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Trip Start Apr 28, 2010

Trip End Jul 08, 2010

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Where I stayed

just passing through

(Dunkerque hotels)

Flag of France Dunkerque, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France
Saturday, June 26, 2010

We left Amsterdam early Friday afternoon. By hitting the motorways we got to Bredene in Belgium late that afternoon. At one stage we skirted around Antwerpe which has the smelliest most polluted air we've come across in Europe.

We stayed in Bredene which is in the Flanders region - a famous name for students of WW I. The Europa Hotel is a decent basic place used by holidaying families and retirees. This area has a long beach coast. The manager offered us the beer garden as safe refuge for the bikes overnight. This part of Belgium is Flemish speaking which we understand is basically Dutch. We heard some French too - at the local Pizziera which is owned and run by a very Italian gentleman. But we could say 20 or 30 words in bad French so that was how we managed to order and observe the social niceties.

A very short ride to Dunkerque in France the next morning

Dunkerque fades into the background

. Belgium is a remarkably tiny country. Tiny, but still split by a passionate debate over whether it remains a united country or the Flemish part splits away (ultimately some Flemish people would like to be united with Holland).

We only had about an hour or so in Dunkerque so we have no impressions to pass on. We caught the 14:00 ferry for the two hour journey to Dover. When we landed it was only 15:00 as the UK has a one hour time difference with the continent. The ferry ride was on a calm flat sea. The English Channel was like glass.

Another lovely hot day to farewell us from a dream holiday on a fabulous continent. We love Europe very much, and we met some great, generous people over there who we want to see again. And we've still got more experiences to come in England and Wales. We are blessed.

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The bikes about to be strapped down for the voyage	Two hours later, Dover approaches	The White Cliffs of Dover	The White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover	Dover	Dover	Dover

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Comments

broniahenty on Jun 27, 2010 at 11:50PM

Belgium was my favourite country when I visited Europe as I got to stay there with a local and therefore see a lot of the normal stuff. It's a shame you didn't get more time there as it is a fantastic place especially Bruges where my friend was from. What a shame you are coming to the pointy end of your trip! Now how will I feel like I am on a holiday? Houseboat in 6 days but a poor comparison to your wonderful experiences!

Mum on Jun 28, 2010 at 02:28AM

Back in Pommie land and riding on the 'right' side of the road. Is this hard to get used to after your weeks on the Continent? You've certainly had a remarkable and memorable holiday in Europe. You may like to know that David M. is leaving Tafe and taking up the principal's job at Tenison. This wil take place, I think, from term 1, 2011, though I'm not altogether certain. Thank you for your ongoing blog news and photos. We look forward to each episode so much. Lots of love, Mum and Dad.