August 2024

Convention 2024 Liepzig

Fire fighters, history, Brothers and sisters as one Read more

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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 9
- Monday, August 19, 2024 at 2:30 PM
- ⛅ 21 °C
- Altitude: 505 m
- Belgium Mont 50.010522, 5.73925550°0’38” N 5°44’21” E
Bastonge War Museum
August 19, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Speechless, the monument is closed for repair but still a sight to see.

The self guided tour through the history and events of WWII is nothing short of gut wrenching. Personally I wish they had told parents how graphic it was, so many little kids crying and screaming. Not pleasant being a bystander. Plus the whole experience takes approx 4 hours.

We earned a well deserved lunch & coffee at the end, then as expected you exit via the gift shop….Read more
TravelerWow. Fantastic seeing all the history. Great blog.
8/20/24Reply
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 9
- Monday, August 19, 2024 at 6:00 PM
- ⛅ 23 °C
- Altitude: 55 m
- France Amiens-Glisy 49.867757, 2.37226349°52’4” N 2°22’20” E
On the Road again
August 19, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
It’s amazing what you see along the road - apart from the millions of windmills & trucks.

There’s so many monuments but the Aussie in slouch hat - well now I know it’s worth the trip.

There’s also some weird looking traffic lights and don’t get me started on the powerlines.

North Aldi is here, he’s the brother that didn’t want to expand globally - sucks to be him.

We also went through a little town that our grandson will love - St Quentin. ❤️Read more
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 9
- Monday, August 19, 2024 at 9:58 PM
- ☁️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 55 m
- France Amiens-Glisy 49.867646, 2.37221349°52’4” N 2°22’20” E
Amiens
August 19, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Google maps sent us from Bastogne via the scenic route to Amiens. Found our accommodation- it’s uuummm interesting. 🤨
Now to find somewhere for dinner before everything closes. We’re planning our Tuesday and where we’ll head.
John Monash Memorial plus Guard cemetery @ LesBoeufs.

Dinner is at the restaurant “Leon”. Chicken burger for Roger & salad bowl with Salmon for me. All washed down with water & the local beer. And you’re not in France unless you have bread with your meal.

Dessert, of course we’ll have some - Tiramisu + a matchstick…. 🤤Read more
Leon en EefI didn't know that i have a restaurant in France. Bon appetite
8/19/24Reply
TravelerGood name that!
8/22/24Reply
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 10
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:26 AM
- ☀️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 144 m
- France Lesbœufs 50.037544, 2.85330850°2’15” N 2°51’12” E
Guards cemetery
August 20, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
All indications say H S Barling in interred here! I am honoured to bring Connie here to share this moment, to see the emotion. Such a sad waste on human life, yet such a peaceful place. The guardeners (see what I did there) are taking care of the gardens and are very respectful as we wander around.Read more
TravelerHa ha love the joke
8/20/24Reply
TravelerVery emotional and reading the details listed on the plaque makes it ever more so. Thanks for the photos.
8/20/24Reply
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 10
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 11:11 AM
- ⛅ 21 °C
- Altitude: 87 m
- France Fouilloy 49.887146, 2.51383649°53’14” N 2°30’50” E
Searching for family
August 20, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
My great great Uncle Private Hughie Stanley Barling 2583a was killed in action 27th November 1916. His military record show his place of burial appears to be very close to the Guards Cemetary. We pay our respects & sign the register.

His brother Lance Corporal Henry Joshua Alexander Barling 537a was killed in action 9th August 1918 Mont St Quentin France.
No known place of burial, but we found a memorial which comes pretty close.Read more
TravelerWonderful journey.
8/20/24Reply
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 10
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 12:33 PM
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 57 m
- France Fouilloy 49.885955, 2.50806749°53’9” N 2°30’29” E
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Sir John Monash centre
August 20, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
No words
Traveler Wonderful speech.
8/20/24Reply
TravelerThat really sums it up. Unbelievable to be there. See all the beauty. How well it is cared for. And just think. Xx
8/20/24Reply
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 10
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 12:35 PM
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 63 m
- France Fouilloy 49.88622, 2.50831749°53’10” N 2°30’30” E
Sir John Monash
August 20, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Continuing to pay our respects for those that gave their all for our freedom.

