Vanlife France is Bizarre

[@TravelBeans]

Check out betterhelp.com/travelbeans for 10% off of your first month of therapy #advert

[@swanjaymusic]

Scammers are active on your page....

[@RichFlynn1]

Yes I believe my reply was was scammers

[@roseb3387]

Why are you still advertising better help?

[@welshfae1249]

My grandad had ptsd too and he never spoke about his experiences in the war until close to when he died. He too went into Belsun and spoke quietly about the bodies for a few minutes, before he started to tell us more positive stories. RIP Stanley and everyone else who fought for us ❤

[@sroberts605]

My grandad too, though not only did he rarely mention it, but there weren't the words for their trauma. It only came up when he had to take the stairs as he couldn't bear lifts - hauling people out of trenches and collapsed buildings gave him claustrophobia (another word he never used, just 'I can't go in there').

[@KeithChegwin24]

@@sroberts605 I grew up in a family of serviceman and women, my dad was in the Royal Tank Regiment and my mum was a driver. I joined the army at 16 and stayed in for a little over 12 years until 2004 when I went into private security and went to Iraq...14yrs later I was blown up in Afghanistan and ended up having a stroke through complications from the explosion...I can't even imagine how much worse it was for yours or my own family members who endured WW2, but I can relate to them not wanting to talk about anything they witnessed. I don't talk to my own family about anything I witnessed over the 14yrs I spent in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have PTSD and i'm on a cocktail of drugs to help, but talking about it isn't something I can do either.

[@janiewilliams48]

Hi Beans, From Ohio, USA. So sunny sunsets would be great to see. So glad you go so in-depth with your experiences. We love watching about food and the camping part of your trips. I would love to make a crocketed blanket or two for you guys. At no charge. I just wish I could send it to you somehow once you're in the country again. If you'd provide an address I could ship you one. The pizza was especially different even for the USA, we have drive up everything. Take care and have safe trips. Looking forward to a PM from you Janie Williams, Ohio

[@lauramurphy4022]

Am I the only one who feels there is a lil person in the vending machine who doesn’t like to talk to people living their best life making pizza without people bothering them and they are hearing the beans giggling outside like school children 😂

[@EFTProf]

That's AN ill person! OK?

[@davestevens4263]

There's gotta be some little person working there happy job inside.

[@anniedonnelly7416]

Yeassss!!!

[@corid1897]

Thank you for sharing your grandad's story. As that generation passes the world feels a more unstable more dangerous place. The awfulness of war should never be forgotten - we need to keep sharing the memories so no one forgets.

[@sroberts605]

Yes, that's why I'm so furious with a certain person for starting another war in Europe. I thought we'd all vowed to never again.

[@laurahillier619]

Loved this, my favourite Uncle must have been with your Grandfather, he was a tank driver & his was the first tank to destroy the gate entrance to Belsen to allow the soldiers in. He too suffered with PTSd from what he saw but his total meltdown was due to a book that was released in the 70’s about the survivors of Belsen & a woman survivor named my Uncle as her hero, calling him Wally my mum showed him the book not knowing that this would trigger his PTSd & he lost it, screaming & swearing he barricaded him & my mum in the dining room we kids were made to go outside while my Aunt & my dad tried to work out what to do but my mum just told my Uncle it was ok & to tell her. So for the next 3 hours he poured out his heart & Soul to my mum. Writing this has brought me to tears remembering the harrowing scream that came from him. What those men saw I can’t imagine. In memory of my beautiful Uncle Walter & my Beautiful Mum. Love & miss them dearly!

[@ZEVONLIN]

I sincerely hope that he is at peace now! That is beyond a poignant story

[@WagnerGimenes]

Now I'm crying. I thank your uncle and appreciate his sacrifice.

[@susanwallis7249]

Thank you for sharing that. We have so much to be grateful to that generation for. Your poor uncle, what pain he must have carried and for so long.

