21 July National Belgium Independence Day

Today is the anniversary of the date in 1831 that Leopold I swore allegiance to the constitution as the first King of the Belgians and separated from the Netherlands. The day is celebrated much as we do on our Independence Day; parades, military displays, fireworks, grilling and beer. 

Google Article on National Day

T.V. Sports in Europe

In the two weeks I have been in Belgium, I've been able to view three of the top European sporting events; The World Cup, The Tour and The Open. Notice that none of the specific sports are mentioned, but everyone knows what they are speaking about. 
The World Cup. This is THE sport in Europe. They call it futball. We Americans see it as a 2nd rate sport of soccer. Even my American English spell checker wanted to correct futball to fur ball. Go figure. 
We watched an exciting Cup primarily on Belgium TV stations. I can't comment on the outcome, but I wasn't rooting for Germany. The announcers probably did a good job. I couldn't understand them, but that was due to my poor language skills. I can't understand the Brits either. I do like the fact that they don't stop the game action for a commercial every three minutes like we do in the States. 
The Tour, The Tour de France, is going on as I write. Everyone rides a bike in Europe so they can understand the sport. Ever since I gave up the third wheel I haven't been that interested in bicycling. Bontrager's Jasper Stuyven is the new star of Belgium cyclists. Cycling stars are even bigger than the Red Devils of futball fame. I'll take the butcher in the market's word for it. His steaks have been  sooo good. 
That brings us to The Open. Americans call it the British Open to distinguish it from the US Golf Open, the Scotish Open or the Illinois Open. As far as the Brits see it, there is only one Open. This event must be viewed on BBC. Luckily I know golf since I can't understand the Brit announcers. 
Oh well. The Bears report to camp in 6 days. You won't see anything about it on Belgium TV. 
Anyway, this has been all in fun. I'm actually enjoying Euro sports. 

Sports

A Tour of the Ambleve Part I

I'm a little delayed in writing posts. I will try to catch up over the next couple of days.
On Saturday, 12 July (notice the European format), we took a road trip into the Ardennes and down the Ambleve river. Those of you with some knowledge of military history may recall that the Germans invaded Western Europe both in WWI + WWII through this area. 

The area is very beautiful and rustic, dotted with small but picturesque towns.  All along the way we saw storybook buildings.
Here are a few.

A Visit to the Museum Leuven

(WARNING: This post contains a history lesson)
Last week, we went to tour the M - Museum Leuven know as the M.  A special exhibit was on display titled, "Ravaged, Art and Culture in Times of Conflict".  This exhibit was in commemoration of the 100th year after the First World War. 

Belgium was on the front lines of the War having been the first nation attacked by Germany.  Belgium proved very frustrating to the Germans and delayed their advance by over a month. After Leuven was taken, the Germans claimed that Belgium sharpshooters were active in the city. The German's response was to kill hundreds of civilians in retaliation and burn many parts of the city including the University Library and over 1000 homes. 

This exhibit takes the fire in Leuven as the starting point to create a larger picture.  Throughout the centuries there have been countless examples of conflicts in which cultural heritage has been a target. Ravaged takes five themes to show how artists depicted the havoc and plundering; the ravaged city, the ruins, deliberate destruction, propaganda and art as war booty.

I did not take any photos in the exhibit, but I was very moved by the destruction.  The exhibit takes a historical event into the present by featuring modern-day Beruit as an example of havoc and plundering. 

Rain, Rain, Go Away.

Historical weather data indicates that Belgium has 17 days of rain during the average July. I think we've already had our allotment. 

A smart person once told me, "You can't have enough umbrellas in Belgium. 

Don't Bug Me, Leuven

Totem in Ladeuzeplein, Leuven

In 2005, the Catholic University Leuven celebrated its 575th anniversary and decided to thank the city of Leuven for its hospitality. University officials, being educators, thought, "What is the appropriate gift for 575 years? It is not 25th because that is Silver. It's not 50th since that is Gold. It's not even 90th because that is Engraved Marble. What's left? How about a beetle?"
Anyway, I'm sure the conversation went something like that. 
They commissioned a renown artist, Jan Fabre, to create a sculpture. He called it a Totem as a focal point and a symbolic art piece. The Thai Jewel Beetle is placed on a steel needle 75 feet above the square. I guess that way it can't be stepped on.
More about the Ladeuzeplein later. 

More Photos at the Beguinage

Interior of the Church

NAVE

WALKING THROUGH THE STREETS IN THE RAIN