Day 7: Rest in Kortrijk and Ypres, Belgium

On day 7, we had a well-deserved day of rest.

 

After a good, long night’s sleep in a boat hotel called the Ahoi, we took an Uber to meet up with Lieven, another pilot who made the same journey last month. Lieven, who is passionate about aviation, photography, technology, art and history, and his talented and lovely wife, Mieke, welcomed us like royalty into their beautiful home, which resembles a contemporary art museum! After a delicious meal, we set off to explore the surrounding area.

They chose the town of Ypres for its history, followed by a walk on the ramparts built by Vauban. What a surprise to be there on the same day as a car rally. As a car lover, I was delighted, as you’ll see from the photos below.

 

Super interesting fact: every evening, without interruption, since July 2, 1928, at 8pm, a ceremony takes place at the Menin Gate monument in Ypres, in tribute to the 24,000 (accounted for) soldiers killed in action during the First World War. The ceremony consists mainly of the sounding of the Last Post, by the Ypres fire department volunteers. The only interruption was during the German occupation of World War II, between May 20, 1940 and September 6, 1944, when it was held at Brookwood Cemetery in England. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend this ceremony, but we were at least able to soak up the solemnity of this majestic and dignified place.

Having had a great-grandfather, a grandfather and several other members of my family wounded and/or killed in the two great wars, I was moved by this monument reminding us of all those who fought for our freedoms, which we too often take for granted. I hate war, and I don’t glorify these acts. But, because of human ego, they do exist, and those who resist and fight must be recognized and thanked for their sacrifices.

We ended the evening in Kortrijk (Courtrai), on the banks of the river Lys, where we ate on the terrace and drank a good Belgian beer.