Belgium, Dunkirk & ferry to Dover

As I made my way to Bruges in north Belgium local cyclists told me about a canal that runs all the way to Ostend and from there I could ride into France and on to Dunkirk. This part reminded me of my 2013 140km three day trek along the Midi Canal in southern France finishing at Toulouse.

I enjoyed this new ride because each side of the canal had minor service roads with cafes and rest stops along the way which is what recreational cycling should be. Germany does this so well that unlike our grey nomads in Australia towing their mobile hotels with a large 4WD costing over A$200K and haven't even put fuel in it yet the German senior couples gather a cycling group together and ride these dedicated cycle paths for several days for just the cost of bed and breakfast and food for the day. That's very smart and the exercise is invaluable.

Archtitecture in Bruges

Nice earthy colours and lines

Following the canal to Ostend Belgium

France again after 6 years

Despite the tragedy and loss of life during the WW2 Dunkirk 1940 excavation I enjoyed the 2017 box office film of the same name. The lack of much dialogue left it to the wide angle cinematography and soundtrack which kept my adrenaline pumping from start to finish which I know is born from crafted film direction and editing.

'Saving Private Ryan' is another film that moves me with its tragedy and loss for both sides. Operation 'Dynamo' was the largest evacuation in military history. Dunkirk was later liberated by the allies in 1944.

Dunkirk's population is around 87000 not much bigger than the coastal city of Mackay on the eastern seaboard of Queensland Australia. Dunkirk translates as Dun (dune) and Kirk (church) referencing a prominent landmark in the town and there's no way I would attempt the local Flemish-Dutch dialogue. It's obviously a major tourism destination.

Dunkirk reborn

I'll always make space for a French pastry in Calais

My time in Europe has now ended for a second time as I work my way for several hours through the bio, customs, security and visa entry points at Calais. Before Brexit in 2013 it was so much quicker and simpler to enter the UK with an Australian passport. Now most of the process is done at Calais but I had everything prepared the day before to help streamline the event including British currency.