[@jacksrus]

😢thx for sharing that RIP uncle Walter and all that were there.😢

[@laurahillier619]

Thank you guys for those beautiful reply’s, I never realised how much that still affected me, I have just read what I wrote & your reply’s to my dad, who is 92 this year and going strong & it too bought him to tears remembering that day & how he is so afraid that we are now heading to another world war. 😢

[@donaldwallace7934]

Happy Birthday Alex! And a very big thank you to your Grandfather for his service during WWII !! Like you, I can’t even imagine the horrors that they saw, and dealt with! 😞 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@RockDove5212]

Thank you for the Juno Beach bit and talking about your grandpa. Very poignant and interesting.

[@KeithChegwin24]

This has to be the most normal channel on KZbin! From spitting your food out and leaving it in to mentioning the 'paid for' advertising, it's a breath of fresh air to watch a normal family doing normal things! I just wish you put out more episodes. Happy birthdaty, Al!

[@laurabatton]

I love how real you two are. So many would have cut out the hot food segment, but I loved the authenticity!

[@claracb51]

My grandad was also British and attached to the Canadians on D day at Juno. He never spoke about his experiences until his later years and when he did it was harrowing to hear what he had seen. We had the privilege of going to Juno beach a couple of years ago and the sense of history was palpable. May we never forget. So glad you got to go and experience it in peaceful times. Happy travels in a beautiful country Xxx

[@deborahadamson8066]

My grandfather was there, with yours, with the North Novas. He was taken as a POW as well and suffered from ptsd during his lifetime. Thankful he made it back to tell us some of the tragic story. I sponsored a memorial brick to him at the visitor centre at Juno.

[@WagnerGimenes]

Guys, I've been watching your videos since before the fire. This has to be one of your best videos I've seen. So lovely to see Noah taking steps where his great grandfather did those heroic acts. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@maryddd3546]

I agree, I have enjoyed many of their videos but this one was the best!

[@StillLifeOutdoors]

Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing that story about your Granddad and his service during WWII, the beach at Normandy and so much more. So sorry to hear about his PTSD as it was not very well treated back then. He was truly a hero.

[@michaelatkinson8291]

Everyone should from time to time remember that we can only enjoy places like that beach with our children & loved ones because of the bravery & sacrifices of those incredible men & women in World War 2.

[@gypsyroverontheroadintheword]

Thank you so much for your respectful and loving memorial to your grandfather and all those men who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we so often take for granted💕💕🙏🙏

[@airenesmiler6624]

@15:29 Now that's a shot you don't see on most travel channels. I'm glad you are so real and approachable.

[@sroberts605]

That made me laugh so loud!

[@johnrandazzo7158]

First of all, thank you for your granddad's service. It was nice to see your family connection. I can't think of any crazier vending machines-EVER!! And I've yet to say it but have thought it many many times-Noah is just ADORABLE!!

[@arlenesolis024]

The ninja chef knocked it out the ballpark with that amazing chili…yum please post the recipe. You have to buy Noah a French barrette

[@kenandcoreen7179]

Happy Birthday Alex! We also visited Juno Beach on our 9 days driving France in October. As Canadians, we felt all the emotions. To think of the horror of what went on, and then to now look, and walk on this beautiful beach - well I did shed some tears. We also visited the bunkers, and Beny-Sur-Mer canadian cemetery. Along our travels we also visited Mont Saint Michel - WOW. SO impressive. Love that you will head for Spain - that is where my vote went😁😁 - Coreen

[@larrydurkee5741]

Here in Ontario, Canada we have earthworm vending machines for those fisherman who forget their bate when all of the shops are closed early in the morning. Thanks to your Grandfather and for mentioning the Canadians at Juno Beach.❤️🇨🇦

[@4WhatItsWorth]

Oh man, 11 min 55 hit hard after Em's comments a second earlier. That build-up and investment in your journey and story, that pacing and timing..... That is filmaking. That is why I watch your channel. There are lots of people with cameras out there chronicalling their lives but it takes really special people to make me want to follow along. Well done.

[@teresad6513]

Such a touching tribute to your grandfather on Juno beach. Moist eyes here. Touched my heart.

