Following, Brussels (see last Tuesday), I went to Amsterdam, then Mt St Michelle, then the D-Day beaches in Normandy. I wanted to visit the coast of Normandy, a major turning point in World War II. This photo is framed through one of the German gun emplacement bunkers on the cliffs overlooking the beach. We must remember the horrors of the past, to avoid repeating them. It is important to remember it all started with nationalism, discrimination, a sense of entitlement, and following of a mad-man. Scary times. I was moved by visiting the military cemeteries - more people need to go see what can happen - to be moved by the history. That part of this trip has a very different meaning to me, than the rest of this adventure. I am glad I did it, I am glad I had the emotional strength to do it, but it is not something I could do everyday.
I LOVED Amsterdam....and seeing the Anne Frank house was very moving and somber. I'd love to see Mt St Michelle.
ReplyDeleteI saw Anne Frank house in 1991 with my soon to be ex, there were a lot of stressors on that trip. I should go back. Go to Mt St Michelle, rent a car and drive there. Climb all the way to the top.
DeleteWhile we call it the Vietnam War, Vietnamese in Vietnam call it the American War, but Australia was heavily involved. While I can tear up at hearing a sad story on the news, I seem to be immune to historical sadness I looked at the American War Museum in Saigon without much emotion. My partner exited when he saw the bottled deformed foetuses caused by Agent Orange. My real emotion was anger that the war happened and why did western countries interfere in politics of the 'Far East'. (that's rhetorical)
ReplyDeletePolitics and religion
Deletewe have asked ourselves the same question, andrew.
DeleteSuch an incongruous image of tourists through the barbed wire and bunker.
ReplyDeleteSomehow the tourists create interest.
Deletewe thought it couldn't happen here, and it did.
ReplyDeleteCan we stop a mad man?
DeleteAnd what an amazing photo you took!
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteThe similarities to things happening today are very scary.
ReplyDeleteYes, awakening
DeleteLet us hope so, we remember the past and learn.
ReplyDelete