Published on Oct, 2024
My wive and I had the extraordinary opportunity to have Joyce lead us on a private tour from Brussels to Bastogne two weeks ago and found Joyce to be thoroughly engaging and the tour to be illuminating. From the moment Joyce whisked us away from the Brussels Hilton in the Central District, she was a whirlwind of history, facts, and trivia. The approximately 2-hour drive to Bastogne included a drive through a beautiful and almost idyllic section of Brussels where paths run through protected woodland to provide recreation for cyclists, walkers, and joggers.
After driving through the Ardennes, where the foliage is so thick it would be almost impossible to pass, we arrived in Bastogne. To this day, Belgians are very appreciative of the sacrifices of so many Americans to defend a city that was very nearly completely destroyed during the month-long German offensive. McAuliffe Square, named for the general whose one-word response to a German offer of surrender -- Nuts! -- is legendary, includes a memorial to the leader who inspired his troops to hold on.
The Battle of the Bulge Museum is more than a collection of artifacts. It provides a fabulous multi-media presentation of why the nations of Europe made their way to World War II and the events that led to the last major German push.
Adjacent to the museum is a substantial memorial to remember those who served.
After touring the museum and the memorial, Joyce led us past a small memorial to Easy Company of "Band of Brothers Fame" and then to the woods in which Easy Company encamped, overlooking the farming village of Foy. Remarkably, the remnants of their foxholes are easily discernible as you walk the wood line adjacent to the open field across which Easy Company had to charge in order to take the village.
Joyce continued her tour during the drive back to our hotel -- discussing more history, culture, and the role of Belgium during both WW I and WW II.
If you wish to have an absolutely amazing experience, you definitely want to arrange a tour with Joyce. You could not ask for a better guide -- knowledgable, personable, professional, and a pure delight.