommes allés visiter le Centre de Juno Beach et que d’émotions que de voir les photographies du jour du débarquement et la bataille qui a eu lieu à Saint-Aubin. Quelle surprise également que de voir le nom d’Edgar figurant sur plusieurs des expositions. Jamais je ne me suis sentie aussi fière d’avoir de la parenté avec quelqu’un qui a véritablement fait une une différence dans la vie des gens – non, seulement de Saint-Aubin mes également du monde entier. Le régiment North Shore était le premier régiment à mettre pied sur la plage face aux allemands. Tout au long de la journée je ne pouvais m’empêcher que d’imaginer la peur de ses jeunes hommes en débarquant sur la plage. Edgar n’avait que 21 ans à l’époque. En fait, c’est le jour de son anniversaire de 21 ans qu’il a péri – le 6 juin 1944 – le jour du débarquement.

Nous sommes ensuite allée visiter le cimetière de Bény-sur-mer ou est enterrés plus de 2000 soldats canadiens. Quelle tristesse que de marcher et de voir les noms : Boudreau, Hachey, Roy, Doucet – tellement d’acadiens… et tous si jeune. C’est dans un coin paisible du cimetière que j’ai trouvé la tombe d’Edgar Roy. Que d’émotions que de lire l’engravure indiquant La parenté ne t’oublieras jamais. Alors, me voici, 3ieme génération devant la tombe. Alors, c’est bien vrai – Edar, ta parenté ne t’oubliera jamais. C’est à ce moment que je me suis promis de refaire le voyage avec mes enfants pour qu’eux aussi puissent apprécier et reconnaître l’envergure des exploits et sacrifices…

La tombe d'Edgar

L'entree au cimetiere

Il y a plus de 2000 soldats canadiens enterres dans ce cimetiere...

Le monument faisant honneur au regiment North Shore. Le nom d'Edgar Roy figure sur le monument a gauche.

Voici le monument au centre...

Voici une photo du monument ou l'on retrouve le nom d'Edgar Roy. On peut egalement lire sur le monument: Ils sont morts sur cette plage le 6 juin 1944 pour notre liberte.

Vue du cote du monument

On retrouve beaucoup de reference aux acadiens dans la ville de Saint-Aubin-sur-mer.

Il y a meme une reference a la ville de Bathurst au Nouveau-Brunswick.

Our trip to Normandy

We left boarding on the Eurostar early in the morning. We arrived in the city of Calais. With Greg as the official driver and Greg's dad as the co-pilot we were organized and ready to go! I was the co-pilot in training and Greg's mom was the hostess serving baguette and cheese every few hours. We drove down the cost - or, at least sort of. We stopped at Paris-sur-mer to observe the beautiful hotels/resorts. We also took advantage of the beach and the neat little market they had going in the village.

After the short break - off we were on the road again! For the most part the drive was flawless. Although we did manage to break a toll boot, drive through a red light and drive in a circle for over an hour. Besides all of that - it was all fine! We did find a fabulous hotel on the water overlooking Juno Beach. We would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. That evening we had an absolute feast of mussels and fries in a cozy restaurant! What an unbelievable trip!

The higlight of my trip happened in Lion-sur-mer where I had to ask an older lady for directions to the Juno Centre. Turns out, the troops that liberated her village of Saint-Aubin were from my home town and included my grand father's brother. Upon realizing this, tears came to her eyes as she remembered that day - she was there on D-Day - the day that my grand father's brother was killed. I never felt so close to someone that I didn't know. She spoke of the "North Shore Regiment" as heros. I have never in my life felt so proud to be Canadian and never so proud of my relatives. She explained to me that a monument had been erected in the middle of the village in the memory of the North Shore regiment and that my grand father's brother's name was on it.

Little did I realized when visiting the Juno Beach Centre later that day - that the North Shore regiment played an integral part of the "Overlord" operation which occurred on June 6, 1944 - the day that my grand father's brother was killed. They were part of the very first line which set foot on the beaches.

To top off our already emotional journey, we visited Golden beach where Greg's grand-father fought. Greg's grand father was part of the R.C.A.F. Many times, he spoke to us about his war stories. Although we were all interested back then - it was extremely emotional to see the exhibit at the Juno Beach Centre. Being there on the grounds was special. We all wished that he could be there to once again tell us his stories. Greg's grand father's name is on a brick at the Juno Beach Centre where you can read the words: Faith, Hope, "be traist". These are the words that guided him through life. The brick is located at the top middle row in the front of the monument over looking the water - he would have been so proud.

This journey has been both an emotional and reflective time. It made Greg and I realize how important it will be for us to return with our kids so that they too could appreciate the sacrifices and efforts for our liberty. Let us not forget.

Travel Notes: We stayed at La Cremalliere in Corseuilles sur mer - the price was reasonable and we had a two bedroom apartment overlooking Juno Beach!

A day in Crouch End

Greg's father grew up in Crouch End - a neighborhood of London. Last Sunday, we spent the day walking through the neighborhood stopping at Priori Park, his old elementary school and many other little shops along the way. What a fun day it was! Greg's dad had so many wonderful stories and anectdodes to share! We were in for a treat!

We also went to the Islington cemetery to see Greg's grand grand mother's grave. It was a beautiful and old cemetery with the trees overgrown. We will definitely come again later in life once we have kids - to share the stories.

A little walk in London...

