Kasteel Pietersheim

After church on Sunday, we decided to stop by a castle ruin a couple towns away from home in Lanaken. We saw only 1 of the 3 moats it used to have. Parts of the wall still exist, as well as the cellars and the chapel. The first construction began in 1150 AD, and it was added onto, sieged, taken over, and in full use until the late 18th century. There's not much left to Kasteel Pietersheim these days. It was pretty neat to see, though. It is a gateway entrance to the Hoge Kempen national park. We also walked to the huge play area for kids. Too bad for Rachael, she wasn't feeling well that day and didn't even want to play. For more information on Kasteel Pietersheim, check out these links: http://www.charlzz.com/en/pietersheim-castle/ and http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/hotel_1759_kasteel-pietersheim.html. Here are a few pictures I took on our little trip:

The hotel at Kasteel Pietersheim. It's old as well, but at least of the last 2 centuries =)

Castle entrance

The moat and the wall, well, what's left of it anyways

Part of the courtyard

I thought this was so cool. This is the upper chapel. The rings are symbolic of marriage as many wedding celebrations were held there.

Holes were made in the wall so those inside could shoot out and protect the castle.

These rocks are red due to a very hot fire in one of the many overtakings of the castle.

Below the chapel. This space was used for religious purposes and for a bunker at different times during the castle's history.

Looking at the chapel

After leaving the castle, we walked along a footpath to the play area. Here, Rachael is just being goofy =)

Along the way were wood carvings of little squirrels and fairies accompanied by these stories. I wish I understood the language! I will.... someday =)

The bouncy house at the play area. Rachael wasn't a big fan. Too noisy!

One of the forest friends the stories talk about

This was a fun little excursion. We'll probably come back and play when Rachael's feeling better. It's so cool that little places like these are all around us! Until next time... Ta ta! =)

Strolling Around Tongeren

We had a pretty lazy Saturday this weekend. We cleaned up the house a little, relaxed, checked out eh Hasselt Carrefour, ate some Pizza Hut, lazed about some more, chowed down on some Frites, and took a stroll through downtown Tongeren.

The more I learn about Tongeren, the more I love it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongeren  It's about a 7 to 10 minute drive from our house. It is home to the famous antique market every Sunday, and apparently it is the oldest town in Belgium. The streets are narrow, the buildings are right next to each other, three stories high, creating an interesting tunnel as you enter the city. Even from a great distance you can see the top of the Tongeren Basilica in the middle of the city, like a lighthouse that draws you toward it.

We drove around town for a while. The roads were so narrow, and the buildings so tall. It truly is beautiful. Then we parked the car and walked around the town square and the basilica a bit. We even got some candy from a little vendor. Here are a few photos of our visit:

The Basilica in the distance

Like driving through a tunnel of buildings.

Zachary having a good time riding atop his daddy's shoulders =)

I love the streets

Rick Steves says that everywhere in Europe old buildings are being refurbished. The Tongeren Basilica is no exception.

This is Ambiorix, the prince of Eburones, leader of a Belgic tribe of north-eastern Gaul (Gallia Belgica), where modern Belgium is located. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambiorix

Beautiful, Huh?

Chocolate covered bananas at the candy cart =)

Just inside the Basilica. Netting to keep the birds out.

Inside the alcoves in the Basilica

Wow,

I never knew what it meant to truly be 'breathtaking.' Now, I know. My heart sped up, and I felt like I almost couldn't breathe. The whole building was so beautiful, so big. I felt very tiny, and quite humble.

The pipe organ. Swoon!

I love these four gargoyles. Each one is different. They are so fascinating!

The nougat we got from the candy vendor

I love Tongeren! Ta ta!