H J A Barling 537a
H S Barling 2582a

LEST WE FORGET 🥀
Traveler❤️
8/20/24Reply
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 10
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 9:00 PM
- 🌙 17 °C
- Altitude: 41 m
- France Amiens-Glisy 49.871529, 2.37074649°52’18” N 2°22’15” E
3 Brothers went - 1 came home
August 20, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌙 17 °C
My maternal Great Grand father Ernest Lincoln Hyde Barling went to WWI with his 2 brothers. Both Hughie & Henry lost their lives and Ernest made it home.
My grandfather Les Barling was 3 when his father went to war 1916. 💔Read more
TravelerSo glad you were able to travel and find the names of your family. Very moving.
8/20/24Reply
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- Day 11
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 49 m
- France Amiens-Glisy 49.871437, 2.37059749°52’17” N 2°22’14” E
Artwork, Tolls & stuff
August 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
An array of things we found interesting… well some were odd.
Amazing art on the side of a building.
A Tollroad with boom gates at every on and off ramp - no debtors to chase.
An old train engine in the middle of a roundabout with the Olympics rings on the side.
More church spires than anywhere else I know.
A postie on a trike.

I also can’t get over how secure everything is. Everyone has shutters on their windows and most places look deserted or closed ALL THE TIME. Everything is fenced in and gates that are always closed or at the very leased closed overnight…. Very unnerving.

People are friendly, especially the service staff….Read more
TravelerWow!
8/21/24Reply
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- Day 11
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 11:25 AM
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 118 m
- France Hédauville 50.039426, 2.56621950°2’22” N 2°33’58” E
Villers-Bretonneux
August 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Two Pennies
Was the start of the relationship between students in Australia and Villers-Bretonneux. Visiting the school that was rebuilt after the war with help from Australians was moving and such a joy to be able to be here to live and breathe it.

And the reason everything looks empty and closed. Kids are on two month summer holidays.

But we still can’t go into the school yard.Read more
TravelerSo glad you were there. Just have to, don’t we? Amazing to see in person. Just … inspiring, reading and looking at it all.
8/21/24Reply
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- Day 11
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 12:31 PM
- ☁️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 19 m
- France Le Transloy 50.548022, 2.8259350°32’53” N 2°49’33” E
Green Maccas
August 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Question solved “Eco Friendly” means some of the items are washable, reducing waste.
Cups for chips, bowls for wedges, drinks in plastic tumblers - no straws.
Burgers are still wrapped in paper, sauces are still in little sealed containers.
Paper napkins.
Oh and table service.Read more
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 11
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 12:39 PM
- ☁️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 23 m
- France Le Transloy 50.548303, 2.82570850°32’54” N 2°49’33” E
I had to do it (Maccas France)
August 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
What do they call a Quarter pounder in France??? If you know - You know lol
TravelerLove this. Now I’m hungry!
8/21/24Reply
TravelerMcLove it
8/21/24Reply
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Convention 2024 Liepzig
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- Day 11
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 1:30 PM
- ☁️ 18 °C
- Altitude: 20 m
- Belgium Westhoek 50.852016, 2.89111750°51’7” N 2°53’28” E
Menin Gate
August 21, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
A wander around the town, followed by dinner before we head to the gate for last post.

So moving being at the gate.

We met the Fire Fighters who are the buglers. Amazing opportunity.
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- Day 11
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 4:00 PM
- ☁️ 20 °C
- Altitude: 26 m
- Belgium Oostkamp 51.139506, 3.23532851°8’22” N 3°14’7” E
Bothers in arms memorial
August 21, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
So moving 💔
TravelerBeautiful.
8/21/24Reply
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- Day 12
- Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 10:09 AM
- ☀️ 18 °C
- Altitude: 10 m
- Belgium Kerkebeek 51.198617, 3.22395351°11’55” N 3°13’26” E
Brugge
August 22, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Beautiful city and so glad we visited even if the place is full of tourists - lol

Chocolate, Waffles, Beer, Churches, boats & tourists. Yet another city that is mental but worth the visit.
TravelerJust love Brugges
8/23/24Reply
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- Day 12
- Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 8:30 PM
- ☁️ 21 °C
- Altitude: 9 m
- Belgium Oostkamp 51.153075, 3.23497451°9’11” N 3°14’6” E
Duval pour by Bubba
August 22, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Bubba the Belgium local is showing us how to pour a Duval - beer.

How do you think he went?
TravelerThat’s awesome!
8/23/24Reply
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- Day 12
- Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 8:35 PM
- ☁️ 21 °C
- Altitude: 10 m
- Belgium Oostkamp 51.153473, 3.23577751°9’13” N 3°14’9” E
Duval pour by Roger
August 22, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Not to be out done, Roger gives this beer pouring gig a go..