[@DaveBrandt96]

The first time I visited France was in 1959 while I was stationed in Northamptonshire with The US Air Force. En route to Sevilla, Spain, we landed at one of our bases in France for fuel. My limited interaction with the French civilians working on the base was decidedly not enjoyable, and I decided that I would not be returning. Fast forward to about 2007 and My wife, and I, along with our daughter and granddaughter were staying over in Windsor on our 47th Anniversary trip to the UK and I said, let's take the Chunnel train to Paris. So, off we went over to Ashford and got on the train for Paris. That trip, even though it was only for the day, changed my mind totally about France as in every interaction, we were received with total courtesy and acceptance, and if I ever could return, I would jump at the opportunity.

[@rankfastpro572]

Your videos are a source of joy and inspiration. Keep spreading the positivity!

[@dgreen71]

Thankyou for great video. Yes we must never ever ever forget their lives for our freedom. Thankyou to all that served for us.

[@johnkeenan4184]

Hi Guys, if heading south, would recommend Parc Naturel de Carmargue, wild horses and flamingoes, & also further east, Port Grimaud, a Venice like town, & of course nearby St Tropez!

[@Kermit-Si]

Yes Alex, we have such alot to thank your grandad and his colleagues for because we would be living in a completely different world if not for them. 👍🐸

[@brad4texas]

❤❤❤❤ Loved the D-Day Normandy beach visit. And the cute French cider farm party with pizza vending 😊. The French Monte… basically mount castle village: how awesome! 👏

[@donlop9103]

Your gramps a hero thank God he survived. Look forward to your travels

[@paulamatthey9878]

Very moving images/story on Juno beach. ❤

[@becorations1]

Happy Birthday, Alex!!! Thank you for sharing the story about you grandfather. It must have been so surreal for you to be on the beach he fought for freedom. Your story made me tear up. I am an empath that loves history, and visiting locations like that always overwhelms me emotionally.

[@TheresaPowers]

NO one is an empath at all. That is only New Age BS.

[@cindywernert9309]

A dear friend’s first husband died at Normandy. She was working in the post office in New York at the time and found out he passed when she received his belongings while at work. So so sad. She rarely spoke of it and she wasn’t on the beach herself. I can’t imagine. Bless her ❤ she passed away herself this year at 101! Thank you so much for sharing this video and family history for us.

[@rexsteigerwalt3411]

I also follow Snow and Curt. They were showing the pizza vending machines. I am glad you bought one so we could see the results. I live in Colorado and started watching you two recently. I like your realness and explorations. I really enjoyed your Colorado experiences. I hope you come back.😊

[@JadedGen]

I took care of a female WW2 spy from the UK. She immigrated to the US. To read the letter from the Prime Minister when they were finally acknowledged in the 1980s. To hear the stories was so incredible. I always feel like I’ve met a celebrity. I hope to someday see places of WW2. Its a passion the history.

[@sarahmeagher738]

It's so true. When I was little, I went to France with my parents to see my brother, who was spending a year overseas. When we were in Paris, the people at the hotel found shows I liked to watch (granted, they were in French), helped my mom do a French Tooth Fairy, and then made some sort of fancy meal for my sister and me so my folks could have a night out. All just as part of being in hospitality and genuinely nice people.

[@tammieflemal7871]

My great uncle fought with the US Army. He saved the life of another soldier while being wounded himself. He was part of the concentration camp liberation and never would speak of what he witnessed he had been so traumatized

[@OnTheOffRamp]

Great video. Nice piece on DDay and Normandy. As a Canadian it is a source of pride that our troops were involved in the event and our kids are still taught about it in schools today. We have heard many stories about PTSD experienced by the men involved in the fight

[@lakedistrictmatt1641]

We stayed at that cider farm last year. Didier and his family were very welcoming. Still got some of his brut left over. We shall return!

[@LocalAllure]

France 🇫🇷 definitely on my list

[@alangauld6079]

Savoury crepes, mmmm! We more or less existed on them for lunch when we first visited Brittany. I've been a huge fan ever since.

