Belgium Trip
September 2012
Belgium
This European River Cruise included visits to
the Rhine & Mosel Rivers. Along these river routes, we stopped
at cities, ports and picturesque, quaint villages. These neat
little villages are located at the base of striking valley
moutainsides covered with vineyards. We covered 6 countries
in 3 wks: Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, France,
Luxembourg and Switzerland. We began this journey with
4 extra days in Brugge, Belgium and ended it with 4 extra
Days in Lucerne Switzerland.
BRUGGE: This city is defined by canals. It has been an important
trade center in Europe based on textile/wool industries and the
finest lace making. It is a treasure trove of fine architecture.
Its specialities are great mussels, Belgian fries, waffles… and,
of course, chocolate.
ATLANTIKWALL IN OOSTENDE: Belgian coast open-air
museum of the infamous wall built by Germans during WWII.
Thousands of bunkers with artillery and anti-aircraft guns were built to protect the ports from an
Allied attack.
DAMME is a charming seaside town….took a boat ride here &
sampled different varieties of Belgian beer while cruising.
Then, we went on to GHENT, an important center of medieval
cloth trade. Ghent is an old 12th century city port with beautiful
preserved guildhouses. It’s famous for the Treaty of Ghent that
was signed here in 1814, ending the 1812 War w/US and England.
ANTWERP…Belgium’s major port….suffered
much damage in WWI and WWII. it still remains
a city of beautiful architecture…a well-preserved
old town w/its Grote Markt and beautiful guild
houses and old town hall. It’s one of Europe’s
busiest ports and also a major diamond ctr. It
became a thriving hub of the European cloth
industry. Today, it is undergoing a widespread
program of rebuilding and renovation. It has
a reputation as a key European Center of cutting-
edge fashion design.
BATTLE OF THE BULGE: This began when Hitler’s
desparate attack through the Ardennes attempted
to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting battle
has been called the greatest American battle of WWII.
It raged from 12/16/1944 thru 01/28/45.
US: 8,447 killed; 46,170 wounded; 20,905 MIA or in prison
Germany: 10,749 killed; 34,439 wounded; 32,487 MIA or
in prison.
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