On THE Channel

More travels with Andy (Lev)

Not just any channel, mind you, but THE Channel, the English Channel on a ferry from Portsmouth to Ouistreham in Normandy. It's a lovely sunny, despite the bad weather they keep predicting for England and France. It is an ordinary ferry ride in some ways: lots of people drinking, playing ping-pong, sleeping, reading, doing video games. Kids, parents and elders. What makes it really unusual is that there are several groups of D-Day veterans on board, all decked out in medals and service caps, tottering around proudly on their way to the 65th anniversary ceremonies taking place in Normandy this weekend. They're a great bunch, grey-haired and sparkly-eyed men, glowing with pride and glowing even brighter when people come up to them to talk, thank them for their service and listen to their stories.

It would be great to be here with a tape recorder and a microphone. Why didn't I think of it??

My group has a full day of touring planned for tomorrow. We set off from Deauville at 07:45, heading to Pointe du Hoc, the German cemetery at La Cambe, the Airborne Museum at Ste Mere Eglise, wreath-laying at Utah Beach, a reception with French D-Day "witnesses", then a late dinner back at the hotel. Phew! And that's just the prelude. On Saturday, we all have invitations for the official ceremony at the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-mer, near Omaha Beach. Barack Obama, Nicolas Sarkozy and Prince Charles will all be there, along with lots and lots of Secret Service people from several nations. We will basically sit around for a long time, getting through security and waiting for the muckety-mucks, but everyone is looking forward to it. I am very much hoping for decent weather because it would be a real challenge in a downpour. It's hard to type with fingers crossed, but I'll be working my luck over the next few days.

I have been blessed with a good-natured group. Not many photos yet, but I will certainly have some from June 6 and beyond. More soon. andy