European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 18, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The e ardennes pleasant present Wester Belgium lives with memories of the Battle of the bulge hikers make their Way along a path in a dense Forest near la Roche in Ardenne Belgium. Ettie Bathen by Effie Bathen staff writer the deep forests and rolling pastures of Western Belgium were the scene of what europeans Call the Battle of the ardennes Forest or the von Rundstedt offensive. Most americans Call it the Battle of the bulge. Or As one Yan Keife Veteran who visited the rolling Hillside recently said it was the place where people were killing  for someone hiking in the Ourthe River Valley on a summer Day it is hard to connect the pleasant shaded paths with the Frozen inferno of the Winter of 1944. Maybe it is that incongruity that makes the ardennes Region such an interesting vacation destination. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the quiet Countryside dotted with medieval Castle ruins and primordial caves. World War ii history buffs can visit Battle Sites. Because of the nature of Hitler s last Chance offensive that Means almost every Village and Crossroads. The French speaking provincial culture is a plus in any Case and is found in most of the ardennes. German is spoken in the Border districts of Reupen Malme by and St. Vith. Bastogne is a bustling town and important regional Crossroads. It caters to tourists interested in world War ii. Memorabilia and Good Nat redly Calls itself nuts  when the town was under siege by the germans at Christmas 1944, the German commander demanded surrender. American commander Brig Gen. Anthony a. Mcauliffe replied nuts townsfolk who do not usually speak English or German for that matter gleefully quote that Battle cry when they meet americans. By coincidence an old town tradition for a walnut.-., festival in december seems to go along with the nuts theme. It was the custom that newly married couples would throw nuts and sweets from the town Hall window to children below. Residents say however brides interests have turned to other things in recent years. Today not Many nuts or children appear on the Square in mid december the anniversary of the bitter fighting there. The town Square has an american Battle tank and a 6 stripes Magazine August 18, 1994