12/2/2013 An easy day in Leuven

Was fortunate enough to spend a relaxing day in Leuven.  What a treat!  Took some pics of our hotel gardens which still had roses in bloom.  That’s even rare for here this time of year.  I couldn’t believe these large gorgeous roses.  We bought our tickets last night for the high speed train to/from Amsterdam. So excited!  Last year I went to Amsterdam but because I didn’t know to get a high speed train it took me over 3 hours to get there and another almost 3.5 hours to get back…so I really only was in Amsterdam for maybe half a day…not that I wasn’t thrilled for that!  But this is exciting and the weather is much milder this year so I’m really hoping that I’ll be able to finally get to see the Windmills!  There will be 4 or 5 of us going so it should be fun!

Today we walked into town to see a special exhibit of an artist Michiel Coxcie, often referred to as the FLEMISH RAFAEL as he studied and painted like Rafael and, during periods of his life was quite famous but then became rather forgotten about. Even though I’m not much of an art historian, I actually was excited to see this exhibit and the M Museum in Leuven.  Last year I never made it inside and so this was a fun little side trip to take today!  http://www.mleuven.be/en/coxcie/home/index/michiel-coxcie-in-leuven/index.jsp

And we got to do a little local shopping and stopped and Pat and I shared a goat cheese and sun dried tomato panini!  It was lovely.  The young ladies we were with shared a Belgian Waffle with chocolate sauce!!!  I think I gained 5 lbs just watching them eat it…and they’re think as rails!  🙂

A bit more shopping/looking, and we headed back to our hotel.  We found a little market and bought water which will be much cheaper than here at the hotel!  Both at the little restaurant and the shop, the workers did not speak any English…so it was interesting figuring it out!  We did just fine!

A little break here and then a late dinner at the University Faculty Club which is supposedly the best food in Leuven!  I’m publishing this post now with my day’s pics because I’m hoping to be exhausted and go to sleep earlier tonight (last night I was awake until almost 5am and then up about 8:15 to start the day!!!  It’s got to catch up with me soon.

We found a store called:  LILAS MODE.  Of course I posed in front of it!

I know how guilty I felt taking this trip again; I understand why…but I am so glad I came anyhow!

OX