Belgium Weekend

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Here are just a few of the many pictures I took on my weekend trip to Belgium. I wanted to get some sent out before I head off to Africa, because otherwise, I won't be able to post them until August. Belgium was wonderful. The entire family took me in and treated me as if I was a part of their family. They showed me around all of the sights in Vodelee and Saint Gerard, including the cave, a water source, the sight of the plane crash, the mill, and a memorial to the airmen.

I'll post a more thorough blog on this eventually, promise!

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Photos

Valerie's
Our apartment for the weekend.

In Vodelee
On our way to the cave.

Snake
Along the path to the cave.

Water source
Used for drinking and cleaning, this fountain has been around for a while. Also, Valerie's children, Lola and Raphael.

Water source
Again...

Cave
The cave where my Grandfather lived for months during the war, and descendants of the family who cared for him during that time.

Cave
Another view

Cave
and another.

Cave
It was interesting to see how this cave was only slightly visible from the area around it.

Stream
Playing in a nearby stream.

The Mill
Where my Grandfather used to spend time.

Chapel
There are some people that make a pilgrimage here to celebrate Santa Maria.

1942 Jeep
We even looked at the registration. Driving around the countryside in this was amazing.

Kids
The kids also loved the rides in the jeep!

Playing with the kids
The kids loved having a water fight with me!

Sprawling fields...
Belgium is full of beautiful countryside.

Crash site - St. Gerard
Where my Grandfather's plane crashed.

Memorial
In memory of the American airmen.

Plane remnants
On the right is the largest piece of the plane recovered. I am holding a shell from a bullet found near the crash site.

John and the memorial
John explaining the memorial and that he brings flowers to the memorial every 4th of July,

Replica
A replica of the "Sack Hound" plane. Up front, John pointed out the place where my Grandfather would have sat.

Comments

[Del & Linda McCuen]

WOW!!!!
Hi Kristi - We have followed the Belgium story through Doug! We are as impressed with your quest to visit the place so important to your grandfather's survival, as we ever have been with anything. You are truly to be commended!!! Know that it made your mom very proud!!! Congrats!!!