This is a co-operation with Husbilslandet. You can follow our journey on their Facebook.
"Hello all bon vivants!
After the luxury and glamour of Champagne, the tour now continues into Flanders. As we are both interested in history, we made sure to plan several stops at famous places along our route. However, the one that left the biggest impression on us was Ypres, located in south-west Belgium, just a stone's throw from the French border.
Ypres is a quiet little town today, but during the First World War it was the epicentre of some of history's most devastating battles. As we rolled the motorhome through the beautifully rebuilt streets, it was hard to imagine that this place was once in ruins, surrounded by mud, trenches and constant artillery fire.
We started our visit at In Flanders Fields Museum, a poignant and well-crafted museum that weaves together personal stories, interactive exhibits and historical artefacts to depict the human cost of war. It includes a re-enactment of the Second Battle of Ypres, when poison gas was used on a large scale for the first time, and suddenly it felt like more than just a piece of history - it became real.
In the evening we went to the Menin Gate to witness The Last Post, the ceremony held every evening since 1928 (except for the occupation during World War II). We stood silently with people from all over the world, listening to the wistful wailing of the trumpets. All around us, on walls, ceilings and pillars, were the names of soldiers lost. It was a moment of silence, but also of weight, a reminder of what happened right here and why we must never forget.
We were somewhat taken by all the experiences of the day and then it is nice with a little motorhome cuddle. There was a little picking and of course Belgian chocolate for dessert.
There is a longer version of this post on our blog, where we talk more about our experiences. Link is in the comments.
After a few interesting and educational days, we are now heading home and on the way we will explore Bruges, Ghent and several cosy villages in the Netherlands. You will join us on the journey, right?
Best regards Eva & Henrik”
