Wednesday, 11 November 2015

Adventures in Europe: Bouillon, Belgium

From Vimy I headed west back into Belgium, to a place called Bouillon, about a three hour drive away.  I am now roughly halfway back towards Frankfurt, with three nights to go on the road. 

Bouillon is a little place, tucked into a valley with a castle dominating the townscape.  It is quite an incredible sight, and my hostel is on a hill high above the castle and the town, allowing for a really great view.


Right now, after dark, the castle is lit up against the dark hillside behind it, and it looks quite spectacular.  Unfortunately my camera is completely inadequate to do this scene justice.

I arrived in Bouillon too early to check into the hostel, so I decided I would try to tour the castle, even though there was not much daylight left.  I drove down the hill into the town, only to realize that in Bouillon, Armistice Day is a HUGE deal, and people were everywhere, and parking was not going to happen, no matter how confident I was.  Eventually I parked up the hill and walked down, but it was now after 16:00, and it made little sense to pay to tour the castle in the twilight.  I decided I will try to go tomorrow morning before I leave.  I did scamper around parts of it that do not require an entrance fee, however, and I walked around the town.


There was a huge street market with all types of vendors and buskers, and even a brass band.  By the way, today is also St. Martin's Day, which is a big deal in Belgium, so I assume some of the festivities were related to that.  Anyway, it was somewhat overwhelming, but I fought my way through the crowds and tried to take it all in.


I bought a coffee and a delicious apricot pastry and sat on a bench by the river for awhile.


And then bought a plate of some food that looked delicious, even though I was not entirely sure what it was.  I took a picture, which does not make it look as delicious as it was, but anyway I enjoyed it thoroughly. 


Now I am enjoying some locally brewed beers.  Belgium is not only famous for its beers, Belgians seem very proud of them, and also very keen on serving them in special glasses.

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