January 24th, Bitche and Tongeren

Bill, Erin, Nolan, and Katie took off over this weekend for Belgium to go antique shopping. Billy was on his ski trip to Italy with the Sitzmarkers, so it was just the four of us. We started by driving into France and visiting the town of Bitche. Funny name aside, the town is host to an awesome fortress that was part of the Maginot line. This huge citadel was literally carved out of a sandstone outcropping in 1740 and was never captured in any war after that.

After that, we drove up to Spangdahlem AFB to spend the night. This is a great "lily pad" for trips up around Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, etc. The next morning, we completed the trip to Tongeren to shop at one of Europe's largest flea markets. The entire downtown is filled with vendors selling just about everything antiquey you can think of. We were looking for a cabinet we can put our TV on, but came away empty handed. Luck of the draw I suppose... I guess we'll have to go back! ;)

I had to have my picture taken by this sign, it's just funny.

Here's a poster showing the citadel

Walking around the little town

Nolan and Katie walking up to the citadel

Don't fall in!

Nolan and Katie relax in a hole in the wall

Walking around the outside.. what a view!

How cute is that!

Say 'No' to crack, Katie!

Did I mention that this place is BIG?

Antiques at the flea market in Tongeren

More antiques

The kids were little angels the whole trip