Our hotel in Ypres was one of the most interesting places I have stayed in. The Ariana describes itself as a family run hotel when it is 3 friends who own it and are actively involved in the day to day operations. Beautiful rooms, delicious food and friendly and helpful staff make it 5 plus stars in my mind. Then add in the cute little touches - you’ll have to stay there to find them - and it goes over the top!
We would continue to learn more about the war with a trip to Vimy. The Canadian memorial is huge. beautiful and a wonderful tribute to those missing in the war. Well done Canada!
The memorial and information centre sit on land gifted from the French government to Canada. The information centre has fantastic displays but we did not have enough time there to read everything.
The information centre is run by young Canadians who come over for 4.5 months. They lead the tours and are outstanding ambassadors representing out country. Our guide was from Ottawa and she led us through the tunnels and trenches.
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| A tree was planted for every Canadian killed |
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| No man’s land |
An unexpected stop for the group was the cemetery at Vimy. This happened when we learned there was a connection of one grave to a group member. Flags placed and a round of Oh Canada - not a dry eye among us!
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| The deminers and gardeners |
Next stop, the Wellington tunnels or quarry. What a fascinating story of how the New Zealander miners dug kms on tunnels underground in an effort to prepare 24,000 allied troops for the battle of Arras. This was done in 6 months - another amazing fact about war - the length of time it took to prepare for just one operation - I guess the hope was that would be the winning one!
Battling the absolutely freezing temperature and rain we visited the caribou on the rock. Beaumont Hamel Monument is a memorial the Newfoundlanders who fought in the war. Tragically they were gunned down almost immediately and most of the 800 men died. At the base of the statue is a memorial to the missing. Eventually the allied forces took the German line - about 2 km away and after 3 months of fighting.
Our final stop was the underground museum at the Somme. Another famous battle with numerous casualties.
The past three days have been emotional, reflective, and informative. I now know how little I knew about the war and am so glad I have had this opportunity to learn and reflect. If only politicians around the world could reach the same conclusions.
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