Belgium!

Belgium!

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In Belgium, I fell behind on my blogging because I was so busy visiting with my friend Hannelore (pronounced “Hannah Lora”) and her 3 year old son. And after they left, I was busy getting caught up on work!

So here’s a condensed photo post of Leuven. It’s a beautiful and historic city, very peaceful and charming.

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The extraordinary 15th Century Town Hall building on the left, the Cathedral on the right, and note all the bicycles in between. I’ve never seen so many people riding bikes!

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Historic buildings (most of which were recreated after the city was heavily bombed in World War I), friendly people, good food, and lots of outdoor plazas make Leuven a delightful place to visit.

 

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This plaza is known as the largest bar in Europe. It’s actually a collection of bars whose outdoor areas meld together in one giant, beautiful plaza.
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Hot dogs, hamburgers, and…escargot? Hmm.
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The wonderful outdoor market features chocolate, waffles, fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, flowers, and lots more.
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Tasty morsels of goodness in one of the market’s booths. Yum!
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Tulips are a Big Deal in Belgium in the springtime.
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Real Belgian Waffles are served warm and eatin in hand like a cookie. They’re dense and sometimes sweet, almost like a cake-style doughnut. All the trimmings we associate with Belgian Waffles in the US exist mostly in tourist areas.
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The Grand Beguinage is a city within a city, a peaceful walled area where unmarried women lived in peace and religious devotion.
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A lovely scene within the Grand Beguinage, or Groot Begijnhof, featuring an abandoned bicycle.
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Following Hannalore to the store. Her bike cart can carry her 3-year old plus several suitcases, or many bags of groceries, or all the gear she needs to set up an event for her business.

 

Published by Lauren

I'm a nomadic freelance writer, out enjoying the world!

3 Comments

  • Sue Guetterman

    April 20, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Been missing your posts!! Happy to see another gorgeous city via your beautiful photos!!!

    Thanks, Lauren

    Sue

  • Catherine

    April 20, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    Now we all need to go visit Hannelore 🙂

  • Lauren

    April 29, 2014 at 3:30 am

    She is a lovely hostess. 😀