November, the “Month the World Remembers”, when we proudly display Poppies on our lapels, as we honour those who have served and defended their country. A fight for “Freedom” that for some unfortunately, they did not have an opportunity to experience.
“Least We Forget” – How do we honour and learn from this phrase?
Reflection:
As a teenage Canadian travelling through France, Belgium and the Netherlands, I experienced first-hand the kind & welcome reception from numerous locals. They certainly honoured this phrase! One afternoon, while exploring Paris, the small group which I was a part of were stopped while deciding which way to venture next. An older gentlemen stopped, and was so excited to meet young Canadians (because of the pins all of us proudly displayed on our jackets and backpacks pins of the Canadian Flag). He ushered us all into a bar and excitedly announced that we were Canadians visiting Paris, to which we were welcomed with a very warm and enthusiastic reception. Drinks were poured and offered along with a toast. Conversation continued and stories unfolded – you see – our new friend was a French Veteran who had served in WWII, where he had first-hand experience of the support and sacrifice of Canadian, French, British and American Soldiers. As an 18 year old, having been born decades after the war had ended, learning only from text books and TV …, this was a most humbling experience for me, one which I have never forgotten & one that made me very proud to be Canadian!
While travelling throughout Europe, for those interested in history, I encourage you to explore and visit areas affected by WWII – Including tours of Normandy including; Vimy Ridge, Juno Beach, the graves of Canadian & British Soldiers who never made it home again.
- Netherlands ~Amsterdam~ – no secret in one of my favourite places to visit and a great starting point for European adventures. One of the “must visit” places on my list is the Anne Frank Museum.
- Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Luxembourg, Belgium ~ these countries were also extremely affected by the ravages of war! Today, you will find many museums, including concentration camps, such as Auschwitz & Bergen-Belsen, where so many innocent men, women and children, including Anne Frank, her mother, Edith, and sister, Margot, who lost their lives.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47380/in-flanders-fields
I am often asked, where it is I love to travel. A few of my top picks, and those that seem to reflect a lot of my clientele include:
Some key words that come to mind when I think of the following European nations:
Belgian Chocolate 
Port of Malta 
Barcelona Sites 
Paris 
Venice 
Spanish Bullfighting
- France: Paris & Beyond~ there is some much to see and do. Starting in Paris, we can move you around to different, breathtaking areas such as the Regions of: Normandy, Burgundy, and Loire River Valley, Alsace, the French Riviera to name but a few.
- Belgium: Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges stand out the most for me. Along with Beer & Chocolate!
- Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Delft….. People, Flowers/Bulbs, Cheese, Beer, Canals
- Spain: Barcelona, Cordoba, Ronda, Cadiz, Regions such as Costa del Sol, Valencia, Island of Ibiza & Canary Islands, People, Wine, Food, Art, Architecture, Beaches,
- Italy: Rome, Venice, Milan, Tuscany; Fashion, Wine, Foodie, Beaches, People,
- But we shan’t stop here- explore Croatia, The Greek Islands, and Island of Malta, lose yourself in the Mediterranean exploring islands, history and cultures.
“Travel is the Best Classroom” – a phrase I often express when discussing the benefits of travel with others. This is true for people of all ages – each and every one of us has something to learn. The above is a prime example of this, as well as, I always tell folks, “Don’t be afraid to wonder and explore. You never know what “experience” is awaiting you” – I learned this first hand while exploring Paris, France at 18 years of age and a motto that I live by. Lose yourself amid history, culture, arts, beauty. Sit at a local café, sit in the town square enjoy a glass of local wine, it is here you will find the most wonderful opportunities for genuine conversations with locals and gain some of the best insights to the past, present and their hopes for the future!
What are you waiting for? I’m booked and ready to go – April, 2022 Europe here I come again. Starting in one of my favourite cities, Amsterdam and along my travels I will be checking off some “Wander” list items, including Luxembourg – Officially known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, located between France, Belgium and Germany. I can hardly wait!!
Your Travel Expert
Kathy Blois, Founder/Principal Travel Designer
Wanderlust Excursions