a city rebuilt

Iepers! (french: ypres, pronounced: eeepers)

9.18.2012

Yep, I probably should've posted this a couple days ago.. but I'm adding pictures! So it will be exciting. 

I went with an orientation group to Iepers, a city in Belgium that was completely destroyed during the First World War. We spent the day learning about the history of WWI and touring the city, which has been entirely rebuilt since 1922. 

I've learned about WWI countless times all through my schooling in America, but it was a completely new experience to learn about it where it actually happened. During the war, Belgium was used as the pathway between enemies, France & Germany. Innocent lives were taken, towns were destroyed, and the history of Belgium was changed forever. 

Once the war ended, Iepers had the choice to rebuild the city as it had been or to build a modern, new city. The people opted for the city to return to what it had originally looked like, and so that's exactly what happened and what visitors to the beautiful city see today. 

IT WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY!! Blue skies and a bright sun :)

The In Flanders Field Museum, recently remodeled and a truly moving 

depiction of Belgium's presence in World War One.

In Flanders Fields Museum

Main square of Iepers

CUTEST coffee shop ever!! I ordered an espresso, and they brought it out on this tray with little candies and cookies.. it was entirely too precious. 

Saint Peter door handles

Breathtaking sunset

British memorial to the fallen soldiers in Flanders Field.

Each evening at 8pm, there is a ceremony called the Last Post to commemorate those lost in Belgium during World War One. This monument is FILLED with names, and military men and women are represented in the ceremony as well. Again, a really moving experience. 

Gorgeous, pink sunset to end the day!