Fighting the Cobbles - My trip to Belgium in 2018, Part 40 in Namur (Part 3)

Sunday, July 01, 2018

“And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.”

Randy Komisar

It was a great feeling to walk beside the river Meuse (French), la Meuse (Walloon) or Maas (Dutch), a major European river. It rises in France and flows through Belgium and the Netherlands before running into the North Sea through the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta after a total length of 925 km (575 miles). The sun became stronger and, with the first day of July, the long-awaited time of summer holidays arrived in Central Europe. 

From my sidewalk, I could see some people waiting for a ride to start directly beside the river. I don't know the meaning of the yellow vests, maybe the sign of this group... In more dangerous Taiwan, no one wears them and here it is nice that some people think about their own safety on the road. Watching them I missed my own bike very much...

People waiting for a Bike ride. The Citadelle of Namur can be seen on the right Mountain...

The Bridge of Jambes (also called "Bridge of Meuse") is a spanning the Meuse between the suburb of Jambes (right bank) and the foot of the Citadel of Namur (left bank). Probably dating from the Roman era it has been rebuilt and modified several times. The bridge is 145 meters long, it currently has seven arches, including the central one which is wider.

Jambes Bridge (Pont de Jambes)

Later I will cross the bridge several times but now I was still looking for the youth hostel. I followed the road along the river and passed the Grand Casino de Namur, a place out of my world, and the Barbaros Mosquée de Namur, a religion out of my world. Here I asked a young men and he showed me the way through a very green park with lots of trees giving me a nice shadow from the burning sun.

Finally, I stood at the doors of the Felicien Rops Youth Hostel (Auberge de Jeunesse de Namur, Avenue Félicien Rops 8, 5000 Namur, tel.: +32 81 22 36 88). It is situated along the banks of the Meuse in an old manor house. It is named after painter Felicien Rops (1833-1898) who once set up a workshop in this same building.  

Felicien Rops Youth Hostel 

(Auberge de Jeunesse de Namur, Avenue Félicien Rops 8, 5000 Namur)

I had to haul my luggage several steps until I could check in without any problems. The only difficulty was that I could use the room after 5:00 in the afternoon and it was late morning (around 10:00). Some hours to explore but what to do with my sports bag on wheels?

I've asked the lady if I could store my sports bag somewhere and she gave me a key to the basement - the grey door on the lower left corner on the photo. So I took out a shirt of my bag and put it in the messenger bag. Then I moved it downstairs in a room full of bikes and luggage from other guests.

My Sports Bag on Wheels in the Basement of the Youth Hostel

Just that the lady gave me the key was a big 'trust' point for this youth hostel which I really liked a lot. Some hotel would not trust the guest and send someone with you or develop a system which would make sure that it's your luggage.

With a reservation for the new room, or I should rather write bed, I had a lot of time and ‘freedom’ to explore the city of Namur – watch out, I am coming!

(to be continued)

Disclaimer: I traveled to Belgium by myself, I am not sponsored by anyone. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome!  

Fighting the Cobbles - My trip to Belgium in 2018, Part 39 in Namur (Part 2)

Sunday, July 01, 2018

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.”

Jack Kerouac, (1922 – 1969), American novelist

Namur (or Nameur in Walloon) is the capital of the province of Namur and Wallonia, hosting the Parliament of Wallonia, Walloon Government and administration (Wikipedia). As I've noted before, Belgium is made of two major parts: Flanders in the North and Wallonia (Wallonie in French), the predominantly French-speaking southern region of Belgium. With a land area of 16,844 km2 (6,504 sq mi), it makes up 55% of the territory of Belgium, although its 3.5 million inhabitants only represent 1/3 of the whole Belgian population. Most of the cities are located along the west-east axis formed by the Sambre and Meuse Rivers. And here am was, in the French center of Belgium, Namur.

