A Day in Normandy I Will Carry Forever

Pegasus Bridge • Arromanches • Bény-sur-Mer • Juno Beach — November 11, 2025

Some travel days are beautiful. Some are joyful.
 

And some — like this day in Normandy — stay etched on your heart forever.

This Remembrance Day, traveling with my AmaDante group, we stepped into history in a way that was emotional, humbling, and deeply human. What unfolded over the course of one November day is something I will never forget.

Pegasus Bridge — Where the Dawn of D-Day Came Alive

Our morning began early, boarding the bus in near darkness. As the sun rose, we arrived at Pegasus Bridge — the very spot where D-Day truly began. Just after midnight on June 6, 1944, British glider pilots and paratroopers landed here with breathtaking precision, securing the bridge and setting the entire Allied liberation into motion.

Standing at the memorial as the first light spread across the water, it was easy to imagine those first courageous moments. You could feel the weight of history in the air.

At 11:00 a.m., our group gathered at the base of the bridge for a moment of silence. Marie, our new Aussie friend, had downloaded The Last Post. When the bugle call began, the world went still.

I found myself standing with seven extraordinary veterans from Canada and New Zealand — decorated military nurses and one officer who together represent more than 120 years of service in Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Haiti, the Persian Gulf, and beyond. Their presence made the moment infinitely more profound. You could feel their stories, their sacrifices, and the lives they’ve touched.

To honour the fallen.
To stand beside those who served.
To remember what began on this very ground…
It was a privilege of a lifetime. ❤️

Arromanches — Where History and Everyday Life Meet

From Pegasus Bridge, we drove to the quiet seaside town of Arromanches — a place where D-Day’s legacy and everyday life intertwine.

We ate our boxed lunches overlooking the wide, windswept beach, watching as children laughed, dogs chased waves, and a few brave souls plunged into the November surf. Life carrying on, full of joy.

And just offshore: the rusting remnants of the Mulberry Harbour, the ingenious temporary port that made the Allied landings possible.

It’s a strange, beautiful contrast — to stand on a beach where freedom was won, watching families enjoy the very life those efforts secured. The sacrifice feels even more profound in that setting.

Before we left, I found Remembrance Day scarves and D-Day magnets in a tiny local shop — small pieces of history to carry home.

Arromanches is a place that settles into your heart — a testament to resilience and the life that liberty makes possible.

Bény-sur-Mer — A Place Every Canadian Should Stand Once

Our next stop, the Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-sur-Mer, left us speechless.

A large Canadian flag greeted us as we arrived — a powerful sight so far from home. Inside, rows of pristine white headstones stretched out in perfect symmetry. Each one marked with a maple leaf. Each one lovingly cared for.

On this November day, the ground was covered in fallen maple leaves — reds and golds scattered gently among the graves. It felt as though Canada itself had come to honour its sons.

Small poppies grew between the headstones — delicate, resilient, symbolic. Their colour echoed the remembrance poppies worn across the world.

We walked the rows quietly, stopping to read the epitaphs chosen by families. Words of love, pride, heartbreak, and hope. Many were just 18 or 19 years old.

In the registry book, we found the graves of the three Westlake brothers — Toronto siblings who died within weeks of each other. Canada’s own heartbreaking parallel to Saving Private Ryan. Standing before their headstones was a moment that touched every one of us.

Bény-sur-Mer is peaceful, sacred, and profoundly emotional. A place of gratitude and remembrance. A place that stays with you.

Juno Beach — A Remembrance Day Ceremony I Will Never Forget

Our final stop was Juno Beach, where Canadians landed on D-Day. The sea was restless, the wind sharp, the sky heavy with history.

But what made this ceremony unforgettable was who I stood beside — the remarkable military veterans in our group:

🇨🇦 Captain (Ret) Cora Newhook – 20 years, Bosnia & Germany
🇨🇦 Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Charlene Langlais – 22 years, Persian Gulf & Bosnia
🇨🇦 Lieutenant Commander (Ret) Denise Kearsey – 22 years, Haiti & Germany
🇨🇦 Major (Ret) LeeAnne Quinn – 26 years, deployments to Former Yugoslavia, Somalia, Rwanda, Afghanistan
🇳🇿 Squadron Leader (Ret) Judith Telford – Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps & Air Force
🇨🇦 Corporal (Ret) Merna Chernetz – 12 years, Lahr and postings across Canada
🇨🇦 Alain Langlais – Royal Canadian Navy veteran

At the memorial, with the names of fallen Canadians etched behind us, our cruise director João read each of their biographies aloud — honouring their service and sacrifices.

