50+ Lifestyles

A Kaleidoscope of Experiences

By Mary Schricker Gemberling

As we celebrate our Independence in America this month I cannot help but be reminded of our recent visit to the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Arnhem.

During World War II the city of Arnhem became a household name when its strategic road bridge over the Rhine River was the target of the greatest airborne assault in history. During Operation Market Garden 35,000 Allied paratroopers and glider infantry seized key bridges but not the northernmost bridge at Arnhem, branded by one Allied commander as “the bridge too far.” Bad weather prevented reinforcements and supplies from being flown in. The single battalion of paratroops that made it to the Rhine Bridge were finally overwhelmed after four days of bitter fighting. The survivors withdrew on September 27, having suffered 16,500 casualties. The broad Allied advance across Belgium and the Netherlands, including U.S., British, and Canadian forces, ultimately resulted in the penetration into Germany and hastened the end of the war.

      Many other towns we visited through the region also suffered immeasurable loss during W.W.II. Rotterdam, the Netherlands most important port city, was bombed to ruins. After the war, forward-thinking city planners rebuilt it, and today Rotterdam, often referred to as the “Gateway to Europe,” is renowned for its creative architecture and brilliant port engineering. Antwerp Belgium, also a major European port, was destroyed to rubble in both World Wars. Today it once again stands as Belgium’s center for industry, technology, and finance.
Despite significant demographic, cultural, and political upheavals, the destruction of irreplaceable buildings and priceless art, and the incomprehensible loss of human lives, the people of the Netherlands and Belgium, have emerged proud and strong. These linguistically diverse people, who characteristically put family above all else, take great pride in the appearances of their homes, streets, and cities as well as their personal grooming.

    Although many similarities can be found between the Netherlands and Belgium there are also some notable differences. Early occupation by France left a strong French influence which remains today. French is mainly spoken in the south region of Wallonia. The capital, Brussels, is officially bilingual, but the majority of its residents speak French. Belgium is one of the most urbanized and densely inhabited countries in the world with about 97 percent of the 10 million inhabitants living in cities. Brussels has approximately 1 million residents, and the second largest city, Antwerp, has half a million. I did not know that Belgium is considered the world’s diamond capital. But I did know that they were famous for their beer, waffles, and chocolate. We tried two out of the three and were not at all disappointed.

At our beer tasting we were also served chips or as we call them Fries!  The story is that the Belgians actually invented the fried potatoes that were served to the French soldiers who took the idea back to France and called them French Fries! The Belgians serve them piping hot with a large glob of mayonnaise on top. On the final night before departing we found ourselves in a quaint hotel right in the heart of Brussels. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and of the European Union, as well as the seat of many international organizations such as NATO. The Medieval Grand-Place with its 17th-century buildings was indeed grand! Lining the cobblestone streets were multiple chocolate stores, shops selling handmade Belgian lace and tapestries, sidewalk-cafes, and bars selling one or more of the 800 varieties of beer found in Belgium.

From Amsterdam to Brussels, our ten-day riverboat  journey during the regions’ most picturesque time of the year, was marked by a kaleidoscope of experiences, some familiar and others brand new,  but one more unique than the other. What a fantastic trip it was!!!

Mary, a former educator and Seniors Real Estate Specialist, is the author of two books, The West End Kid and A Labor of Love; My Personal Journey through the World of Caregiving (available at www.amazon.com ).