* cababarant *

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Merry Christmas!

Here are some belated pictures from our trip to the Christmas market in the caves in the caves in Valkenburg (the Fleeuwengrote), whose history turned out to be more interesting than we expected. Happy Holidays!

Valkenburg (in Limburg, Netherlands) has a series of caves that are up to 1,000 years old in some places. They were mined for the rock within, which was used for buildings in the area. There are about 3 miles of caves under the town.

During World War II, American troops used the caves as a military hospital. Jews in the area also used the caves as a hiding place during the war. You can see American names and places throughout the cave; the soldiers wrote their names on the walls and the dates during which they were there.

The caves have a lengthy history as a hiding spot. There is one area turned into an alter; it was used by Catholics to celebrate mass during the French Revolution. They could not celebrate openly for fear of persecution.

Here is a market stall selling star lamps.

posted by sheryl | 1:57 PM |

Comments: (1)

Sheryl & Fam,
Glad you are "out and about" with the family for the holidays! You seem to be recuperating well and the little guy too.

After the crazy weather storm from the week before, all is back to the normal rain in Seattle.

Take care, Miss you,
Carmen
By Carmen 9:27 PM