6 August 2016 - Diksmuide was another small town I visited, but with an extra attraction
which happened to be a war field (trench) from World War I. It was a short distance from Ghent so my friend and I
visited for an afternoon.
Upon arriving in Diksmuide we made our way to the town centre where
beautiful buildings were situated including the City Hall, Belfry and tourist
office. Interesting fact: the town was rebuilt, due to it being reduced to rubble
during the war. Once we were in possession of a map and directions we set off
through the streets. After a short walk down a street filled with various
shops, we ate our lunch (bread with hummus) at the Yser Tower.
Our adventure took us on a road out of town, where the countryside
welcomed us, as well as some farm animals. To our left were fields and a few
houses and to are right was the IJzer
river, across it another road and fields. Cars passed by a few times, disturbing
the quiet for a while. A wind helped keep us cool, while the leaves fluttered
to keep us moving. The Trench of Death
(Dodengang) museum was a small building situated to our right.
Inside
we paid* and then started with the museum on the first level. Historical information,
photographs and objects from the I Word War was clearly displayed, with short
films and audio. The objects involved clothing, weapons and memorabilia. It depicted
the events of the soldier’s everyday lives which gave a clear picture of the hardship
they went through to protect their country. The trenches were part of the panorama
from the second floor. Outside stairs took us to the path where the trenches
began. We walked between the walls of stone turned sand bags surrounding us and
green grass peeking out from above.
It
wasn’t entertaining, but rather educational, it was surreal to walk where so
many people had risked their lives or died trying to keep their territory. It appeared
like just another piece of land out of history, but it was so much more. Certainly
for war fanatics and historians.
*They
only accept cards, no cash. It could have changed since I visited, but highly
doubt it.
Felicia
xoxo
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