Comments on: Rediscovering Canadian WWI History in Ypres

By: Denise

Denise — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:23:41 +0000

In reply to curiousmeredith. I am truly missing the Gluwein tonight. Can you find me a recipe maybe?

By: curiousmeredith

curiousmeredith — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:27:54 +0000

In reply to Ellen Keith. Thanks Ellen! We are definitely thinking about the same cookie... I have seen it as Speculaas and Speculoos. Could this be a grammar thing? I am slowly working on my Dutch but I tend to get distracted and it falls by the wayside a bit. I do wish that I had taken more WWI era classes now, then I would have been able to contribute more to Sunday family dinner conversations. My parents are fairly passionate about military and World War history and have passed some of their knowledge to me over the years ;)

By: curiousmeredith

curiousmeredith — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:22:27 +0000

A big thanks to Soren for providing me with some more information on Lieutenant Davies and J.M Barrie. I revised the post this morning and it’s correct now. I loved all the feedback from friends and family on this post!

By: curiousmeredith

curiousmeredith — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:35:26 +0000

In reply to Jerry-Lynn. Hi Jerry! Great to hear from you... Bgang will be seeing me very soon :) I come home Feb 4th! That is really cool about Graham's friend, I was really surprised to learn that the cemeteries were maintained by civilians. Definitely a nice idea for schools to do that for remembrance and an educational activity.

By: Jerry-Lynn

Jerry-Lynn — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:44:28 +0000

Hey Meredith…so glad you could do this with your folks. I remember stephanie, Graham’s German friend, telling us that her school classes used to go on camping weekends to clean up gravestones and cemeteries. When are you coming home? Will be great to see you!

By: Ellen Keith

Ellen Keith — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:24:13 +0000

Great article Meredith. Especially the anecdotes about John McCrae and J.M. Barrie.
:) Are they called Speculoos in Belgium? In Holland, they’re called Speculaas. Either way, they are delicious! (So, after this visit, are you compelled to take some more WWI-era history classes? :P)

By: curiousmeredith

curiousmeredith — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:43:47 +0000

In reply to Denise. Thanks Ma! About the Messine mine crater... I also remember Soren mentioning it was 90 ft deep but I did a bit of research also. It seems that the crater is 90 ft wide and 40 feet deep. When the mine shaft was originally created it was 88 ft deep, perhaps after the explosion some of the debris and earth would fall back in the hole? I thought that this made a bit more sense, but I am not positive. It definitely was a lovely trip to take with my parents :D

By: Denise

Denise — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:40:30 +0000

In reply to History and such.. Hi Adriana, nice to see your smiling face!

By: Denise

Denise — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:37:08 +0000

Fabulous job on this story my dear. One thing that differed in my head is that I thought Soren said the Messines Crater is 90 ft. deep, but maybe you found another source that was different. Anyway we are very impressed and happy with your attention and interest. Thanks for this and for your company on that journey into our proud Canadian past.

By: curiousmeredith

curiousmeredith — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:33:52 +0000

In reply to History and such.. Thanks Adriana! I did take the pictures myself :) Glad it got the pass from my history buddy because it's been a while since I have written anything educational! "Gluhwein" is hot mulled red wine with a variety of spices in it, super popular during Christmas, and "speculoos" are a traditional Flemish spice cookies (think: cinnamon), my favourite to dip in tea.