From Brussels to Reims, a stop was made at the historical Waterloo. It was a short break, so we just admired the commemorative lion statue on top of Lion's Mound from afar.
Lion's Mound doesn't commemorate the battle of Waterloo itself. Rather, it was built to honour William II, Prince of Orange, during battle. If wikipedia is to be trusted, the hill stands at the spot where the prince was knocked off his horse by a musketball to the shoulder. Did you roll your eyes at that part? No? Because I did. The guy didn't even die and he gets a whole hill+lion statue? This was nepotism at its best, since his father the king was the one who ordered the monument's construction.
To build the hill, dirt was taken from the surrounding fields, so the topography is no longer the same as it was during the famous battle.
Did you know that tourists started showing up mere days after the battle was finished?
And 2015 marks the bicentennial of the battle so a grand re-enactment has been planned with over 5,000 re-enactors. Although no where close to the 190,000 in the actual battle, it should still be quite a sight.
The views during the scenic drive from Brussels to Reims. Lots and lots of farmlands, accentuated by the yellow seas of mustard flowers.
Wolinic the World's Largest Boar
And here I thought large roadside attractions were strictly a North American novelty. Nicely done, France. Nicely done.
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