Heavy Metal expo -- the Barrett Jackson of tanks

It's the angles that make shells bounce off.

Checking the options. Kicking the tracks.

We saw tons of tanks, courtesy of the Belgian Army's massive collection of armored vehicles at their base in Bastogne, but this rare T-34 Russian version drew the most interest. The Belgian information officer explained the revolutionary design that relied on angled plates to deflect shells as opposed to thicker armament that would have slowed this swift tank, legendary for its performance in the epic battles that turned the tide for the Allies on the Eastern front.
Adding to our knowledge was an explanation by a chemist in our party as to why cold weather froze German fuel and oil, but not Russian. Something about the modification of strings of molecules in diesel fuel.
This is a study trip, remember?
Monday we will ride with Patton on a Sherman across the Siegfried line. Might not have been the best of the tanks, but we sure made a lot of them.

Speaking of large vehicles. . .

Here's the most skilled bus driver you'll ever meet. Drives all over Europe on the tiny impossible roads. Hates drivers in downtown London the most. Can back up in darkness between hedgerows using infra-red rear-facing cameras. Keeps soda cold and available, recharging stations ready. Closed circuit tv working. Bathrooms clean. 

Stan's camera battery failed at Omaha Beach. Menno Greven had a spare for him. Has been driving for this group for five years.  Speaks a variety of languages. 

Has a family in the Netherlands. His wife and son will join him on his next tour, which is good because he doesn't see them a lot. He's a driver in demand. We are lucky to have him. Knows every legal (and illegal) parking spot on the continent. Customs rules. We could go on, but we'd be late for the bus. 

He picked us up at Heathrow and this competent gentleman will deliver us to Munich Friday on time for our flight home, of that we are certain.