[@yodaami]

Wow. Both campsites amazing. And the first one free! I know you felt obliged to buy cider etc. but still. And the pool. The French and le camping, they get it so right. Your baby is gorgeous, and so happy.

[@kimmancha4314]

on the subject of vending machines in France, you can also find florist vending machines out in the countryside ... they're shaped differently and you can choose a bouquet! handy for Sunday hostess gifts when you're invited for lunch x PS/Magnifique! Delicieux!

[@sjwillis1137]

So very moving to see little Noah being walked on the beach where your Grandad had been in WW2. His tiny feet on the sand of the Normandy landings . Enjoy the rest of your adventure . 👍 16:26

[@karenkeller5866]

My mom’s cousin Daniel is buried in France. He’s from a farming family in central California and never came home.

[@bobknull7502]

As far as vending machines, one that is more brilliant than weird is located at the Popcorn Tavern in LaCrosse Wi. This is a local music venue that has had live music 7 nights a week for many decades, They have a vending machine where you can buy.....Guitar strings, picks, drumsticks, batteries for effects pedals, and of course........rolling papers.

[@ginnieashmore988]

@bobknull7502 as a fellow La Crosse-ian I concer lol

[@BrianAlt]

I visited Normandy, Omaha Beach, and the American cemetery. One of the most moving places I've ever visited.

[@monicamestas7566]

Pizza vending machine?!? Who knew? That is hilarious! Two olives. Followed by a Better Help therapy commercial. I can't stop laughing. Happy Birthday!

[@airenesmiler6624]

My uncle fought in WWII and my grandfather in WWI. I know that they both suffered from PTSD as a result. I had goosebumps when I visited Juno beach as well. Visiting the war cemetery there was so moving, I was 17 and the ages of those buried so far from home weren't much different than mine. I suspect that some were the also 17 as so many lied about their ages.

[@melissamoeller9608]

How incredible that, because of your grandad’s actions so many years ago, you’re now able to come on your birthday (happy 🎉birthday!) with your sweet family. A priceless gift!

[@SirKnobofCheese]

"escaping a very gray winter in the UK" France is 30 miles away.

[@gigiatlas2364]

So maybe they wanted gray winter in France?

[@shannonsmith3842]

Thank you for sharing about your granddad. My great-uncle was there fighting alongside your granddad with the US Soldiers. I’ve visited the Arc de Triumph which he walked through afterwards, but I haven’t had a chance to make it to the beach. Very moving. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@user-by1nd2tr1m]

Thank you for sharing the story of your grandfather. It was very special hearing you retelling his experience. We visited Omaha Beach over a decade ago. It’s extremely moving to see the landscape and hear about the insurmountable odds the brave soldiers had to overcome in the D-day campaign. Such a sobering experience!

[@WanderingWallys]

EPIC a Cider farm for Alex's birthday treat. Seeing Noah & you guys walking in his Grandads footsteps was amazing. Thanks for sharing your memories, I love your adventures there so heart warming & so funny too. 15:25 Treasure Every Moment.

[@eileenderheim3768]

It is surreal to see the difference of a beach 80 years later. Bonus for 'Baby Bean' taking steps on the same beach. . Thankful for your Granddad's service along with all the other allies that fought against the inhumanities. Hope your family takes the journey to visit for your Granddad. Appreciate you sharing Mont Saint-Michel, a place that has always intrigued me. Look forward to the sun adventures. ☀

[@worldcapers]

Likewise my father-in-law also went to Belsen in WW2 with the Royal Artillery after action in France, North Africa. Italy and the Middle East. Like many others he only spoke about it towards the end of his life. He was only 17 when he was sent off to war. He was fortunate to survive. We only wish we had asked more about his experiences when he opened up on this one occasion. Respect for all who lived through such terrible times. My own mother too lost her father in the Somme at the end of WW1. She was 20 months old and had no memory of him. I accompagnied her on her only trip abroad to visit his war grave in France and pay tribute. She was in her 80s. A very moving experience indeed!❤

