Our morning started with meeting a bus at Antonios squadron at 6am. A little early for a weekend. But I sacrificed my sleep time to make this trip! 3 hours later the bus arrived at Houmont. This is where the Dead Man's Ridge Walk is held annually.
We got there just in time for the ceremony. VIP cars pulled up with a couple American veterans and families inside. There was members of the USAF Color Guard and other European Military holding their flags. They had a few speeches and then a national anthem of various countries played. It was hard to hear everything because the speaker was low and the crowd noise. Overall we clapped along and took in as much as we could hear.
Right after the ceremony people started the trek. 4 or 10 mile option. We chose 4... Because it was freezing out and slightly miserable. My hands and toes were frozen and my face was getting beat with sprinkling rain and cold wind. But I sucked it up and walked faster. Through grass then rock then muddy mushy trails! Trying to find where I'm going to step next without slipping in mud or hurting myself.
The sun peaked out about half way through our walk and it was really nice once it warmed up a little! The serene woods was really enjoyable once the weather let up. We were happily greeted with beer and food at the event site. We paid a couple bucks for beer and even had a round on Antonio's boss. It was a fun relaxing end to the walk!
We met people inside the tent from other military communities. One family rode a bus throughout the night from Stuttgart.
The Veteran we spoke with was the coolest most humble man. He served in the Army for a few years but did not make a career out of the military. He fought in 4 battles. He flew out to the event from Texas. His daughters said he loves coming to this every year. But she did confess it's exhausting. They go non stop from one event to the other. She said its a week or two of just go go go. People were lining up to take photos with them, shake their hands and thank them for their service and sacrifice. The old vet I took a photo with told our friend Amy "it was my pleasure!" when she thanked him for his service. Truly a honorablr humble man!
Overall the time spent there was just a humbling experience. Really makes you appreciate those who fought back then when things were entirely different and those who also paid the ultimate sacrifice.
There were old photos on a slideshow playing and other memorabilia all over the walls inside the hall. Lots of history. The tent outside sold signs and old military clothing. There were vehicles on display and re-enactors around.
We departed Houmont mid-afternoon to visit Bastogne before heading back home. It was a quick 15 minute bus ride.
We started in the city center where there was a tourist center and a tank. The tank had real holes caused by live fire from the war. It was insane to put your fist through the hole and see that it goes inside the tank!
The tourist center had some cool souvenirs and information. There is museums close by and a ton of restaurants. It was hard to narrow down the options so we just set off on foot!
A Belgian waffle was an easy first decision! We also visited a chocolate shop, Butcher shop (with samples of amazing ham), a pastry shop and a couple restaurants. We ate frites and had beer at Le Nuts. Le Nuts was particularly unique because they serve Airborne beer that comes with a helmet you drink out of. You can purchase one as a souvenir along with the beer if you'd like. For dinner had pizza at an Italian place! Being "full" was an understatement after this food binge!
We came home with a variety of chocolates for our extended enjoyment of Belgium! Amy made sure to stop off for baked goods and macaroons as well! We had such a great day and ate entirely too much! Again the food and beer here left everyone happy!
Another great day trip on the books complete. 😄
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