My parents arrived in Belgium on March 21st. From the day they arrived, we hit the ground running. We toured the big cities of Brussels, Bruges, & Antwerp in Belgium and Lille & Paris in France. We took them to the river town of Dinant, the abbey in Villers, a castle in Havre, the cheeselady in Thoricourt, and our own city of Mons which just so happens to be the European Cultural Capital of 2015. We also had a couple days between some of our busier days to just relax at home, play games, take walks, and see the coutryside & animals. Dad even did some sketching (inside mainly...It was COLD!). What a wonderful visit with lots of great meals, plenty of sightseeing, and some good, quality time with the kids and us. One of our favorite memories was coming back to the house after being out for the day, cracking open a beer, eating some cheese & crackers, and enjoying what we coined "Belgian time."
HAVRE CASTLE
This quirky castle dates back to the 12th century. It was inhabited and transformed by several prominent families over the years. However, it is currently in ruins. It is surrounded by a moat.
DINANT
This town is along the River Meuse and has a stunning backdrop: quaint and colorful row-buildings, tall Gothic Church, and Roman fortress. This town is also where Adolphe Sax was from, inventor of the saxophone.
This bridge pays a tribute to Mr. Sax himself
BRUSSELS
Our day in Brussels was a wet and cold one.
Grand Place
Indoor promenade and shops
Easter chocolate at one of the countless chocolate shops
Happy Days
Mannekin Pis
Gardens
Of course, we stopped for a waffle and coffee. :)
LILLE
It takes under an hour to get to Lille, France from where we are in Belgium.
Lille Grand Place
Monet at the Le Palais des Beaux-Arts
VILLER'S ABBEY
The monastery was founded in 1146. It is now in ruins
C&A with the ruined church in the background
town of Villers
goats
a good lunch at this rustic spot
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