Cultural Daytrip, Sept 18 2012

On Tuesday afternoon, our group gathering up at the Saint-Mechael, Naamsestraat 57, Leuven and at about 12:15 pm we were heading to City of Peace - In Flanders Fields, Ypres. Historically, Ypres was severely destroyed by enemy during World War I. However, after the war ended everyone comes and has been tried to preserved this place. With very well designed and decorated, Flanders Fields Museum is very attractive and beautiful place. Local and international tourist have a visit contiguously since its opening hours.
      During our visiting to Ypres, we got a great chance to visit exhibition inside the building and, of course, it really really brings us back to war period. We felt very sad to see all of those things. However, we really appreciate for very well preservation.
      At around 5:30 pm, there was a tour guide telling us about story of the City of Ypres and we also walked around the ramparts with around 1200 meters long. Of course, it was 17 century property, so some were broken and other still in very concrete standing. Our tour around city-rampart is about 2 hours an a half  and we finished the day at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing where we were quiver at the sight of the memorial ceremony. Traditionally, at 8:00 pm everyday, since 1928, they always celebrate the impressive ceremony at the Menin Gate to commemorate the soldiers fallen for the freedom of Belgium in WWI.
Here are some photos I took during my visit in the Flanders Fields Museum. It was very amazing:

Inside Flanders Fields Museum: Exhibition of Battle Field in WWI

In front of Flanders Fields Museum

Gate going inside City of Ypres

With river around the rampart

My two Japanese friends

On the rampart of City of Ypres

Our tourist guide telling story about Ypres

Menin Gate of Memorial to the Missing

Name of British soldiers died for Belgium freedom inside Menin Gate

At 8:00 pm sharp, they always celebrate ceremony

Game Over; come back home