Lucky (by Warren)
Today we braved the Belgian traffic (and especially the endless lines of long haul trucks) to visit the WWI battlefields at Ieper (or Ypres). We learned about the incredible sacrifice of so many in Flanders' fields with our tour focused particularly on the deeds of New Zealanders who fought and died at Messinnes, Paschendale, and Polygon Wood amongst other sites. Our guide's stories brought the battles to life and left us sobered by the tragedy of war. We felt lucky to be living in peaceful New Zealand (and in the words of the memorials, at the furthest ends of the world). We warmed up with Belgian frites before heading back to Brussels. Unfortunately, peak hour traffic in Brussels meant the last 3km of our return took as long as the first 120! Seriously, not much fun feeling tired and stuck in a Brussels ring road tunnel. We consoled ourselves with cream, banana, and M&M crepes. So much to be grateful for - friends, family, food!