What an interesting few days we have had at Ypres. Wikipedia can tell the history better than I can. But it’s fair to say its been a key city in battles for best part of 1000 years. It’s hard to believe that in the last 2 wars the city was virtually leveled when you look at the buildings which have been rebuilt as near to original as possible.
Some of these photos are from Jill’s camera and more can be seen on her blog Contented Souls.
On Monday Deb, Jill and me went to the In Flanders Field Museum. A very informative couple of house spent there. On the way in you are asked to log in with your family name. At the end I found out that 87 people with my surname died in the 1st world war. Whilst in the museum I went up the bell tower to get a better view of the city and surrounding area.
The real highlight of the city visit was the
Menin Gate. At 8pm ever night there is a ceremony where the
Last Post is bugled. We went on the Saturday evening and despite it raining a crowd of about 2000 were present.
We couldn’t get close despite getting there 20 minutes beforehand. It was very moving. The crowd prior to the start announcement was quite a loud hubbub but as soon as the first note was played the place instantly fell silent.
The monument is very impressive. On every wall there are 1000’s of names. All missing with no know grave.
Seen from the tower
It might seem corny but as the last post was being performed the rain stopped and the sun came out and a rainbow appeared ending on the monument.
Afterwards we went into one of the many lovely bars / cafe’s for a beer and Deb noshed a Crepe instead of a second pint.
Could the beautiful city, or the emotion of the last post but seems love was in the air that nigh
Or was it the beer? We will never know.
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