Namur with Citadelle and Bridge of the River Meuse

When I woke up with a smile I took a nice shower first. For me, it is necessary to stay as clean as possible just to avoid and health and in particular skin on the trip. I packed my things and left the hotel. To reduce some of the high prices I did not order a breakfast; I've planned to eat somewhere else. As I checked out no one of the three receptionists was interested in this guest, I was not even worth a 'thank you' or 'goodbye'.

After I left I took a picture of the African Museum opposite the hotel and decided to go to the train where I saw an American fast food restaurant yesterday. Not many people were eating there so I've ordered an Angus Beef Hamburger Menu as breakfast and put the receipt in my wallet, not thinking much of it.

As I ate I watched an elderly couple ordering breakfast and the man stood in front of the toilet, took out his receipt and pressed numbers into the lock beside the toilet and it 'magically' opened and stepped in...I thought this is strange and I took out my receipt. After I finished my meal I separated my garbage and disposed of them in the proper boxes. I packed my things, took my sports bag and went to the toilet door. There I punched my 'secret number' from my receipt in a safe lock like in a prison cell - and I was able to open it and get in!

In my over 50 years on this earth, this was the first time I opened a door like a safe but in this case, so something ordinary like a toilet. Inside it I had to take out my camera to record one of the cleanest and loneliest toilets I had ever the pleasure to visit in my whole life! In amazement, I still asked myself "Is this effort just to 'easy your daily business' really necessary?"The Belgians believe this...

Full and energized I wanted to give the tourist information and 2nd chance; as I already wrote it was closed yesterday. So I walked to the nearby train station and, to my surprise, I opened the door to a bright and friendly room with three kind ladies only waiting for a tourist like me on this early Sunday morning. I chose one counter and asked if there is a Youth Hostel in Namur. With a friendly smile and a clear French dialect, the lady answered 'of course'! She took out a free map and drew the way with a blue ball pen on it.

Train Station of Namur with a Construction Crane towering over it in the Back

As it was early Sunday and my French is limited I asked her if she could call and make sure if they are open today and - she called. I did not understand their conversation but after she hung up the telephone she replied with a smile: "They have opened!" "Oh, mercy!" was my answer but even if I tried, my smile could never be as shiny as hers, that I am sure of!

With a map, good news and even better spirit I stepped out into a wonderful morning and was on the way to the Youth Hostel to make a reservation for the next night. As this part of Namur can only lead downhill to the Meuse River I've tried to choose another way but somehow I came again to the African Museum. There I took a picture of an African statue standing in a hallway - in other countries it might be gone long ago...

Statue of African Mother with Child

Looking at this statue, a mother carrying her baby, I could sense the power of the female in general and here the African women especially. But they often are mistreated and broken not only by men of her own race. Surely God created the women out with the rib of men but as a 'helper', neither as a slave nor as a toy for men. A male does not have the right to look down, be subject to sexual harassment or to control them but should rather respect the women and their sacrifices.

The USA had the chance to vote for an experienced female politician like so many other developed countries in this world. But they rather choose a coarse self-proclaimed ‘successful’ dominant male with too much testosterone who believes in steamroller approach than diplomacy to be their president. And now the Americans have to deal with what they earned...

(to be continued)

#Namur #NamurTouristInformation #toilet #NamurYouthHostel #WomenRights #USA

Disclaimer: I traveled Belgium by myself, I am not sponsored by anyone. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome!

Fighting the Cobbles - My trip to Belgium in 2018, Part 38 in Namur (Part 1)

Saturday, June 30, 2018

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

André Paul Guillaume Gide (1869 – 1951), French author and Nobel Prize winner

 

As the reader might understand after some days on the road it took some time to get used to the number of cars and people in this city; after my arrival in a ‘new town’, in his case Namur, I needed some time to get used to it.

My first concern was obviously to find a suitable hotel or hostel. Preparing the trip I remembered that Namur has one youth hostel within my budget but unfortunately I did not bring the address with me.

