I’ve missed traveling far and wide the last few years. So I decided to plan a couple of trips a year to places I’ve never been — like a river cruise from Paris to Normandy with three great friends.

Finding a pet sitter for my six cats and two dogs isn’t an easy feat, but my friend, Daina, is just that – a pet sitter. Lucky for me, she was up for the 13-day challenge, bless her brave heart.

Daina introduced me to Grand Circle Cruise Line (GCCL) and their fabulous discounts. Why pay full price when nearly half off was beckoning? We even upgraded to better seating on the plane, to and from. Never mind I don’t need extra leg room with these stubby legs, but hey, why not? We were on vacation.

Why not? was something we’d be saying often during the cruise. Anyone want another cocktail? Sure, why not?

Interested in going to the top of the Eiffel Tower? But of course! Why not?

Each day had new adventures, which is what it’s all about, right?

The ship’s crew was great. GCCL is for people age 50 and above. We oldies but goodies are active people. Some vacationers in their 80s have taken dozens of cruises with GCCL, so they sat at the captain’s table. We four were more interested in meeting many of the 105 passengers. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner we basically played musical chairs (remember those?). This way, we always encountered new, interesting people – mainly married couples.

Now don’t get me wrong; there wasn’t a dull moment during our 13-day adventure. It’s hard not to enjoy visiting the Peace Memorial in Caen and the next day explore museums, shops, and art galleries in Honfleur, followed by a visit to the “Cliffs of Etretat.”

Our trip to the Normandy American Cemetery was sobering, viewing the seemingly endless rows of 9300 graves, the final resting place of American military personnel.

We walked down Omaha Beach then hiked up to Pointe du Hoc where allied soldiers attempted to scale the 328-foot cliffs to silence German artillery emanating from the bunkers.

Then we were on to Rouen, the capital of Normandy, where we walked the town with local guides and later split into small groups to attend home-hosted visits with locals for homemade pastries and conversation.

We anchored ship in Les Andelys and took a beautiful hike.

We visited Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny.

We saw the Joan of Arc Museum and entered many churches.

We walked through Conflans where we somehow managed to miss the floating chocolate shop. Can you believe that? But we did explore Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh lived the last two months of his life.

Back in Paris, we took a bus tour to many famous sites, including the Champs Elysees. Our entertaining driver shared interesting stories for each area we visited. We then hopped off to walk and explore the city, indulge in the flavors of Paris, and of course, shop.

I really enjoyed the smaller river cruise ship vs. ocean liners; they’re more intimate. Without assigned meal seating, we probably met more than half of the cruisers. Each night after dinner featured something new. There were various musicians, a cabaret show, a dancing competition, a wine and cheese tasting, and a “French night” where we all wore berets and scarfs.

Speaking of food, an abundance of deliciousness was at our beck and call, and let me tell ya, we beck and called. At each meal, a nice variety of cuisine was served, including vegetarian for yours truly. And the desserts? They were scrumptious. How we still fit in our clothes at the end of the trip is a mystery.

At a cooking demonstration, Sharon, a great cook herself, made crepe Suzette with the pastry chef.

Toward the end of the cruise, the crew entertained us with a comedy show that had everyone in stitches. Pam, Sharon, Sue, and I made the mistake of sitting in the front row, and consequently, the four of us were grabbed onto the stage to dance to the song, YMCA. Embarrassing, but lots of fun.

So now the question is where to go next? Decisions, decisions. I have some ideas, but I’m definitely planning to go with Grand Circle again since they also have land tours. I’m leaning toward Austria; what do you think?