To stand with them on Juno Beach…
To hear their stories in the place where so many stories ended…
To share that moment of remembrance together…

It was beyond moving. And something I will hold close for the rest of my life. ❤️🇨🇦🇳🇿

A Day of History, Heart, and Deep Gratitude

Normandy is not just a place you visit.
 

It’s a place you feel.

A place where courage becomes real, where sacrifice has names and faces, and where the freedoms we often take for granted come into sharp, humbling focus.

From Pegasus Bridge to Arromanches, from Bény-sur-Mer to Juno Beach… this Remembrance Day was one of the most profound days of my life.

And I am grateful — deeply grateful — to have walked it alongside such extraordinary people.

Lest we forget. ❤️

📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey:

🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey:

🔹 Schedule a Consult

Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca

🌍 This Week’s 4 Travel Corners

Each week, we bring you insights from four inspiring corners of the travel world—designed to spark ideas, fuel your wanderlust, and keep you in the loop on what’s possible next:

River Cruise Corner – Explore the best of river cruising with itinerary highlights, ship spotlights, and insider tips.

Adventure Travel Corner – From safaris to polar expeditions, get inspired by journeys that push the boundaries of exploration.

Wellness Travel Corner – Discover retreats, resorts, and experiences that help you relax, recharge, and reconnect.

Come Travel With Me Corner – Join one of my upcoming hosted group trips and experience the world with fellow curious, like-minded travelers—crafted and guided by me.

Where will your next corner of the world be? Let’s find out together.

1. River Cruise Corner - A Day at The Louvre — Masterpieces, Magic & Mona Lisa Moments

One of the things I love most about river cruising is how effortlessly it connects you to the world’s greatest cultural treasures. And in Paris, that includes one of the most iconic museums on Earth: The Louvre. 🎨✨

Stepping inside feels like entering a different realm — one filled with centuries of beauty, imagination, and human expression. From the moment you pass through the glass pyramid, the energy shifts. You’re surrounded by masterpieces at every turn.

Of course, I made my way to the Mona Lisa. Her famous smile still draws a crowd, but seeing her in person never loses its magic. ❤️
And beyond her? Endless corridors of sculptures, paintings, ancient artifacts, and artistic wonders from around the world. It’s the kind of place where you wander slowly, pause often, and let yourself be moved.

A fun tip for future travelers: if you’re willing to queue, admission is free — a lovely surprise in a city known for celebrating art at every level. 🙌

For my river cruise guests sailing the Seine, the Louvre is one of those anchor experiences that deepens your connection to Paris. It fills your soul with beauty… and reminds you why this city captures hearts again and again.

Paris always has a way of giving you more than you expect — art, inspiration, and memories that linger long after you’ve sailed on. 🇫🇷💫

2. Adventure Travel -  🌊 Expedition Cruising Myth #4 — “It’s Too Educational.”

This week, I’m tackling the latest in my Expedition Cruising Myths series — and it’s one I hear more often than you might think:

📚 Myth #4: “It’s Too Educational.”
Truth: Expedition cruising isn’t about sitting through lectures — it’s about learning through wonder.

Picture this: one morning, you hear a glaciologist explain how ice forms and shifts. That afternoon, you’re kayaking past those same icebergs, penguins bobbing nearby, your breath catching at the stillness of it all.

Yes, you might learn a few fascinating facts — but it’s not about memorizing. 

It’s about feeling the planet. These journeys connect you to nature, science, and yourself in ways no textbook ever could. There’s also yoga on deck, fine dining, wellness spaces, and time to simply watch the world unfold around you. Because true luxury isn’t just indulgence — it’s curiosity balanced with calm.

And in case you missed the earlier myths in the series, here’s a quick look back:

🌊 Myth #1: “It’s Too Adventurous.”
Think adventure with amenities — not roughing it. You can sip champagne while watching icebergs drift by.

🧊 Myth #2: “It’s Too Dangerous.”
Modern expedition ships are marvels of safety and technology — often stronger and more stable than traditional cruise ships.

🦭 Myth #3: “It’s Too Rugged.”
From Ponant’s French elegance to Lindblad’s cozy luxury, these journeys redefine exploration — no compromise required.

Expedition cruising is not about being extreme. It’s about embracing the extraordinary.

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on Antarctic ice, exploring the Galápagos, or venturing deep into the Arctic fjords, this is your sign. You don’t need to be a scientist or an athlete — you just need curiosity and a sense of wonder.

