We stopped for an overnight stay in Caen (pronounced kã). This town is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried here, and for the World Ward II Battle for Caen—heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, destroying much of the town. The only structure not bombed was a monestary (the largest structure in the city). The people displayed a symbol of a hospital on its roof to avoid bombings. Most of the damaged buildings have since been rebuilt, but the people left a few reminders of the war, including a bombed out church and pock marks in some walls.

William, the Duke of Normandy (who eventually because the King of England) was from Caen. He actually commissioned the monastery to be built. There are two towers on this monastery and King William once said that when these towers fall down, there will be no more kings or queens in England. Well, these towers survived World War II, and as you know, there is still a Queen of England.