Ieper Ypres & Wipers

The past weekend was spent in Belgium. A country which as it turns out has more to offer than the EU city of Brussels and chocolate and lace in Bruges. I feel like I have pretty much covered all of Belgium with Matt now! The countryside is quite lovely - flat and green with leaves on the trees turning everywhere we went if they hadn't fallen already.

Antwerpen - after some window shopping it looks like there are some very good purchases to be made in this city known for its fashion and diamonds. When I'm 30 I'll be back to buy myself a nice sparkling rock.

Must not forget to tell you:
"According to folklore, the city got its name from a legend involving a mythical giant called Antigoon that lived near the river Scheldt, exacting a toll from those crossing the river. On refusal, the giant severed one of their hands and threw them into the Scheldt. Eventually, the giant was slain by a young hero named Brabo, who cut off the giant's hand and threw it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen from Dutch hand werpen (hand-throwing)."

Ieper - really interesting place. Unfortunately missed last admission at the Flanders Field Museum but our late arrival meant it was feasible to stay on for the Last Post ceremony. They do this every night at 8pm at the Menin Gate which serves as a memorial to soldiers of the British Commonwealth who died on the Ypres Salient battlefields and have no other grave. It was quite moving standing there in front of the list of Australians who died there on the weekend of Rememberance Day.



Leuven - the Belgain Oxbridge - is a uni town. Far more quaint I think than Bruges so perhaps a better day trip. Coffee shops and bars galore to serve the students. Really nice to wander around.

And for the bonus round; history...
In the 20th century, both world wars inflicted major damage to the city, destroying the university library twice. The world was outraged over this and the library was completely rebuilt after World War I with American charity (and university) funds and German war indemnities. After World War II, the burnt down building had to be restored again. It still stands tall as a symbol of the terrible wars and the Allied solidarity afterwards. On July 4 they fly the American flag here to remember the support they were given.

Tks to Wikipedia for pic and recounting Matt's historical trivia