Tuesday 29 April 2014

Ypres

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.
4369

4314
4315
4350
4362
4364
4366


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.
0001

0002

0003

0004
0007
0006

0008

0009

0010
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. 
4358
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.
4215
0005
Seen from the tower
4329
4332
4335
4211
4212
4216
0013
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.
4209
4206
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.
4202
Could the beautiful city, or the emotion of the last post but seems love was in the air that nigh
4201
Or was it the beer?  We will never know.

No comments:

Post a Comment