[@lesleyhughes3174]

My Great Uncle travelled with NZ troups to battle near Valenciennes and was killed there. I have visited his marked grave. So sad. Such a waste of so many young lives. Thank you Beanie family for yet another awesome video! Love from NZ. Travel safe 💌💌💌🙋🏼‍♀️🚐 🌏

[@nanaontherun1968]

My father was part of the Royal Winnipeg 3rd Battalion that Landes June 6th on Juno. He was 19 years old. He didn't talk much about the war other then I know his best friend died in his arms. Both of his brothers too were on that beach. All three made it home.

[@mielubland]

I really loved the scene when Emma would spit the food for being too hot while Alex would fully enjoy the moment, with no trace of empathy whatsoever. :)

[@trailingarm63]

NIce film. Normandy has some fantastic museums dealing with WW2, you don't have to be a military buff to enjoy them. l still recall my visit to the Memorial de Caen even though it was many years ago. The museum showing off the Bayeux Tapestry is also amazing. Unfortunately the region's weather is similar to southern UK so you've got to keep moving. Regarding destination I'm glad common sense prevailed. South of France has been enjoying good weather recently - you may not even need to go as far as Spain. Santé!

[@jilllusey7001]

Great video. I love that part of France. As an American I also appreciate what happened there on June 6, 1944. We have been there twice and would love to go back.

[@Niteskate1]

This one hits home a bit, my uncle Clarence landed on Juno Beach as ground crew for a Canadian Spitfire reconnaisence wing, and he was also in the first group to liberate Belsen, something he rarely talked about. His best friend at the time wrote a book called Invasion without tears. The part on Belsen was very difficult to read, may all of them rest in peace.

[@ErinLogan-t4i]

France country is very beautiful. God bless all those that served during D-days... You're greatly and warmly appreciated by this American ❤❤

[@griselapuerta8644]

Nice to learn about your grandpa's service during war. Love both of you for your great sense of humor. Your son will love it.😂

[@alisonhedgecox3763]

A very moving piece about Juno beach ,God bless Grandad and all whose lives were lost.

[@Hapgirl65]

I enjoyed hearing your grandads story. I’m the daughter of a WW 2 veteran and spent some of my growing up years in the early 1950s and 1960s in 🇩🇪 Germany because my father was a career Air Force officer. The weirdest vending machine…..Buddy V’s Cake Slice……..this was in a rest area off the highway in New York. It wasn’t inexpensive about 10.00 and you can get a chunk of chocolate or birthday cake.

[@la154]

I really loved that sequence on Juno Beach, Al. You did a beautiful job in filming and editing. God bless your grandad and all who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

How do feel Alex, another year older? Hope you enjoyed your special day. And lets not forget Emma. Enjoy your time in France. Happy Birthday! Alex and Emma🎂🎂🎂 from the Love Beans❤️❤️ Harriet, Jim and Yuki. P.S. Noah, What a sweetheart ! 👼

[@laurenrs]

Thank you so much for sharing your grandfather's story. It's so tragic to hear of all those "lucky" ones that came back only to suffer tremendously with PTSD. I lived in Normandy at one time, and I always felt that the beaches were a somber place.

[@elliebrown8609]

You have probably already ventured south but when you're heading back up I recommend stopping at a place called Les Lapidiales, Port D'envoux near Saint/La Rochelle. It is an old ancient quarry that now has hand carved sculptures in the walls that every year artists from around the world come together to carve more. It is connected now to Le Galaxie de Pierre, just down the road in Crazannes. I took part in making a sculpture there two years ago, highly recommend for cultural and historical interest and a fun family day out :)

[@annah8380]

My dad was also in WWII and his troops were one of the ones that liberated Dachau. I believe he had PTSD too. Visiting these sites are so moving and life changing, IMO.

[@SetCCC]

I think little Noah's bare feet taking steps on the beach somehow helps heal the pain the soldier's suffered and helps heal the land.

