A moment of reflection in Ypres (Leper)

Alma, our Adria vision is nestled comfortably under the trees in the rather pleasant camping Jeugdstadion, a short stroll from the city of Ypres or Leper, Although by the next morning we were completely alone on the site.

Ypres, a small town in Belgium, is a poignant reminder of the First World War.

The town was heavily bombarded during the war, and its Menin Gate stands as a memorial to the fallen soldiers. The Yorkshire Trenches and Essex Farm Cemetery are also worth visiting to learn more about the war.

Day 1: The Menin Gate

Our journey began at the Menin Gate, a towering memorial arch dedicated to the soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during the First World War. Every evening at 8:00 PM, there is a Last Post ceremony at the gate, where buglers play the Last Post in memory of the fallen.

It was a humbling experience to see the sheer number of lives that were lost in the war.

Day 2: The Yorkshire Trenches

On our second day in Ypres, we visited the Yorkshire Trenches, a preserved section of trenches that were used by British soldiers during the war.

With the weather treating so to damp and drizzly conditions for the entire time, it really added to the atmosphere. The trenches are a fascinating glimpse into the conditions that soldiers faced during the war.

Michele was particularly struck by the narrowness of the trenches and the lack of cover. It is hard to imagine how soldiers could have survived in these conditions for months on end.

Day 2: Essex Farm Cemetery

Our final wet final stop in Ypres was Essex Farm Cemetery, the resting place of over 12,000 soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient.

The cemetery is a peaceful place, with rows of white headstones marking the graves of the fallen.

Taking some time to walk around the cemetery and read the names of the soldiers who are buried there. It was a moving experience to see the sheer number of lives that were lost in the war.

Reflecting on this special Journey

Ypres was a moving and thought-provoking experience.

It was a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace.

I encourage everyone to visit Ypres and learn more about the First World War.

Paul.

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