We took the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais…then, shock horror…drove through France, to reach Belgium! Fiona managed a couple of hasty photos of the Belgium signpost…then we were on to our first non_french destination- Ypres, or Wipers, if you prefer…
We arrived at our first campsite…luckily Andrew had reserved a spot, it was getting rather busy, due to (we later found out) a huge motoring rally which was hitting town..The pitch was quite roomy, and there was a very handy pathway to the town. First stop was the Menin Gate, quite a stunning monument, both in its size, and the endless list of names on it….all those souls lost during WW1, without a “proper” grave…and all those wreaths, stating “we will never forget” and nor should we.
The photo below is of the Menin Gate, click on the photo for further images taken around Ypres.
Feeling the need for some Euros, we went on an ATM hunt….eventually finding an ING bank, which allowed us €200..woohoo…time for some drinks! In fact, we opted to eat in town..and what a great decision that was! Andrew chose the “scampi in garlic butter”….NOT yer normal deep fried scampi we find in any pub in the UK…no, these were the most succulent king prawns, in a wonderful garlic butter…A has died and gone to heaven! I had a steak, which was also very good, but it wasn’t quite as outstanding as the scampi. After a few drinks and coffee, we were ready to hit the streets and wander more.
Next day, we saw some more of Ypres, including a few hours spent at the In Flanders Field Museum in the town centre. Well, I admit, I had to escape to the Ladies for a few minutes, to wipe my tears….it was the bit where chlorine gas had been deployed, and the accounts of soldiers almost ripping the skin from their faces, in agony…..man’s inhumanity to man….just horrendous…I returned to the exhibits, and continued. Wow, what a museum that was! Well worth the entrance fee…so much has gone into showing what the Belgian people went through…
Home to camp for dinner, then out to experience The Last Post at Menin Gate….a ceremony carried out every single evening at 8pm…a kind gent from Arkansas invited me to stand in front, so I could see things better…(short arse moment) and we got chatting..he too has a Motorhome…a 40 footer! He asked if we tow a car behind our Moho…different world! The ceremony was very moving, with the Last Post, and a few people walking through to lay wreathes, to add to the many, many already there. The crowd is asked for silence, and no applause. Soon, its over and we disperse. Drinks in the main square..which will soon be filled with the Rally stands, and exhibits.