So, here it goes… the little walk that turned into a six hour walk! Yes, Greg’s parents’ are in town – completely jetlagged - without any sleep the night before… off they were on our official walking tour of London. They wanted to walk around the city and get some fresh air… well, I think they were satisfied! I have to admit the tour just gets better every time!

The official tour began at approximately 10:30 am with an absolute complete tour of our College. Then, we proceeded to a little coffee shop for a quick replenishment of energy – after all, the Koster’s need their coffee. At this point, fatigue started to come through one of the member of our troop (Mrs. Koster). This is where it was decided that executive action was required to save the day. Immediately rushed out of the coffee shop, the member was doing better - the fresh spring air and the sun shinning did the trick. The energy level came back. With all members of the troop in full shape… off we were attempting to make our way down Lambs’ Conduit Street. Things quickly became more complicated that they first appeared. One of our member (Mr. Koster) was constantly getting distracted at every historical marking and little shop along the way.

We did manage to make our way down to Covent Garden. What a beautiful day it was. With the streets performers in full swing, the smells of the market and the music in the air… what a treat we were in for! From there, off we were to the theatre district (Leicester Square) and then China Town. Yes, we did cover the area very well. With the sun shining it was quite an enjoyable afternoon.

Remember, we are still on day one… then we went off to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. We did check out the Picasso to Monet exhibition. It was quite impressive! After, the National Gallery, we took the Government turn on Whitehall street, walking down towards the Parliament buildings, we did manage to see a change of the guards and what appeared to be the stables, we also saw 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister's residence) then we were off to Westminster Abbey. The troop’s morale was a bit down when we realized that Westminster Abbey was closed to tourists that afternoon. That’s when one brilliant member of our party (Mrs. Koster) got in line for the service that was taking place. Yes, we did get a great sneak peak inside the Abbey.

We then walked passed the Parliament Buildings along the River Thames to the Victoria Embankment. As we were about to call it a day... and fatigue once again started to set in... the unthinkable happened... At the corner of a busy street near Trafalgar Square… who do we see… Mr. and Mrs. Montague (Greg’s family friends)! Unbelievable! They had just arrived this morning in London (from St.-Catharines) and we bumped into them! What a coincidence!

Remember… all of this in one day and what a day it was! We then met up with Greg who had class all day and went to a typical English pub for some nice fish and chips! The troops are now in bed - they deserve it! Let’s just wait and see what day 2 has in store… Below, are some pictures…

Greg's parents in Covent Garden...

The National Gallery...

Changing of the Guards....

Running in Regent's Park

Yes, Regent's park is definitely one of my favorite places in London! Today, we went for a long run through the park wearing shorts and a t-shirt!! I'm pretty excited about it... it's only March but yet the signs of spring are already here with the flowers already blooming. Let's just hope that this trend keeps up!

Bonne Fête Cynthia!!!!

Chère petite soeur,

Juste un petit mot pour te souhaiter bonne fête! Amuses-toi bien et profites-en! On aimerais vraiment être avec toi en cette journée très spéciale! Tu nous manques énormément!!! On pense a toi et on a vraiment hâte que tu viennes nous visiter! A très bientôt!

xox

Annick & Greg

An Evening in China Town

Last night was one fabulous night! We had come to realize that since being in London we hadn't gone on a dinner date - just the two of us! So, guess what we did last night? We ventured out for a long walk through the bustling streets of London... the weather was absolutely stunning... it felt like a real spring evening... with no formal destination in mind... we ended up in China Town. Wow, if you want to talk about a fun and busy area of London on a Saturday night... you are in the right spot! We had dinner at this great little restaurant! Then, off we were to continue our walk (with full stomachs) wondering through the streets and passing through Soho... which was entertainment in and of itself! Another fun night in London! Below are some more pictures.

The last week... East Asia Night, Cuban Party and Running in the Rain

Yes, once again, it's been a fabulous week!

Last weekend we attended the East Asia night which was organized by our friends from Singapore. We had such a good time! The evening began with a demonstration of crafts... and yes, we did try everything! Then, we had a delicious dinner in the dinning hall which was so well decorated that it was beyond normal recognition! The Chairman of the East Asia week, Dr. H., and his team did a fabulous job! We were also seated at the head table with the director of our college and the Warden of our residence. Yes, we were honorary Singaporeans for the night! It was so much fun!

Then, that same evening... off we were to our neighbors Engagement Party. He is originally from Cuba and she is from Ireland. It was quite a party indeed. The Cuban music and salsa dancing were all part of the evening. It sure was fun!

The rest of the week was monopolized by the library... but that's ok... I'm quite enjoying studying! Then, yesterday Greg and I went for a fabulous hour long run in Regent's Park. When we left the College, the sun was shinning and I wore shorts and t-shirt... but then, the clouds came out... the wind picked up and it pored rain! Typical London weather! Then, just when we set foot in our flat... of course, the sun comes out again! Really, we can't be complaining about the weather... it's been georgeous the past couple of days... averaging 10 degree celsius almost everyday! Either way, there is nothing that I love more than running in the rain!

This weekend we plan on attending our College's multi-cultural evening... it sounds rather promising and tonight off we are to a play organized by our College... which should be tons of fun! Although, I do desperately need to get out of Mecklenburgh Square! There is so much going on at the College... that it is sometimes difficult to venture out for fear of missing another exciting event!

Below are some pictures of the East Asia evening...

A friend of ours wrote: "Mr. and Mrs. Koster" in Chinese!

Throughout the evening there were musical performances given by College members...