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Being Belgium, there are lots of canals. I don’t know what the boots represent.

Bruge, Belgium

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by

Diana
in

I am a little behind in my postings. I decided to take the bus from Nueue Vennep because the train would have meant 2-3 transfers and, well, you know, my suitcase is kind of heavy. So I opted for a long ride on the bus so that I didn’t have to move stuff.

Bruge is such a pretty town…very walkable and picturesque. My AirB&B here was very nice with a big shower and plenty of hot water! It is amazing what becomes most important. It was easy to walk in to the middle of town. The Airbnb is listed by host Veronique. It is also nicely located for walking to sites.

Being Belgium, there are lots of canals. I don’t know what the boots represent.
Being Belgium, there are lots of canals. I don’t know what the boots represent.
The city seemed very busy for mid-April but cruise ships doc nearby and it was Easter break for many countries.
The city seemed very busy for mid-April but cruise ships doc nearby and it was Easter break for many countries.
I could lie and say I didn’t go in this shop but I did! Purchased 6 very yummy bonbons.
I could lie and say I didn’t go in this shop but I did! Purchased 6 very yummy bonbons.
Chocolate Factory – went in here too. Since Bruge is known for chocolate and lace, you kind of have to visit these stores.
Chocolate Factory – went in here too. Since Bruge is known for chocolate and lace, you kind of have to visit these stores.
These two photos go together. I thought it was interesting that there were places where women could dedicate their lives to God without being nuns.
These two photos go together. I thought it was interesting that there were places where women could dedicate their lives to God without being nuns.
Some beautiful homes along the canal.
Some beautiful homes along the canal.

Tomorrow my posting of Flanders Field in Ypres (e-pres) Belgium. This is the burial site for casualties of WW1.

Ypres and Flanders Field

From Bruge I joined a small van tour that took us to Ypres. Everyone on the van was very friendly – a couple from near Nothingham, England and three people from Australia. Our tour guide was wonderful – a historian who had lived in the area all his life. Residents are still finding remnants of the war over a hundred years later.

One of the English people on the tour said that the English tradition is to make the area in front of the headstones planted with english garden plants.
One of the English people on the tour said that the English tradition is to make the area in front of the headstones planted with english garden plants.
I happened across several headstones from Scottish clans. My adopted father is descended from the Gordon Clan.
I happened across several headstones from Scottish clans. My adopted father is descended from the Gordon Clan.
This is a monument to the Canadian troops. The dirt and stone were brought in from Canada for the creation of this monument.
This is a monument to the Canadian troops. The dirt and stone were brought in from Canada for the creation of this monument.
These trenches were unearthed and slightly reinforced so that you can see what the soldiers had to deal with. All underground in the rest of this field were barracks and other rooms for the care of the soldiers.
These trenches were unearthed and slightly reinforced so that you can see what the soldiers had to deal with. All underground in the rest of this field were barracks and other rooms for the care of the soldiers.
Just a shot of some of the buildings in Ypres.
Just a shot of some of the buildings in Ypres.