Christmas Markets
Just back from a great couple of days staying with our daughter in Belgium, where we went to visit mainly her, of course, but also the Christmas Markets.
She took us to the Christmas Market in Brussels on Tuesday, which was quite an experience as neither Ian nor I have been to one of these events before. Masses of stalls selling a huge variety of products loosely – or otherwise – related to Christmas, gluhwein (hot mulled wine to us Brits) flowing freely,
hot roasted chestnuts, pancakes, and all sorts of goodies including Welsh cheese! I fancied my chances on the ice rink, but was dissuaded as we had no insurance. I learned later that the E111 (which we did have) would have been quite sufficient for any broken bones. Naturally we also found time to visit a chocolate factory, and that evening Becki took me to a chocolate cafe, which produced all varieties of chocolate drinks to die for. Well, you have to if you’re in Belgium, don’t you?
The Christmas Market opened in Leuven (where Becki lives) the following evening. Throbbing with people, especially young people, and vibrant with energy and colour. Smaller than the Brussels market, but much larger than I expected. I loved Father Christmas’s rooms – a number of log cabins, each one set out as a different room in Santa’s house, kitchen, bathroom, lounge, bedroom, and of course, the workshop.
Leuven, which is a small city similar to Norwich in character, goes to town with its Christmas lights. Mostly small, white fairy lights and immensely effective, adorning the trees and streets. There are two wonderful, large deer in lights just outside the railway station, and further along in the city square outside the cathedral is a large stable, complete with the Holy Family and live sheep.
All this adds to the party atmosphere, which was enhanced by the entirely unexpected and superb firework display just as we were leaving the market.
It was very cold in Belgium, but equally cold here in the UK when we came back today via Eurostar. We loved it all, and I’m definitely booking again for next year.
December 14th, 2012 at 9:50 am
You look a little blurry, Vicar… would that be due to the cold, the chocolate, or the mulled wine?
But seriously, it looks like you had a lovely time. Happy Christmas!
December 14th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Definitely the latter, Prof. Highly recommended.
October 17th, 2013 at 9:38 pm
One can tackle a number of encouraged trips with assorted limousine capabilities. A variety of provide wonderful courses and plenty of may take clients for virtually every journey your current bike within the expenditure bank region, or perhaps for vacation to nyc. ???????
March 11th, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Just wanted to say to all that louis vuitton always comes through. Every single time I’ve ordered from here or alternatively just had to comment and give y’all some feedback on y’all great services decline ordered the Retro 9′s on Thursday and either way got them on Saturday. I got them on right now….
cheaplouisvuittons.com https://www.cheaplouisvuittons.com