Planes, trains and automobiles!

I have certainly been making use of all sorts of modes of transport on this trip. From automobiles to planes to bicycles to trains to boats and buses! Today we ventured out to visit cousin Margaret in Breda, a city of about 320,000 people. Margaret she met me once before, but I was a small child when she visited Canada. Her mother and my grandmother were sisters. It took us 3 hours to navigate to her house via taxi, two different trains and a bus. It was only 50 kilometers away, but once we arrived in Breda, we had to make the required rest stop for sustenance. Koos and Dad enjoyed their beer while I had a Koffi and some apple cake of some sort. Was very delicious of course, and the people watching was premium. As per usual, Koos was spot on in his observations (although at times wildly inappropriate!) and I am loving his wry sense of humour. Navigating our way through 2 different types of trains and buses was a learning experience and actually quite easy to do. I could see myself travelling extensively through Europe this way (are you listening Lorne?).

We didn't see a great deal of Breda, although the bus tour provided a great overview. Another very old city, Breda was a direct fief of the Holy Roman Rmperor and established in the 11th centruy by some Lord Henry dude (1080-1125). The city was fortified as they were in the time with stone and brick walls and Roman style gates someitme after 1252 when they received their charter. (I LOVE history of this sort). Over the centuries, the city passed from nobleman to nobleman as a result of conflicts and strategic marriages etc including being taken by French revonlutionary forces in the late 1700's. In 1534, 90% of the city burnt to the ground, close to 1300 houses, churches and chapels and the town hall and had to be rebuilt. Only 150 houses and the main church remained. In 1581 the city was taken by Spanish troops during the 80 years war and over 500 citizens were killed despite the fact that they surrendered. A decade later, the city was taken again by another nobleman when his troops snuck into the city through a spot in the canel system at a place now labeled the Spaniard's Hole where it is said the troops entered hidden under turf in a peat boat. Breda is also the spot where the exiled Stuart prentender Charles II of England resided during most of his exile. This fact surprised me because I thought he went to Italy, but I suspect I am getting my exiled monarchy mixed up? :-)

During World War II the city was under German occupation and it was liberated by Polish forces on Oct 29th, 1944. Each year during Liberation Day festivities, Breda is visited by a large Polish contingent and the city of Breda reserves a special portion of the festivities for the fallen Polish soldiers. A museum and a monument honoring the leading General and the Polish Armoured Division stands at the city center. Breda then became the site of the first prison establishment that housed the only German war criminals ever to be imprisoned in the Netherlands for their Second World War war crimes. The famous prisoners were known as the 'Breda Four (and later three)' as one was released in 1966, one died in 1979 and the last 2 were released in 1989. Today, The Dutch Royal Military Academy, Koninklijke Militaire Academie, is located in Breda. Quite a history this little city carries!

So that is what I learned in Breda yesterday. Well that and the fact that my cousin Margaret lives in a charming house with yet another charming garden!  :-)  She is in her 80's and is very active and an extremely good cook! She is a vegatarian and served us this amazing meal that was kind of like a quiche, but it was in a pastry bowl, filled with eggs and pears and cheese and baked in the oven. So yummy!



Here is the centre square in Breda:

Today, we are off with Marie Christine and Franz by car somewhere. I am not sure what we are going to see, but just know we will be out for
day and I am to bring my camera!

Have a great day!