Back to Maine

What a fantastic trip! I was fortunate on Friday that we had no delays and our flight from Brussels to Dulles was uneventful. They have stepped up security at Brussels in a big way. Not only did the bus have to drop us off a good 2 miles away from the airport, but there were Military positioned along the way inspecting us closely as we wheeled our luggage toward the airport. Before even getting our Boarding Passes we were subjected to a 20 question interrogation. Then after getting Boarding passes and checking bags we were questioned again and went through security. After our 8 hour flight we went through passport control and customs. I was happy to do all of it!

My only delay was on the DC Metro. I took the Silver Line to the Green Line and we had several delays. I finally made it my family in Maryland in time for dinner!

On Saturday I got some rest and went into DC to see some of the monuments. We finally made the drive home on Sunday and were back on Maine on Sunday night.

The trip was simply amazing and I'm already thinking about how I can bring this back to my students and how our work telling the stories of Fallen Heroes has just begun. Thanks for following along on my journey! Ciao!

Last day in Brussels

Our last full day in Europe holds only a closing dinner as an obligation. It just so happens it is Belgian National Day. Though their independence was achieved in October, Belgians celebrate the July 21st Holiday of when the Monarchy was adopted after independence and on this date the new King swore to uphold the Constitution. Our hotel was in the middle of Brussels, and so we were next to all of the action going on today. Its a lot like July 4th, they even had fireworks (although they were not very high in the air and didn't last very long). I spent the day walking around and buying some souvenirs to bring home. I even went and looked at the famous child peeing into a fountain statue known as the "Manneken Pis". I made sure to have some Belgian Frites and a Speculoos Belgian Waffle. It was a nice way to end our trip!

This is a fanciful copy of the Manneken Pis.

This is the actual Manneken Pis. They dress him up several times a year in different costumes. Today he had on a Belgian military uniform showing his patriotism.

Belgian waffles are everywhere and very yummy! They are served warm and taste a bit like a dough boy.

This is from the Grand Place in Brussels.

This is me with the Manneken Pis.

Smurfs originated in Belgium and so this statute is in honor of this

Belgian Chocolates are for sale all over the place

Belgian Frites are also very popular

This statue and fountain was near our hotel. I have no idea of its significance.

I had Creme Brulee at our closing dinner and it was very good!

That's it and I'm ready to go home! Its been an awesome trip and 9 months of professional development that in many ways is just beginning. I enjoyed my time in Europe, and am so grateful I had the chance to recognize the sacrifice of 4 Fallen Heroes and be witness to the recognition of 17 others. The biggest part of this project is over, but my work in recognizing Fallen Heroes and their sacrifice has just begun. Home on Friday and I'm looking forward to seeing my family!

World War Two in Bastogne

After another interesting French breakfast, we left the city of Metz and headed north. We traveled through Luxembourg and then across the border into Belgium to the town of Bastogne. Any World War Two history buff will recognize that town as the center of the famous Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944. There are some historical artifacts in town and a relatively new Bastogne War Museum.

Above is a patisserie I had in Metz called "Intense" and it was very yummy!!!

The museum starts with the end of World War One and has an interesting approach. Without casting blame, the Museum seems to imply that the war happened because of the way the First World War ended. I think this makes a lot of sense and the evidence is there, its just interesting to see. This may be a function of how relatively new the Museum is.

The Museum also has three interactive "shows" that combine video, audio, and moving objects to give you a feel of what it might have been like to be in the press and learn about D-Day, to be an American soldier in the forest surrounding Bastogne, and to be a citizen of the town trying to stay protected from the German bombardment. It was clear that the focus of the Museum is on the people of Bastogne and also on the sacrifice of US soldiers.

Behind the Museum is this War Memorial which has been there since the War ended. The people of Bastogne built this for the US as a thank you for their heroic defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Every US state is labeled on the facade of the Monument, and the specifc Army Units thought fought there are recognized.

After our tour of the Museum we went in to the town for lunch. in the town square is a Sherman Tank and a statue of General McAuliffe,

During the Battle of the Bulge, Bastogne and the US soldiers there were cut off from the rest of the Allies by German forces and surrounded. There was too much snow and fog for supply drops and things looked bleak. The Germans sent a message asking for the US to surrendur. General McAuliffe was woken up and told about it. His only response was an angry "Nuts!!" Then he told the soldier to send that to the Germans as a response. The Germans spent a good deal of time trying to figure out what the message meant. In the end, The Germans had to retreat and the story has become legend. There is even a "Nuts!" Cafe in Bastogne.

Need to have a patisserie before leaving...

After a 3 hour drive north, we made our way int ot he city square in Belgium. This is a very active place and nice way to spend our last couple of days in Europe!

Belgian Frites are famous and yummy!

Moules and Frites!

Tomorrow is the National Day in Belgium and so some shops are closed but we are told there is a parade, music, and fireworks. It should be a good day! We will finish with a closing dinner at the Hotel and then we depart for states tomorrow!