[@hankster9940]

We love Normandy, a family member was KIA and is buried there. So we visit often. I hope you saw the fresh oyster vending machines!

[@palominojoy1899]

We went to Europe in 1999, (from Australia) on a very tight budget ! Still have very fond memories of France, especially Brittany and Mon san Michel-we were stuck in the mainland carpark for four hours! Besides that our experiences were so many and would love to come back one day. Seeing the actual Bayoux Tapestry was probably the highlight. But I do remember the view from the Mont and the sun glistening off the roof tiles ❤

[@julietuck4959]

God bless your Grandfather. To walk that beach would be such a powerful experience. My uncle Clifford from Perry, Michigan USA, was just 19 years old when he made it off that beach only to be shot by a sniper inland. He is buried there and only two family members have visited his grave; my sister and my parents. Dad was the only of his 7 living siblings to be able to visit his brother’s grave. No more war!!🙏😢

[@brianhiesermann452]

Love watching you two opps you three now. Such a breath of fresh air. Love Emma laughing at you and that pizza

[@itscarolinemary]

It’s amazing that your grandpa survived ❤ how surreal it is that you’re on the same beach where he stood. Beautiful and poetic. Seeing Noah also walk on the beach brought tears to my eyes. 🥹🫶

[@loriefowler4475]

My Father was in the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and was one of the first on Juno Beach. He too suffered PTSD but never wanted to talk about that particular day at all.

[@1dkappe]

My paternal grandfather was a civilian - a fireman - in Berlin. He was on duty after the war at the fire watch and got carted off to the Soviet Union to make up numbers in a prisoner convoy. When he finally came home from the Soviet Union, my father didn’t believe that the ghost of a man standing at the front gate for hours staring at the house was his father, he was just so mentally and physically damaged, but my grandmother was sure. It took him years to recover. Whenever we came from the US to visit in West Berlin, I just remember him as a silent and grim man. Anyhow, that beach is a happy reminder that things can turn a corner.

[@pamelaadam9207]

My granda was one of those who landed he was a medic and never spoke about what he experienced

[@emilyserafamanschot800]

Thank you for showing us Normandy Beach. It's the 80th anniversary this year. My dad fought in France, Belgium, and Germany, but he wasn't in D-Day. Safe travels for your little family!

[@rachelstout466]

I have only seen 1 pizza machine before. It was in Crystal Beach, Texas, US. Small beach town that isn't quite big enough for a pizza restaurant. Too cool!

[@avid580]

You guys should train your baby to sleep in loud environments. I always turned on the radio, watched tv, and/or spoke loudly whenever my baby was asleep. Once he got used to it, he was able to sleep anywhere. Also, thanks for the ciderie tip!!

[@LateNiteGrafix]

I've stayed overnight on the island of Mont Saint-Michel twice. It is really the way to do it. All the commercialism goes away with the last of the tourists being shuffled off the island at the end of the day and you feel like you have the place to yourself. You have to try it that way one time.

[@paulinewilson613]

Happy birthday Alex! My goodness, that pizza would have been the highlight of the day for you - NOT! Thank you for sharing your Granddad's story, war is horrific and leaves many people traumatized for the rest of their lives. I did love that beautiful Michel Island you visited, what a magnificent place, I'd love to visit it. Safe travels xx

[@Pookasita]

Two years ago we rented a chateau in Normandy. Across the street was a pizza vending machine - Monsieur Pizza. Actually it was pretty acceptable. Even among the many New Yorkers in our group. Like you, they're not easy to please. They didn't object at all to the souvenir shops in Mont Ste. Michel. After all, it IS a tourist site.

[@neresq]

What a beautiful video you have gifted to us for Alex's birthday!

[@toobydude41]

Bless your grandfather and all those gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thanks for sharing that touching story Alex. As far as tourist shops, they don't really bother me. There could be some nifty items to be found among the tacky commonplace stuff . Such as that hat you spotted Alex. You're not contributing to any " problem" by getting it. And yes they may be needed to help sustain these places. Not to mention, please don't forget, you are tourists in a sense too. That Mont Saint-Michel sure packs a lot into what seems like its tiny size! Lovely video Beans

[@butchieblock9118]

Kudos to YOU. Happy. 🎉 Birthday Alex!! And isn't Noah's birthday coming up shortly?!! And kudos to Emma to continue nursing!! Not sure how many minutes you have left with Noah tolerating the carrier!

