Travels in Belgium and Arts: Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve (June 8, 2014)

August 22, 2015November 30, 2019 / orchidus / 4 Comments

Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve (2014)

In the quiet university town of Louvain-la-Neuve, there hiding is a unique museum dedicated to Hergé and his comic works. It’s a short train ride from Brussels (about 30 minutes) through the countryside.

Portrait of Hergé (born Georges Rémi) (May 22, 1907-March 3, 1983)

Upon one’s arrival to Louvain-la-Neuve, one can follow the signs to the Hergé Museum—a quick walk away. As one nears the museum, one can see the montage of Tintin gazing out at sea from The Crab with the Golden Claws adventure. The museum itself is unique; its shape is a reminder of a moored ship. Inside, it is like stepping into the world of Hergé’s characters.

Who is Hergé? The artist himself was born as Georges Rémi (May 22, 1907-March 3, 1983) and the creator of several works, such as Totor, Jo, Zette, and Jocko and Quick and Flupke.

Of his many works, the most popular is The Adventures of Tintin. Having grown up with the Tintin television cartoons produced by Ellipse (France) and Nelvana (Canada); and the comics, I became engrossed with the stories of Tintin and his friends. I came to know of each story and character by heart having reread and re-watched them multiple times. Continue reading →

Travels in Belgium: Brussels (June 6-10, 2014)

August 20, 2015November 30, 2019 / orchidus

Main market square of Brussels, Belgium (2014)

Attractions:

European Quarter
Atomium
Comic Trail walk (list of all the walls)
Louvain-la-Neuve for a visit to the Hergé Museum (June 8)
Manneken pis
La Grand Place and the City Center
Place de l’Albertine
Royal Museums of Fine Arts
- Magritte Museum
- Old Masters Museum

Brussels, Belgium (2014)

After touring the major cities of Belgium, we finally reached the capital and de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels. Belgium itself is divided into 3 distinct governmental regions: 1) To the north is Flanders (Flemish); 2) To the south is Wallonia (French); and 3) Brussels-Capital. However, the one overseeing all 3 regions and making the overall decisions is the Federal Belgium government.

The physical presence of the government can be experienced at the European Quarter located in the city. (Our first hotel in Brussels called Thon Hotel was actually located within walking distance of the European Quarter but far from the main city center).

Atomium in Brussels, Belgium (2014)

As one enters the city of Brussels, one comes upon a marvelous sight of the Atomium—a structure of nine spheres that was the futuristic vision of the World’s Fair of 1958. Today, it is one of the best places to get a 360-degree panorama of the city. In addition to great views of the city, there are a few nice parks for strolling; the Brussels Royal Park located near the royal palace on Rue Ducale has several beech trees that line the pedestrian walkways for shade. Continue reading →

Travels in Belgium: Antwerpen (June 7, 2014)

August 15, 2015November 29, 2019 / orchidus

Antwerpen, Belgium (2014)

Attractions:

Het Steen (The Stone) fortification
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady)
Grote Markt

While staying in Brussels, our tour guide took us on another brief day trip to Antwerpen—a medieval city that is bathed in folklore and today boasts a rich culture in art and fashion competing with our cosmopolitan cities in the world.

“Severed hand” cookies in Antwerpen, Belgium (2014)

The Giant of the Antwerpen legend (2014)

The origin of the name, “Antwerpen,” is based on a folk tale:

A giant named Antigoon lived by the river of Scheldt. Whenever a passerby wanted passage through his territory, he demanded a toll. If one refused, his or her hand was severed and flung into the river, spreading fear amongst the populace. Then, one day, a young man named Silvius Brabo challenged the giant and cut off the giant’s hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name, “Antwerpen,” comes from the Old English words: “hand” and “wearpan” (to throw). It goes further to say that Julius Caesar awarded Silvius Brabo the leadership of the city.

