September 8 - Belgian Sampler

Tuesday - Bilzen to Leuven
Rested, fed, clean clothes and wonderful conversation. Stefan spoiled us so much that it was hard to leave. It was especially interesting to hear about his work with Mobile School, a non-profit that brings education to street kids where they live in 22 countries around the world. (www.mobileschool.org)

The oasis that is his backyard.

He also works with injured birds of prey like this falcon.

There are also several resident owls. He takes them to local schools. 

We finally had to say goodby and a BIG thank you.

An interesting group of sister cities.

Market day in Hasselt

She is next to the Tourist Information office.

The Hasselt train station.

In Bekkevoort, our route took us past the Megabikecenter Store. Donna had been looking for a new cycling cap to put under her helmet when it rained. Marleen (left) was very helpful in the selection process.

A vending machine for bread next to the bike shop!

Alike in name only, we suspect.

Much of today's route was like this......fields on one side of the road.....

....and commercial enterprises or houses on the other.

It took us awhile to make our way through Leuven. It is a university town and the students were beginning to gather for the start of the term.

It got pretty exciting around the big train/bus station with these guys showed up with lights and sirens going. There were pedestrians, bikes, and buses going every which way.

We just watched and waited for things to calm down a bit and figured out where we needed to go to get to our hotel.

The view from our hotel room.

This doorway was across the street and there seemed to be a lot of young people coming and going.

Inside we found that there was a church that has been converted to an art and music venue and school.

That tallest, very ornate building is City Hall.

The little gold guy actually rings the bell.

This one is for you, Lynn and Nancy. This is where we had dinner. Doug says the burger lived up to its billing.