Gent – Gent – Ypres.

Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, 2013

Had a wonderful stay with Hilde, Yaron, Moos and Liran in Gent. Moos kindly gave up his room for us which was very nice of him. We talked, ate, drunk and just relaxed with our long time friends. We found Starbucks within walking distance, which is pretty good luck as there are only a handful in the whole of Belgium.

Hilde and Caroline arranged a send-off party for our friends in Belgium. We rented ‘the dungeon’ (dating back to the 13th century) of De Afkikker in Gent dating back to the 14th century. It was great to see everyone over a few drinks.

13th Century Basement with 21st Century lights.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Back in Caroline’s home town. And of course enjoying the first of a few beers with Stefaan in ‘t Kabouterke, Caroline’s old haunt on the Markt in Eeklo.

13th Century Basement with 21st Century lights.

Stefaan, Stephen, an ‘Exporke’ and a Hoegaarden.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Had a wonderful lunch with Caroline’s mum, aunts and uncle.  It was quite the outing with everyone enjoying and food and wine. That evening we caught up again with Stefaan, and where else but in Café ‘t Kabouterke in Eeklo.

In ‘t Kabouterke.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Touring Eeklo for the day and being a tourist in Caroline’s home town. Found the local museum, which was closed and yet we were still allowed to visit. I guess we looked harmless enough.

Huysmanshoeve. Eeklo’s oldest farm.
Eeklo Markt.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Spent a lovely day with Hilde visiting Ieper/Ypers and surrounds. The whole area was the site of many years of trench warfare during World War I, and consequently, is now the site of many monuments and graveyards. People of many commonwealth countries including New Zealand fought and died in these fields.

We started with the impressive, humbling and reflective In Flanders Field Museum in the Lakenhallen in the center of Ieper. We then walked to the nearby Menenpoort / Menin Gate. Afterwards we went for a drive that took us amongst others to Tyne Cot Cemetery and The ‘s Graventafel New Zealand Monument.

Menenpoort Ieper.
‘s Graventafel NZ Monument.
Tyne Cot Cemetery.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Heading to the airport for our flight to London.

Traffic in Belgium. Just a few road works.