[@chautiendung]

I’m from Houston Texas USA n I’ve never been in Europe. Thanks for sharing your experience. 👍

[@stephenbrassard3229]

Your grandfather is one of the world’s hero’s from that war. Thanks for sharing

[@stephenrussell6074]

You can always go to the forests and mountains in Spain especially near the border with Portugal for variety.

[@clairel2076]

Tulips vending machine!! in the village where i grew up in Holland near all the greenhouses where most flowers in Europe come from!! quite handy if you need to apologize to someone and shops are closed :-)! Seen the pizza one in Japan too! Belated happy birthday Alex and I love your channel!! Tip: We loved Granville near st Michel! And the city Leon in North Spain where our friends live!! love from The Netherlands!

[@priscillajones623]

It’s funny how we are all so connected. My father who was American (though born in Alberta Canada) was also in the invasion of Normandy. He survived. But like your grandfather not unscathed by his experience and for a time suffered greatly. He somehow made it through it. We were lucky for it. He was an avid photographer and had many pictures. We weren’t allowed to see them but of course snuck and saw them. They were in a lawyer cabinet in our upstairs hallway. He also never talked about it until he was in his 70’s. He seemed so strong to me as a child. He was such a wonderful provider and father. He had four brothers and they all served each in a different part of the armed forces. I have a feeling by remembering these pictures my father may have been at the same camp as your grandfather,. But it could have been one in Germany since he went there not long after the invasion. He loved France. 😮

[@Jerri88510]

I love that you left the hot chili spit out in the vlog!!! I did the exact same thing the other day when I made tortellini soup! Noah has grown so much!

[@melaniej.5265]

Happy birthday, Alex! Did you order those 2 whole black olives on your pizza? LOL Happy belated birthday, Emma! Thank you for visiting Mont Saint Michel- I have not been there since 2000 so it was nice to "visit" again. I know you're headed south, but since you're right there, if you can see more of Normandy, I recommend it. There are areas by the beaches that you can still see bunkers & the ground is "wavy" from the chunks taken out by the area being bombed. Port-du-Hoc & the cemetery are not to be missed. Thank you to your Grandpa for his service ❤

[@Sola_Viajera]

The Galettes are originally from Brittany, which is the neighbouring countryside just a couple of miles from Mount Saint Michel it starts....

[@aislingbooks]

Cheers, and a very happy post-birthday to you both, my favourite astro signs. I also love the French areas that are away from the bigger, more populated and touristy cities. IMO, France gets more of a bad rap from inner city shop owners and the like who, in my experience, are often known to be testy. I went into a Parisian tobacco shop once looking for postage stamps, and the owner replied that if I would pay he would send my postcards for me. When I answered that I'd just prefer the stamps, please, he got mad and literally shoved me out of his shop. The French northern coastline and inner regions are very beautiful, which we go to often as we live on the southernmost peninsula of the Netherlands. Oh, and a pizza vending machine tops the weirdest of the weird. But of course you had to try it...hahaha

[@travelertrome8449]

Such a beautiful vlog. I love the history explanation and how it ties in to family. Also, Mt. Saint Michele is a bucket list destination for me. I did learn that in low tide people can walk across to it..but must beware of quick sand! So do not try it solo with no one around!

[@abigailgerlach5443]

Happy Birthday Al!!! 21 again huh? Enjoy the cider and cheese! Eat and drink for me! Sounds like a lot more fun than I'm having. Happy Belated Birthday Emma! As you get to the south, visit Carcassonne. It's very impressive as a medieval city too.

[@susanhirtzel8410]

Thank you for sharing the D day beach where your grandfather and so many others landed, and where so many gave their lives to insure our freedom. Very moving!