This morning we spent more than three hours viewing the J’avais 20 ans en Bastogne exhibit at the Musée en Piconrue. Senior citizens were interviewed by teens about their experience as children during WWII. Their taped recollections were the basis for the three floors of exhibit rooms. Off all the museums we visited in Bastogne, this was my favorite—not only about the military but the effects of the war on the citizens; it made the hellishness more real.
After lunch we visited the 101st Airborne Museum. Dennis’ father was in the 101st during the Battle of the Bulge. It was amazing to see the size of the 81mm mortar that he transported. We found nothing personal but did get a feel for the snow and cold during that winter battle.
We tried to find the bus stop to go the shopping center to buy clothes for Dennis’ interview tomorrow. We asked several people about the stop’s location. At least, someone told us that we were actually at the stop—it was just unidentified. Would you have known it was here? (photo right)
The cost of living is very high in Belgium. Clothing, food, restaurants, hotels are all very expensive. Bastogne is a tourist town, so I can understand the elevated prices. Even though we went to a “mall” in a neighboring town 10 km (6 mi) away, the prices were less but still much dearer than in the U.S. I don’t know how the average person can afford living here.
Tomorrow, Michel de Trez will pick us up at 9:15 to take us to La Gleize where Dennis will be filmed for the Belgium TV. It should be an exciting day for him.
Good Luck, Dennis… and enjoy the sights Jane!!!
<3
Hi Jane and Dennis,
I hope your hotel was good and that you slept well. It was nice meeting you and I wish you all the best!
Kind regards,
Esther (the museum-touristshop-girl)
Esther,
Thank you for your assistance. When we got to the hotel, there was no WiFi, even though it was advertised. Therefore, we found a B & B, Weldezicht. The hostess, Toni is wonderful and very generous, and there is WiFi.
I just recently saw a History Channel show on Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge. I was never before interested in military/war history, but was totally captivated by this story, of the time and the place. Everyone, every American, should be required to read/hear this story and marvel at the courageous men who lived through (or died) hell, to honor them and their memory. Best to Dennis, too, as you both reconnect with this history.
Ann,
Going through the museums, I too am developing an appreciation for all the sacrifices these warriors made to liberate these countries.