As “green as they come” novices, embarking on our first short UK trip, we just “went for it” so to speak. With a confidence and trust based around complete naivety.
We learned lots within a short space of time. Like cramming last minute for an ill-prepared exam, we just hoped it would be OK on the day. With every little escapade, our tight-knit team of four managed and overcame all obstacles strewn before us. So confidence grew. By the time we returned back home, after eight weeks on the road in France, we were fearless “know-it-alls”. But somehow, we’re not so fearless anymore. Our cavalier attitude has gone walk-about. When preparing for this trip we slipped into “what-if?” mode. What-if we forget the passports? What-if we forget the tunnel tickets, or even, God forbid, what-if we forget something even more important, like the ironing board!!
With our wipers in full use on our run down to Ypres, I recalled a question posed by Nejme a Turkish student, who stayed with us for three months in the late 80s. “Brian” he asked, “what are those two things called, those things like two big bath towels”. Oh how the Turkish car industry has flourished since then.
We’re currently pitched up just 10 minutes walk from the Menin Gate. We take the walk to witness the daily 8pm playing of the Last Post by three buglers from the local fire brigade. Like so many WW1 tributes it leaves you solemn and silent as your heart, mind and soul try to make some sense of what seems utter senselessness.
A little earlier, our noses lead us directly into a chocolate shop – with a difference. Piles of perfectly replicated tools, perfectly arranged, plied our olfactory senses. Like an insect drawn into the clutches of a Venus Fly Trap, we ventured further in, until there was no escape – without a purchase! Pliers, wrenches, hammers, spanners, nuts and bolts all aiding and adding to our anticipated bliss. We are in Belgium after all!!