A Holiday, A Trip to the Beach, and Some History

Today is May 1, and it's a national holiday. That means that all of the shops, business, and schools are closed - even grocery stores. And because it also was a beautiful day (sunny, 80+ degrees), everyone in Belgium headed to the beach. Also today just happens to be the day we chose to go to the coast not realizing how the holiday and the weather would make our trip a little more exciting with the throngs of locals.

The train ride to Blankenberge was really crowded. Greg stood some of the time but a young man took pity on him and gave up his seat. In Blankenberge, we got on the coastal tram that runs up and down the coast stopping (too often) at various small towns or beach areas. We got off at De Haan which according to what I'd read is an upscale beach town with cute homes and nice restaurants. Einstein had a home there, I think I read somewhere. We split a sandwich from Leo's Foodbar while sitting on a swing at their table (see last night's entry regarding food intake) and then wandered down to the beach area. It is huge but very organized with changing rooms and wind barriers and lovely umbrellas. I didn't go down to check out how it all worked but it was a very nice beach.

We didn't stay long in DeHaan but it was fun to see where Belgians go to vacation in the summer. We got back on the Tram and went south to the Atlantikwall Raversyde. This is a WWI and WWII military museum that contains a huge complex of bunkers and tunnels and structures built by the Germans to defend the coastline. It was much larger and in much better condition than I had imagined, and it was a fascinating place. The Nazis were convinced this was where the Allies would strike, and were caught off guard when they landed in Normandy instead. So interesting. But after crouching through the tunnels and climbing up and down the dunes, we were ready to get back on the crowded tram, back to the train and head home. Glad we went there. The timing wasn't the best but it was worth it.

A few random shots today... There was some kind of bike race on the road next to the museum. I couldn't imagine how uncomfortable these guys must have been.

And we made a stop at St. Michael's church back in Gent on our way home. It's a beautiful church but the front is under renovation so the photos wouldn't show much. We did look around inside. Lovely church built in the 1600's. And here's something for my friend, BB.

Dinner and laundry at home tonight.