For non-Europeans, most cities in this continent are built around the train station and the same building represents commonly the city center. Namur is not built differently... Still on the N4 (National Road No. 4), I’ve passed the rear of the train station (or Gare Namur). I’ve passed a bus terminal and turned right over a wide multi-lane bridge which led me to the roundabout ‘Place Léopold’. Along this circled road there are many historical three and four storied buildings, witness to a rich past.
From the roundabout, there are several roads leading to the river Maas (or the Meuse in Dutch) which gives the city its distinguished location and view. I chose the Rue Lucien Namêche which, after passing the 'rich' buildings on the front, became quite ordinary.

Renovating a historical building, Belgium style

(Taken the following morning)

On the Rue Rogier, I've turned right and came after a short walk to the Hotel Ibis Namur Centre, right across from the African Museum. On this Saturday early evening, there was a big wheel, roller coasters and other amusement attractions behind this museum. For now, I passed because I still thought about finding this youth hostel…I followed the road and finally, the river Maas unfolded its beauty right in front of me.

African Museum with Big Wheel in the Background,

taken the following morning

I followed an easy and flat walking path beside the river banks. It is really amazing how a river can transform a view or a scenery wherever you go. I had to cross the river La Sambre which flows here into the Maas and followed the road parallel to the river until the Grand Casino de Namur. But even asking some locals they could not help me to find the youth hostel. I did not want to camp 'wild' in a city so I went back and decided to stay in a hotel for the night after paying a hefty price for a simple bed and a shower. But I do not want to complain, sometimes it does not work out how you planned it.

My most expensive Bed during the whole three weeks in Belgium

In the evening I took the chance to wash some of my clothes (underwear, socks, shirt and trousers) to be prepared for the next morning. I also called my wife thru the free WiFi of the hotel and let her and my daughter know that I am all right.

In my bed I was surprised how smooth the whole trip went. My sports bag, which I never used before, worked as planned, my tent was small but light, my new sleeping bag was comfy. Furthermore the weather was very great, I had lots of sunshine and even got a tan. My feet did not get hurt in my 'old' trekking shoes' which accompanied me already in Australia three years ago. I've met some great people and had a very interesting time in Belgium.  

My plan for the next morning was to take a train ride to the north coast of Belgium, a contrast program to the fields and hills I passed walking the last few day. At that time I did not know that I will change my plan the next morning.

Life felt great and with a smile I went to sleep!

(to be continued)

Disclaimer: I traveled Belgium by myself, I am not sponsored by anyone. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome!

Fighting the Cobbles - My trip to Belgium in 2018, Part 37 from Gembloux to Namur

his blog continues the previous Part 36,
https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2019/01/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in_22.html

Saturday, June 30, 2018

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

Helen Keller, the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. 

   After crossing the rail road bridge I left the old part of Gembloux and came to a development area with big markets beside the main road and housing area with newer building behind. I went into a supermarket but it was a membership store only selling in big quantities - a wholesale club. I also checked out a Sports One store but as their bike department was very limited I did not stay for long.
   I followed the N29, or Chaussée de Tirlemont as it is called here, until I came to a roundabout. I turned left to the N4 or Chaussée de Namur which I walked further north this morning and yesterday. 
   Not far away I discovered an Aldi store. This cheap supermarket chain store is well established in Germany due to its low prices so I had to go in and store up my food and drink supplies. I was a nice experience and I planned to look for a suitable to place to have a nice lunch.
   After a Chinese Restaurant I discovered a shadowy place under some coniferous trees and had a feast. While I ate an elderly Chinese passed me, looking nervous and mumbled some unclear Chinese words. I don't know the meaning of moving abroad and stay there unhappily.

Eating my favorite smoked Ham Bread beside the Road

   I finished my meal, packed my garbage properly and wanted to dispose it at the next fitting possibility. While I walked the very flat road I've discovered an industrial building on the other side of the road with a large ING insurance commercial, Chaussée de Namur No. 87. There was a big black garbage box on rolls beside the road which I thought is a good solution to dispose my garbage. I opened the lid, threw the bag inside and closed it. As I wanted to leave suddenly a Mini stopped beside me with squeaky wheels and an over-sized blond lady insulted me with some French vocabulary through the open side window. As I don't understand French I approached the car and asked in a polite manner: "What's the problem?" The lady shouted to me very angrily, this time in English: "This is my garbage box!" So I turned to the box, took my garbage out and shouted "Are you happy now?" She did not answer, stepped on the gas and drove away!

