Thank you for reading us this journal from your Aunt when she sailed on the SS Normandie. I learned so much about the Normandie from your Aunt's journal that you could only learn from someone who actually sailed on her. It was fascinating, thank you for taking the time to read it out and post it on TH-cam.
Mme Reed, I cannot find words adequate to describe the unexpectedly powerful emotional response this wonderful, priceless jewel has caused in me. To have seen the Most Magnificent Ocean Liner Ever Built through the eyes of this adorable woman is a precious gift indeed. Your aunt comes across as a gracious, loving, and very down to earth woman with a great sense of humor- I'll bet she had a great laugh. She seems kind and patient, with generous heart, but also nobody's fool. How lucky you were to have her as an aunt, but you already know that. She must've really brightened those lives she touched; it is quite evident from this account that she thoroughly charmed the crew and her fellow passengers, without even trying to do so. It was when she mentioned the purser that my heart skipped a beat- for it sounds as if this is THE Purser, the great Henri Villar, Commissaire Principal aboard paquebots Normandie, Île de France and Paris. I would love to know for certain, but it sounds like him. He was a legendary figure in the Golden Age of transatlantic ocean travel, and your aunt seems to have won his heart as well. Perhaps I sound like I have a bit of a crush; I imagine she had that affect on quite a few. I will say this: It is not everyday that a TH-cam video moves me to tears, but you and your lovely aunt have done so every time I watch even part of this. Lest I forget, the other Star of this show, Normandie, shines through vividly thanks to the young lady's first-hand account. It has brought Normandie to life for me more than any book, still or motion picture has. You have done an amazing thing here, Mme Reed, I feel you have created something far greater than the sum of its parts, and I thank you for sharing this and letting two bright stars shine across time and brighten our hearts.
I keep going back to this to join Helen, Margie and friends- I feel like I was aboard with them, and always feel a bit wistful upon reaching Southampton! What an amazing document. Thank you once again.
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Helen would be so pleased to know how much you enjoyed what she wrote in her Trip Diary. I am very touched by your words. If you would want to read a book about the entire trip, it is available on Amazon. Search for Touring 1938 Europe Unawares. Book or Kindle. Enjoy.
The apogee of the ocean liner. Not commercially successful because she was considered too grand for many people, however for me she would have been a lifetime dream come true.
Kathy, this is heart melting story. I guess every lonely passenger could say his/her own one. What happened to this woman? If you know. Just a year later the Nazi evil took over the whole world and with Normandie...
Helen went on to live a wonderful life. She went back to Europe in 1985 with me. At time we toured Italy. She said that she wanted to see Italy by itself, so did not include it in her 1938 trip. Luckily the US took control of the Normandie so that Hitler would not be able to use it for his "Navy: but then the Normandie caught fire and was ruined.
That was fun! Two young ladies having the trip of a life time on board the finest liner that ever sailed.
Thank you for reading us this journal from your Aunt when she sailed on the SS Normandie.
I learned so much about the Normandie from your Aunt's journal that you could only learn from someone who actually sailed on her.
It was fascinating, thank you for taking the time to read it out and post it on TH-cam.
You really feel how much she enjoyed this trip . Lucky lady thanks for sharing
Mme Reed,
I cannot find words adequate to describe the unexpectedly powerful emotional response this wonderful, priceless jewel has caused in me. To have seen the Most Magnificent Ocean Liner Ever Built through the eyes of this adorable woman is a precious gift indeed.
Your aunt comes across as a gracious, loving, and very down to earth woman with a great sense of humor- I'll bet she had a great laugh. She seems kind and patient, with generous heart, but also nobody's fool. How lucky you were to have her as an aunt, but you already know that. She must've really brightened those lives she touched; it is quite evident from this account that she thoroughly charmed the crew and her fellow passengers, without even trying to do so.
It was when she mentioned the purser that my heart skipped a beat- for it sounds as if this is THE Purser, the great Henri Villar, Commissaire Principal aboard paquebots Normandie, Île de France and Paris. I would love to know for certain, but it sounds like him. He was a legendary figure in the Golden Age of transatlantic ocean travel, and your aunt seems to have won his heart as well. Perhaps I sound like I have a bit of a crush; I imagine she had that affect on quite a few. I will say this: It is not everyday that a TH-cam video moves me to tears, but you and your lovely aunt have done so every time I watch even part of this.
Lest I forget, the other Star of this show, Normandie, shines through vividly thanks to the young lady's first-hand account. It has brought Normandie to life for me more than any book, still or motion picture has. You have done an amazing thing here, Mme Reed, I feel you have created something far greater than the sum of its parts, and I thank you for sharing this and letting two bright stars shine across time and brighten our hearts.
I keep going back to this to join Helen, Margie and friends- I feel like I was aboard with them, and always feel a bit wistful upon reaching Southampton! What an amazing document. Thank you once again.
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Helen would be so pleased to know how much you enjoyed what she wrote in her Trip Diary. I am very touched by your words. If you would want to read a book about the entire trip, it is available on Amazon. Search for Touring 1938 Europe Unawares. Book or Kindle. Enjoy.
Wow, this is such a fantastic window into a world which no longer exists. This is such a personal story expressed wonderfully!
Thank you! It is my pleasure to share it.
Fantastic recollection of a bygone era.
Bravo! What an incredible journey!
+Sherry Talbot Why.... THANK you!
This is so enchanting...could have listed to this for hours...my dream would be to go back In time and sail on the normandie
Thanks for your comment. Helen would be so happy to know you enjoyed her description of the SS Normandie experience.
An excellent video and a glimpse at a world now sadly long gone.
+jec1ny Thank you... the SS Normandie will be remembered forever
Absolutely wonderful.
+phoenix1985 Thank you - my pleasure.
The apogee of the ocean liner. Not commercially successful because she was considered too grand for many people, however for me she would have been a lifetime dream come true.
A bit more info on Hy and Bernie?
I did not know they allowed so much access to First Class from the Tourist section.
Kathy, this is heart melting story. I guess every lonely passenger could say his/her own one. What happened to this woman? If you know. Just a year later the Nazi evil took over the whole world and with Normandie...
Helen went on to live a wonderful life. She went back to Europe in 1985 with me. At time we toured Italy. She said that she wanted to see Italy by itself, so did not include it in her 1938 trip. Luckily the US took control of the Normandie so that Hitler would not be able to use it for his "Navy: but then the Normandie caught fire and was ruined.