Count Baldwin IX of Flanders and Mary of Champagne

Flemish? Oh damn...

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October 12th 2009
The day started early, about 20 minutes before the sun came up. I took a quick shower, packed my toiletries and night clothes, then checked out. I reached Piccadilly Circus just as the sun came up and the early morning traffic began. I'd broken a cardinal rule of touring in London on my arrival: taking the tube during rush hour with all my luggage. It being a Monday I didn't want to do that again, ... read more

Europe » Belgium » West Flanders » Ypres

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Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions bet... ... read more