Bob and I were thanking our lucky stars that we had the electrics today, for it would have been hard yakka with our old bikes. Set high upon a hilltop, the old town square of Geraardsbergen with its impressive church and town hall is quite a sight. The church was pretty impressive, to0. We loved […]
Last night we discovered the largest laundromat we have come across in Europe. In another first, it also boasted a toilet, hand basin and provided paper towel – and was only a two minute walk away. With washing needing to be done, our prayers were answered. This morning we zoomed through the washing. The afternoon […]
Another museum well worth visiting, as we were led through time from the Big Bang. Well set out, with more than enough to keep all ages intrigued. there were paths and seats, 3D displays, slideshows, and short films. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV_SURkWQZw&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29W-CU_zCcc&feature=youtu.be Water and land, it was all there. Most impressive was the section on the dinosaurs. […]
Sensational!!! Extraordinary!!!! These are two of the words that one can use to describe this incredible museum. Inaugurated in 1877, the collection initially consisted of 100 Indian instruments gifted to the Belgian king in 1876, and the purchase of musicologist, Francois – Joseph Fetis’ collection in 1872. Initially used for the sole purpose of introducing […]
Upon the relatively straight Zeekanaal Brussel Schelde, one lock, several lifting bridges and plenty of others beneath which we easily passed led us along a mostly industrial section of waterway, interspersed by a town here and there, or an occasional field. The twenty kilometres easily travelled, Gratis arrived at the Brussels Royal Yacht Club. Thirty metres […]
After wending our way through the streets to the market square, where a major clean up was taking place after celebrations that incorporated the town’s giants, our first stop was the 14th century Zimmer Tower and its Wonderclock at the time and space museum. The son of a watchmaker and born in Lier in 1888, […]
Informed by the harbourmaster that the bridge out of the marina would be closed Sunday, our departure was moved forward to this morning. We had to take a snapshot of this. Locks, how you love and hate them! No matter where you are, no two locks are the same, which means the cruiser must prepared […]
A 10km ride took us from Antwerp to the edge of the Peerdsbos, a delightful nature area that was created when the land forming a number of manors once owned by the nobility was taken over the by the state. Once an area of woods, field and meadows, polders and dikes were created to provide […]
We discovered a secret. On the last Wednesday of every month, entry to Antwerp’s museums is free and we made the most of it. MAS Museum Each floor dealt with a different display. That showcasing items from various cultures held our interest most. From the top floor, there was quite a view. Can you find […]
All museums are closed on Mondays, so today was church day: Cathedral of Our Lady, St James, St Charles Barromeo and St Pauls. It was a study in art for us, as each contained paintings by Rubens and other famous Belgian artists. Descent of Man 1611 – 1614 Resurrection of Christ 1611 – 1612 In addition, […]
This day saw us re – entering Belgium, via the Schelde – Rijn Canal. One easy lock, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slUTOMf5Sro&feature=youtu.be One of the reasons why a boat must be secured. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r43zKDSKF_s&feature=youtu.be and a lifting bridge or two made for an easy 40km or so motor. Large ships were towed in by tug. The building at the bridge […]
First thing this morning, the water came alive with the sound of the young as they prepared the steel dinghies and took to the water. Our last day in Bergen op Zoom finally presented us with one of sunshine and we made the most of it. At the Ravelijn Op den Zoom, Bob and I […]
On entering the church (how was this for a doorknob!), Bob and I had the opportunity to climb the 150+ steps of the spiral staircase to partake in the panoramic view. It was well worth the effort, as we found ourselves espying Antwerp far in the distance from the top of the fourteenth century tower. […]
In conversations with locals regarding entry to marinas via the locks of the tidal Westerschelde, we were informed it was only possible at set times so two other options were left to us. Returning to Ghent then heading east, or retracing our steps north to Bergen op Zoom then head south to Antwerp. Surprisingly, the […]
With the fuel barge not open to customers on Sundays and the Netherlands proving to have the best price, to Terneuzen Bob and I have returned, and shall remain for a few additional unexpected days. It seems that this is the year for items to break down. Late Saturday evening, the fridge had a hissy […]
As crowds poured into the township, it was bedlam: a case a kamikaze for those on bikes, as they avoided the pedestrians who, without looking, stepped off curbs and suddenly appeared in front of them. If one prefers a quieter visit, Monday to Thursday is the key we decided. It was to an older […]
One of the oldest parishes in the town of Ghent, St Jacob was named after St James the greater, the patron saint of pilgrims. People still depart from here on their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. We found the image of the woman being led to her hanging an interesting one in the […]
It was time to visit the museums today. First on the rank was the Design Museum. It certainly wasn’t what we expected, which was the changing of design and innovation in the region over the centuries. This was really a modern art exhibition showing the works of a few successful minimalist artists, through a variety […]
Bordering the southern edge of Mariakerke, once a small township roughly five kilometres north west of Ghent, is the Bourgoyen – Ossemeeresen nature reserve of 600+ hectares. This was our destination for the day, and a pleasant change to the hustle and bustle of Ghent. Cycling – or walking – through the landscapes, listening to […]
Castle of the Counts, St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, Roeland’s Bell, and St Bavo’s Cathedral It may sound a lot, but Bob and took our time. The Castle of the Counts is the last remaining bastion from the 10th century medieval period that still retains much of its defence structure. This section of land on […]
