Whoever would have dreamt that when I was memorizing the poem, "In Flanders Fields" when I was in the 5th grade, that on my 34th Wedding Anniversary, I would actually be walking in the Flanders Fields where the poem, that is now on the back of our Canadian $10.00 bill, was written!! What a fun and informative day!
We took the over night ferry from Hull, England to Bruges, Belgium.
Then spent the day walking around the unique town. This building was originally a hospital.
Lots of interesting buildings built right by the river that runs through the town.
We took the over night ferry from Hull, England to Bruges, Belgium. 
Then spent the day walking around the unique town. This building was originally a hospital.
Lots of interesting buildings built right by the river that runs through the town.
Horse and buggies were kept busy taking tourists to see so many amazing sights.
The fish market drew Ragnar's attention. 
Rows of restaurants with lots of yummy food.
We had a tour through the chocolate factory where chocolate was found in lots of sizes and shapes.
We climbed the 360 steps to the top of this tower to get a good view of the city.
Keyboard for the Carillon, in the Bell Tower.
View of the city from the top. 
On a boat tour of this beautiful city. 
I think most of us thought we should duck down as we approached this bridge. 
The handsome guy I hung out with for the day. 
The following day, our anniversary, we took a tour of the Battlefields, which were about an hour's drive outside the city of Bruges.
A museum which told the story with lots of artifacts.
We were standing under the Canadian flag, but the wind didn't cooperate.
One of the British bunkers that is still standing. 
Recently renovated trench.
Canadian memorial. 
"This column marks the battlefield where 18,000 Canadians on the British left withstood the first German Gas attacks the 22-24 April 1915. 2,000 fell and lie buried nearby."
One of the MANY burial sites of soldiers.
Thousands of names were engraved in cement walls. I kept looking for 'Furlong'.
A memorial for John McCrae who wrote 'In Flanders Fields' in this area.
The original writing.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
One of the MANY burial sites of soldiers. 
Thousands of names were engraved in cement walls. I kept looking for 'Furlong'. 
A memorial for John McCrae who wrote 'In Flanders Fields' in this area. 
The original writing.In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
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