Het Steen fortress, Antwerpen, Belgium (2014)

Our brief tour of Antwerpen began with the examination of the Het Steen fortification—one of Antwerp’s oldest buildings from 1225. It was initially used as the residence of the margrave of

Cathedral of the Lady in Antwerpen, Belgium (2014)

Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerpen, Belgium (2014)

the city, and then it was subsequently used as a prison, residence, saw mill, fish warehouse, and maritime museum. Today the maritime museum collection is over at the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom.

The next place we visited was the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is the highest cathedral in the Low Countries and is home to several famous Peter Paul Rubens’ works: The Raising of the Cross (1609-1610), The Resurrection of Christ (1611-1612), The Descent of Christ (1611-1614), and The Assumption of the Virgin (1625-1626). Continue reading →

Travels in Belgium: Gent (June 6, 2014)

August 13, 2015November 29, 2019 / orchidus

Ghent, Belgium (2014)

Attractions:

St. Bavo’s Cathedral and Van Eyck’s Adoration of the Lamb
City Hall
City Pavilion

During our travels in Belgium, we had a brief interlude in Ghent before we approached the capital, Brussels. As one of the largest cities located in the Flanders region of Belgium, Ghent is an important port and center of the flower export trade. Its medieval buildings and St. Bavo’s Cathedral are the main highlights.

City Pavilion in Ghent, Belgium (2014)

On our way towards the cathedral, we passed by the City Pavilion—a relatively new structure of wood and glass that is used for concerts, dance performances, and markets. There is also a hidden café that is underneath the structure called the “Belfort Stadscafé en Stadsrestaurant.” Continue reading →

Travels in Belgium: Brugge (June 4-5, 2014)

July 27, 2015November 29, 2019 / orchidus / 1 Comment

Historical Market Square in Brugge, Belgium (2014)

Attractions:

Historical Market Square
Lace Jewel shop
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Belfry overlooking the market square
Canal boat cruise
Church of Our Lady with Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child
Memling Museum at St. John’s Hospital and Apothecary (Sint-Janshospitaal and Apotheek)
Groeingemuseum and Arentshuis

The sounds of hooves pounding echo on the cobbled stones. From our sheltered carriage, we watch the passersby and the medieval buildings along the canals zip by. Our carriage rounds the bend and stops at Lover’s Lake. Swans and ducks mill around the area, herding their young and gliding along the canal’s murky waters. It is a romantic haven for those who enjoy watching people and nature in harmony.

Lover’s Lake in Brugge, Belgium (2014)

During our tour, we stayed two nights in Brugge (Flemish) or Bruges (French and English)—a picturesque town that once was an important cloth market in the 14^th century until the economy went downhill in the 16^th century. Today, it is a thriving historical center. During our first night, we went on a galloping ride through the town in a horse-drawn carriage towards Lover’s Lake, where we stopped for pictures. Continue reading →

Travels in Belgium: Dinant (June 4, 2014)

July 19, 2015November 29, 2019 / orchidus

Dinant, Belgium (2014)

A brief stop on our tour of Belgium took us to Dinant, home of Adolphe Sax (1814-1894)—the inventor of the saxophone. The picturesque Charles de Gaulle bridge of saxophones over the Meuse River is the first sighting of Dinant.

Charles de Gaulle bridge, Dinant, Belgium (2014)

Unfortunately, it was raining so we did not explore many places in the city. We had lunch at Le Coin des Gourmets, which made allusions to the Tintin series by Hergé.

Le Coin des Gourmets restaurant, Dinant, Belgium (2014)

View of the river near Dinant, Belgium (2014)

Travels in Belgium: Orval (June 4, 2014)

July 18, 2015November 29, 2019 / orchidus

Abbey in Orval, Belgium (2014)

Attractions:

Abbey

Orval is the home of a 12^th-century Cistercian monastery that was established based on a legend; Countess Matilde of Tuscany had dropped her ring into a fountain and a trout rose to surface bearing the ring, to which she exclaimed, “Truly this place is a Val d’Or!”.

Orval, Belgium (2014)

The Cistercian monks are self-sufficient; they brew beer, make cheese, and gather wood from the surrounding forests. According to their beliefs, they live a celibate and secluded lifestyle, allowing for continual prayer and harmony with natural surroundings.