Armentieres: J'aime beaucoup la France

September 1, 2015

Our hotel in Ypres was rather strange - it was meant to simulate (in a comfortable way) an army experience everything khaki etc and actually the bunkers (rooms) were so dark we had to use a torch to make sure we had left nothing behind. Last night we had once again attended the last post ceremony, it is suprising how many people turn out each night to take part in it.

We set off this morning with the hoard of school children on their bikes. I think that there are now few children in NZ that ride their bikes to school.
At home we have a friend Mac Lynch who tells us his mother was born in a small town between Ypres and Poperinge. He also tells us that when his mother was a girl the mayor of the town grew hops and all the residents were required to be involved in the picking. Yes Mac we think we found it

We were on the way to Lijssenthoek Military Cemeterywhich is just the other side of Poperinge to hunt out 2 more Pokeno men. It turned out to be absolutely huge and it looked as if our task was going to be insurmountable but we found them

And there was even this interesting tractor there - a 132 Massey Ferguson with a 2 cylinder Eicher engine

First by chance we found the grave of James Elliott but could find no other information about him in the cemetery register

It was quite a hunt to find William McNeish but we found him and also some additional information in the register

It was only a couple of km until we' were in France. I could tell because the houses no longer had Te Koop on the they had A Vendre. I just love being in France. What is different? Everything looks a bit more as if it is crumbling but it has a certain style. There are flowers on the roundabouts. The bars are open and everyone in them greets you and shakes your hand, the coffees are a bit small though.. There is a vibrancy about it and what is more I can understand the road signs. At the Hotel Joly we got such a warm welcome, the owner had already emailed us to say he had somewhere for the bikes and that we could have a first floor room. He I am sure had perfect English but was happy to talk to me in French even though my French is pretty terrible. This country gives me a lovely warm feeling. So here we are in Armentieres and going around and around in my head is 'Madamoselle from Armentiers parlez vous...'

Sheltering from the rain is a good opportunity to chat

And another reason I love France is the food. We have just been out to eat and had delicious gallettes and cider - just the right amount without feeling too full

Today's ride: 43 km (27 miles)
Total: 1,572 km (976 miles)

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