The bags are packed , and the euros are spent, so we guess it’s time to come home! Just time for one last small post before we leave.

Because we had paid our respects to the Aussies here in Flanders and The Somme, and also to the French and the British, we thought we would do the same to the others.

We visited a German World War 1 Cemetery , the largest in France. It has 44,833 burials of which 8040 were never identified. The German Cemeteries are a stark contrast to the Commonwealth War Graves. Each of the crosses bear 4 names as they were buried 4 to a grave. Scattered between the crosses every so often you see a curved headstone which indicates a Jewish German soldier. How different it was in World War 2.

Close by was the La Targette French National Cemetery with the graves of 11,443 soldiers.

We were close to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, so we visited that one as well. It bears the names 11,285 Canadians who lost their lives and have no known graves.

It has been extremely humbling to walk through these Military Cemeteries and to think about all those who lost their lives on both sides., We are so glad we have paid our respects.

On our last weekend in Arras, it was “The Fete De L’Andouillette”! You remember those sausages that contain “all sorts of things”. The main square was buzzing with loads of people eating their delicacies! Not for us though, but we did find other things to eat and had fun people watching and had a few beers!

The Town “Giants” “Colas” , his wife “Jacqueline , and baby “Dede” , and one other one (?) who normally live in the Town Hall were allowed outside for the Festival! They celebrate the end of the Spanish Occupation in Arras at the end of the 17th Century.

Some highlights of our trip!

Our favourite day was the hike to Tre Chime di Lavaredo in The Dolomites! It was spectacular!

Best night out was Esther and Jean Pierre’s “Surprise Wedding Party”.

Best Aperitif place …Hero’s Square in Arras surrounded by those beautiful buildings!

Greg’s favourite meal …”costata”in refrontolo (the 1kg rib eye steak. )

Rhonda’s favourite meal….the pasta at Vicenza with the white asparagus!

Other stats!!!!!

We have paid 340 euros on tolls on roads over the 3 months.

Luigi has travelled 10, 859 kms!

Next years trip is currently a Plan in action!

It’s that time again…..no, not for a drink but to get on the plane!

Looking forward to seeing everyone again

Love Greg and Rhonda.