👉 Let’s find your perfect expedition — with Lindblad, Ponant, or another leader in luxury adventure travel.
Because the best journeys don’t just show you the world — they change how you see it. ❤️

#ExpeditionCruising #AdventureLuxury #LindbladExpeditions #Ponant #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #LuxuryTravel #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife

Myth #3 - "Expedition Cruising Is Too Rugged" | Busting the Myths of Expedition Travel

Myth #2 - "Expedition Cruising Is Too Dangerous" | Busting the Myths of Expedition Travel

Myth #1 About Expedition Cruising: “Isn’t It Too Adventurous?”

🚢✨ Expedition Cruising Myths — Busted!

If an expedition cruise has been on your list — from the Arctic to Antarctica — now’s the perfect time to reserve it.

#ExpeditionCruising #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #AdventureLuxury #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife

3. Wellness Corner - Notre Dame Reborn — A Moment of Grace in Paris

There are places in the world that hold our stories — even when we’re far from home. For me, Notre Dame is one of them.

This November, after years of restoration and anticipation, walking back through the doors of Paris’s beloved cathedral felt like stepping into a deep breath. ✨

Inside, everything glowed.
 

The soaring stone arches.
 

The delicate carvings.
 

And the stained-glass windows — radiant with colour and life again after so much loss.

But the most meaningful moment was a quiet one.

I paused to light a candle for my mom and dad. 🕯️❤️
 

In that stillness, surrounded by centuries of art, faith, and resilience, it felt like the world paused with me. There’s a special kind of wellness found in places like this — the kind that grounds you, softens you, reminds you of the people who shaped your life.

Notre Dame’s rebirth is a reminder that healing takes time… but beauty returns.

And sometimes, the most restorative travel moments aren’t about where you go — but who you remember along the way.

If Paris is calling you, know this: stepping inside Notre Dame again feels like stepping into grace.

4.  🌟 Travel With Me: A Journey Home to Newfoundland — Fall 2026

Let’s reserve your suite and create unforgettable memories together. 

✨ Four Directions of Travel Inspiration

Each edition of our newsletter brings you four curated travel insights to spark your wanderlust and keep you in the know. Here’s what to expect:

In the Spotlight - From client journeys to industry features, see how Lush Life Travel is creating memorable adventures—and making headlines along the way.

Virtuoso Travel Inspiration – Handpicked features from Virtuoso Life, Virtuoso Traveler, or Virtuoso Insight—ideas that transport you.

Elevate Your Stay – A weekly look at standout hotels from our preferred partner network, plus the VIP perks you receive when booking with Lush Life Travel.

Exclusive Offers – Special promotions and insider access available only through Lush Life Travel, a proud affiliate of Direct Travel and top Virtuoso producer.

This section is your one-stop compass for ideas, upgrades, and exclusive opportunities—all designed to help you live your lushest travel life.

5.   Spotlight: Sail Away from Budapest 🇭🇺✨ The Magic of River Cruising Begins

📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey:

🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey:

🔹 Schedule a Consult

Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca

Additional info: exclusive perks 

VIP’ing You at My Preferred Hotel Programs and 

💡 Still Wondering Why Book with an Advisor?

This week, we feature:  Aria Budapest

An Experience Inspired by Music

The Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro's vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence. Aria Hotel Budapest has been awarded as the #1 Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards and #1 Hotel in Central Europe by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2018.

Rooms

Each of the 49 guestrooms and suites feature a jazz, contemporary, opera or classical music theme through décor and sound. All rooms and suites feature caricatures by internationally acclaimed artist Joseph Blecha to celebrate the world's greatest musical legends such as Maria Callas or Hungary’s own Franz Liszt.

Virtuoso Amenities

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/hotels/15444650/aria-hotel-budapest-by-library-hotel-collection 

8.  Exclusive Offers

As the owner of Lush Life Travel, a boutique travel agency affiliated with Direct Travel, I’m delighted to bring you access to exclusive offers through Direct Travel’s status as one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners.

Here are some fantastic opportunities from a few of our favorite travel supplier partners:  

DESTINATION of the week: Classic Colombia

SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Azamara

RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Avalon

EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Aurora Expeditions

TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Ski.com Swiss Alps
HOTEL of the week: Gran Hotel Miramar
LUXURY experience of the week: Ker & Downey: Madagascar

I have some offers and information on all these weekly partners. Click the button to see more. 

📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey:

🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey:

🔹 Schedule a Consult

Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca