No subject

Single Mom Makes $89,844/Yr in Her Spare Time on The Computer Without Selling Anything

http://www.patrick-lang-sculpteur.com/hwork56.html



















4/27/2013 5:14:11 PM

Here at Bastogne

Well here we are on day two been out to two museums pictures to follow, now relaxing with a large blonde (leffe). Living the dream...

The Hell of Verdun

The sheer hell which both the French and the Germans went through at Verdun is difficult to understand. Like so many battles in the First World War there seems to be little strategic value to Verdun. it seems that  the Germans t were affraid of losing face within world opinion and so looked for a quick and decisive victory to raise their stautus within the emerging world order. The battle was fought over ten months during which time little was gained by either side. Lines moved forward and then backward according to who was prepared to lose men in the process. The first picture shows some trench remains. Such views are common place in and around the area as the government have preserved the ground as a mass grave.

During the siege of Verdun 9 vilages were completely destroyed. This was what remained of Douville. Today two of the villages have been re-built while the other seven are remembered by a variety of memorials. However, even today each of the nine has a Town Major despite the fact that seven have no population.

Following the Franco/Prussian wars in 1870s the French built a series of fortifications forming the Maginot line to protect the border with Germany. This fort is one of many which can be visited in the area. The forts commanded the high ground and in theory should have stopped the German advance. At the time of the start of the Battle for Verdun these forts were unarmed and manned by a handful of reservist soldiers. Oh la la.....merde. Someone made a blunder.

Verdun

We left Freiburg yesterday morning and after one of the most wonderful journeys through Colmar and across the Vosges we travelled through Alsace up to Verdun. For anyone who loves scenery, beautiful buildings, lakes etc this is a must road. At the highest point of the road, we saw a ski lift  taking walkers and mountain bikers up to the summit,sadly we could not park up so missed out.

Verdun is another fascinating city. We English have a reasonable knowledge of the battle of the Somme but very little of Verdun. The Battle of Verdun was largely a German/French affair. Each country lost over 275000 men and a further 800000 were injured over the 10 months of siege. The stories are similar to the depravity of Ipres and the Somme. Trench warfare, with mud and rats playing major parts.

We visited the fort which formed part of the Maginot line. The 6 euros entrance fee included an automated car ride underground through a series of tunnels depicting the life of a Verdun soldier. This was 6 euros well spent. We even got our own little interpreting machine to hang round our necks.

The town has many memorials and of course cemetaries. Most are free to visit while others are very reasonably priced. The following picture celebrates the five branches of the French army involved in the defense of Verdun.

Of course we could not visit France without paying homage to the true French icon.

Wood Carving Stall.

This one is especially for you Alan. We had one final look around the market and came across this fantastic stall of wood calvings. I asked the owner if he needed any help and he said he would be delighted to give you a job any time. So get those chisels sharpened big Al.....

The Seepark Freiburg

Today,our final day in Freiburg we ventured further on our bikes to the Seepark. A lake with boating and so many things. We loved the layout but were most amazed to see in one corner of this five acre lake an area set aside for terrapins. there were loads of them swimming, sitting on logs and just generally terrapinning about.

Alternatives to Motorhoming

In Germany it seems that every camping site goes to extraordinary lengths to cater for everone's needs. You have the standard facilities such as pitch rental and elctric hook up. In addition they all seem to offer rental tents, caravans and other accommodations. These pictures sho some of the alternatives here at Camping Mosel Park.

Sites even offer rooms where people can cook their food. These contain cookers, utensils, plates and so forth. Little wonder that the sites are constantly full. As well as offering great facilities they are ridiculously inexpensive compared to those in the UK.