Lucky we had a guide to measure the results. 🤣
Traveler🤣 Good job Roger!
8/23/24Reply
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- Day 13
- Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10:20 AM
- 🌬 20 °C
- Altitude: 9 m
- Belgium Kromzwin 51.269216, 3.05054751°16’9” N 3°3’2” E
1 2 1 1 1
Guess where we got to?
August 23, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ 🌬 20 °C
Headed here for people we love 💙
TravelerWow.
8/23/24Reply
TravelerBINGO!
8/23/24Reply
Traveler 💙
8/23/24Reply
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- Day 13
- Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10:45 AM
- 🌬 20 °C
- Altitude: 13 m
- Belgium De Haan 51.27587, 3.02693551°16’33” N 3°1’37” E
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Beautiful seaside town
August 23, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ 🌬 20 °C
Such a beautiful little seaside town. Pity nothing was open. Our plan was to have Australian Ice Cream… sadly none for us today.

The town was getting ready to host the Porsche Classic Coastal Cruise. Many trucks unloaded amusement rides & tents were being set up every where.

We had a quick walk along the esplanade but the wind picked up and it wasn’t pleasant. Time to go back to the car and get out of town.

Off to find a Harley Dealer.Read more
Traveler My favourite!
8/23/24Reply
TravelerLovely town 😁
8/23/24Reply
TravelerSounds familiar Connie 😃
8/23/24Reply
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- Day 13
- Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:43 AM
- 🌬 21 °C
- Altitude: 6 m
- Belgium Universiteit Gent / Fac. Rechtsgeleerdheid 51.053931, 3.72432151°3’14” N 3°43’28” E
Signs
August 23, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ 🌬 21 °C
The things you see.
Traveler🤣
8/23/24Reply
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- Day 13
- Friday, August 23, 2024 at 3:11 PM
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 11 m
- Netherlands Bavel AC 51.550022, 4.82877851°33’0” N 4°49’44” E
Tilburg
August 23, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Where it all began - Roger’s dad Anton was born is this pretty place.
TravelerOh. What a journey you are on, hey?
8/23/24Reply
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- Day 13
- Friday, August 23, 2024 at 9:10 PM
- ☁️ 20 °C
- Altitude: 30 m
- Netherlands Boekend 51.37283, 6.11881551°22’22” N 6°7’8” E
SURPRISE!!!!
August 23, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
We arrive at the hotel in Venlo to find family waiting for us. So lovely to be greeted by them.

A few drinks, laughs & story telling before we all sit down for dinner.

Conversation flowed freely and I was very happy for the translation… I’m the only one that didn’t speak Dutch… 🤭

Thank you Leon, Eef, Wim & Anita for a wonder evening.

See you all tomorrow for some more adventures and a visit to tante Annie 🇳🇱🧡Read more
TravelerHow lovely!!! What a great surprise ❤️
8/23/24Reply
TravelerAwww that’s beautiful
8/23/24Reply
TravelerYou should be an expert on Dutch now Connie! 🤣
8/23/24Reply
Hallo Roger en Connie tot ziens hopelijk [Annie]
8/24/24ReplyTranslate
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- Day 14
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 10:52 PM
- ☁️ 18 °C
- Altitude: 30 m
- Netherlands Boekend 51.372814, 6.11883851°22’22” N 6°7’8” E
Spending time 🧡
August 24, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
A relaxing start to the day before being picked up by Wim & Anita to have lunch at Leon & Eef’s.
Early afternoon we head over to see tante Annie, but not before stopping to pick up flowers.
We break tante out of rehab and head for the coffee shop for afternoon tea. Annie doesn’t speak English & I don’t speak Dutch, so if there were other conversations going on we used hand actions and a lot of laughs…. We made it work.

More food and more drinks at Wim & Anita’s before heading out to have Greek food just over the border in Germany 🇩🇪

More conversations & more laughter before we head back to the hotel - in the Netherlands 🇳🇱…. One last drink before we bid farewell to everyone. Time for some sleep & we’ll worry about packing our luggage in the morning - food coma & sleep are calling.Read more
TravelerOh! What a wonderful day!!!
8/24/24Reply
TravelerSounds like a perfect way to spend the day
8/25/24Reply
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- Day 15
- Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 10:22 AM
- ☀️ 16 °C
- Altitude: 30 m
- Netherlands Boekend 51.372872, 6.11876751°22’22” N 6°7’8” E
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Maashof
August 25, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
What a wonderful relaxing place to stay on the outskirts of Venlo. We may not have found the pool but there’s plenty of ponds full of fish to pick from.

Gorgeous weather this morning to enjoy breakfast before hitting the road for Nijmegen Oosterbeek. (Look at me trying to get the lingo right)Read more
Traveler Looks nice!
8/25/24Reply
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- Day 15
- Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 11:02 AM
- ☀️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 14 m
- Netherlands Makken 51.592045, 5.97551251°35’31” N 5°58’32” E
Army
August 25, 2024 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Not even going to asked where they’re going….
TravelerWhat? No follow those vehicles!
8/25/24Reply
TravelerHaha!
8/26/24Reply
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