In Flanders Fields the poppies growOur tour of the Flanders Field American Cemetery brought home the respect and meticulous care that is shown for our fallen heroes from World War I. We are humbled with the reverence in which these graves are maintained and are impressed to learn that families were flown here to say a final farewell to their beloved. Beneath the lush green lawns and snow-white crosses, friends lie side by side for all of eternity. This is a lesson for us in respect for all, for all races and religions and lifestyles, as well as a deep appreciation for all who served to keep us free.
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Building "The Wall"Over the past few months, the word "wall" has come to take on new meaning in American culture, as a barrier against things that are different and a source of political discord over cost and value. During our time in Belgium, we visited a wall that Germany paid for. The Atlantikwall, which hugs the coast of the North Sea from Norway to Spain, is a reminder of a time when the Nazi regime controlled much of Europe. We explored surprisingly spacious tunnels where Nazi soldiers were stationed, and stood behind abandoned gun turrets intended to protect the Third Reich's coast from Allied invasion. As we learned from our audioguides, the Atlantikwall was ultimately a complete failure. Allied troops stormed the beaches at low tide when many of the wall's defenses were easy to see and avoid. As we walked above the sand and surf, a light breeze rustled the grass and shrubs that have overgrown much of the wall. What was once a barrier is now a serene and peaceful spot.
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War Against the WatersnoodThe "man card" toting members of our group were in heaven with today's trip to witness the Dutch battle with the North Sea. The North Sea has been the nemesis of the Low Countries, which has nearly half their land below sea level, for centuries. The morning's focus was the catastrophic flood of 1953 (known in Dutch as the "Watersnood") and the heroic rescue attempts that followed. The afternoon was an adventure in modern engineering - the Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier. It's construction began with an engineering competition that rivaled the construction of the Duomo. The result was the massive structure we walked beside which protects the Port of Rotterdam from the North Sea. The computer-operated Barrier is designed to endure the storm of the century. This eighth wonder of the world took six years to construct and is comprised of two floating arms which are each twice the size of the Statue of Liberty. What guy wouldn't love to see that?
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A Day at the BeachOne advantage of small tour groups is the opportunity for unscheduled stops. When the forecast called for sun during our drive from Delft to Amsterdam, our Flemish tour guide Nina couldn't resist the opportunity to take us on a traditional Dutch day at the beach. The skies were clear and blue, but we did have to bundle up to brave the North Sea's chilly, salty breeze. Justin and Elyse loved running in and out of the freezing North Sea water, and the whole group really enjoyed collecting blue shells in the deep hues of Delft pottery. By the time we boarded the bus, everyone had sandy feet and wet windswept hair (or what the Belgians call "a Dutch hair day.")
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