Much of our trip had to do with World War II history, and seeing much of the Battle of the Buldge area of the Ardenne forest. This worked out great for me. I got to see the wonderful small towns, see some history and sample delicious food of the region. So, I figure, we gave them freedom and they gave us pastries. Seems like a fair trade to me.
Do you see these REAL Belgian waffles? Be jealous of this. Very jealous. I didn't think I really cared about Belgian waffles....til I had a real one. They are SO good. The little pictures on them, tell you what's inside. These look like apricot and apple, maybe. This shop had the worlds best cream puffs. So good, that we're all still talking about them at my house. I've even made cream puffs since we've been home, but the filling wasn't as good at the ones in Bastogne.
The cool things about these tanks, (this is not a tank however, it's a US halftrack. Thank you, I do know the difference) is that these were not brought in for looks. These were left here after the war, and many are in parks and town squares. I felt proud to be an American while here, even though for the most part, Americans are not very popular in Europe these days. But I must tell you, Belgians are WAY nicer than the French. I mean WAAAAAAY.
Who doesn't love these lights? Huh? And how 'bout my photography with the reflection of the town? Nice. I know. Not to brag... (haha)
Most of these little villages where ruined into rubble, or much of them. Peter did a lot of research to show the kids (and let's be honest, himself) some buildings that haven't been repaired since the war. This building is one that hasn't been touched. He contacted some people in this town, before we came, so this isn't just a guess. These are actual bullet holes in the wall from the second world war. Obviously shooting at someone in the upstairs window. Can you imagine how horrible these times were? Fearing for your life? Your children? I won't go into all the detail of this little town, Stavelot, but it saw a lot of sad times with the occupation, and then with the allies freeing it. Like people being lined up and shot. I am SO thankful to be American. As I've said before. And so thankful for the very brave men that fought for our freedoms. And for these peoples freedoms. How soon we forget.
The town square. Things were damaged during the war, but repaired and it looks much like it did before. There were photos around town of the history. Isn't it dreamy?
And if this little taste of the European country side doesn't make you drool, nothing will. Look at the Chateau in the distance. Someone actually lives there. Places like this were all over. Who lives here? And why isn't it me? I can totally imagine a lord or lady and their horses and hounds. Ahhh. To dream.
Do you see these REAL Belgian waffles? Be jealous of this. Very jealous. I didn't think I really cared about Belgian waffles....til I had a real one. They are SO good. The little pictures on them, tell you what's inside. These look like apricot and apple, maybe. This shop had the worlds best cream puffs. So good, that we're all still talking about them at my house. I've even made cream puffs since we've been home, but the filling wasn't as good at the ones in Bastogne.
The cool things about these tanks, (this is not a tank however, it's a US halftrack. Thank you, I do know the difference) is that these were not brought in for looks. These were left here after the war, and many are in parks and town squares. I felt proud to be an American while here, even though for the most part, Americans are not very popular in Europe these days. But I must tell you, Belgians are WAY nicer than the French. I mean WAAAAAAY.
Who doesn't love these lights? Huh? And how 'bout my photography with the reflection of the town? Nice. I know. Not to brag... (haha)
Most of these little villages where ruined into rubble, or much of them. Peter did a lot of research to show the kids (and let's be honest, himself) some buildings that haven't been repaired since the war. This building is one that hasn't been touched. He contacted some people in this town, before we came, so this isn't just a guess. These are actual bullet holes in the wall from the second world war. Obviously shooting at someone in the upstairs window. Can you imagine how horrible these times were? Fearing for your life? Your children? I won't go into all the detail of this little town, Stavelot, but it saw a lot of sad times with the occupation, and then with the allies freeing it. Like people being lined up and shot. I am SO thankful to be American. As I've said before. And so thankful for the very brave men that fought for our freedoms. And for these peoples freedoms. How soon we forget.
The town square. Things were damaged during the war, but repaired and it looks much like it did before. There were photos around town of the history. Isn't it dreamy? 
And if this little taste of the European country side doesn't make you drool, nothing will. Look at the Chateau in the distance. Someone actually lives there. Places like this were all over. Who lives here? And why isn't it me? I can totally imagine a lord or lady and their horses and hounds. Ahhh. To dream.
2 comments:
thanks for sharing so much on your blog. I looonnnngggg for travel and history and all of the amazing things that you are sharing on your blog. I just have to keep reminding myself that one day I'll find a guy who wants to travel to Europe. Because that's what I'm holding out for you know..not a guy to show interest in me but a guy who will take me to Europe.
Looks amazing!!!! I have super bad news though. I can't read the French in that shop window. Doesn't bode well for our trip to France! :-)
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