   I am not clear what's a big deal with garbage in Belgium but fighting over garbage should be quite embarrassing for this lady, not for me! By the way, on the next possibility, I threw the same garbage in a container with four wheels and a lady was smiling at me...

   The road continued to be flat and I made good progress. Occasionally I passed some houses with beautiful ladies sitting in the windows waiting for customers; one was clearly waving at me. This road might be famous for this kind for services but there were not many customers in sight, meaning the road was empty.

   After some time passing fields beside the road I came unto a road sign saying 'Namur', showing a photo with a rock and a river, the final destination of my walking part of the trip. I was excited that I found the way without GPS or map but at the same time, I was a little sad because this section of my trip was soon over.

   I came to a roundabout, one road was turning right to an industrial area but I chose to continue straight on the Chaussée de Bruxelles, an older road. which later became the Route Nationale. The field was not more open but lined with trees beside the road. The road went downhill and was over-passed by a highway, the A15.

   I still continued straight and stumbled upon a road sign saying Namur 8km. The road became very busy and, after looking at my watch, I realized it was already time for the evening rush hour. Only later it occurred me that it was Saturday but the traffic still became very busy.

   Finally, I came to the first houses in the district of Namur and the road lead me downhill. The traffic became so busy that the cars came often to a standstill. In a Quick restaurant, I called my wife and informed her that I am o.k.

   I came to closely built houses older houses marking Belgrade, not in East Europe but in the suburbs of Namur. This part was indeed named after the same-named city in Serbia to commemorate the Austrian empire's conquest of the city from the Ottoman Turks. The duchy of Namur was at that time a dependency of the Austria-ruling royal house of Habsburg (wikipedia).

   The road, still part of the N4, seemed to be endless but finally I reached the city of Namur, my final destination...

(to be continued@
https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2019/03/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in.html)

Disclaimer: I traveled Belgium by myself, I am not sponsored by anyone. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome! If not convenient to subscribe on Blogger.com, I've started my own homepage @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/travel

Fighting the Cobbles - My trip to Belgium in 2018, Part 17 - Leaving Brussels (1)

This blog continues the previous Part 16,

https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/08/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in_20.html

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

  

   On my 3rd day of my trip I planned to leave Brussels, wanted to walk to Namur, a destination within Belgium. According to the map it is only around 56 km air distance but no one walks in a straight line, the distance says nothing about road conditions, about hills, about curves. Therefore it would take me some time to go there. 

   I woke up with a very upbeat spirit and started the day with a nice shower. At 7:00 a.m. I went to the breakfast room and was, like yesterday, the 1st guest arriving. I took a good supply of cheese and sausages, bread and the obligatory coffee. I enjoyed my breakfast and had some scrambled eggs as a desert.

Enjoying breakfast

   Back to the room I packed my things into the sports bag with rolls. I made sure that I packed everything like before: clothes first into waterproof bags and then properly into the big compartment together with my tent, the sleeping bag and my tripod. The camera, the lens and the batteries I put in my messenger bag together with a light jacket in case of some cool breeze. Finally I finished, tied up my walking shoes and was ready to leave.

   I hauled the heavy bag (13.5 kgs) down the narrow stairs and returned the key into an empty basket beside the same empty counter of the empty reception. In my mind I said good bye to the hotel and left through the main door around 9:00. It felt great to leave the familiar and heading into the unknown. 

   The antique market on the open square was already busy and I walked the familiar way to the Lift de Marolles which was surprisingly empty. I followed the Rue de la Regence, passed the Place Royale and the Parc de Bruxelles but I turned right after the park into the Rue de la Loi. As I went the same street and passed the same places yesterday I did not take many photos from the same placed but moved on rapidly. 

‘Pay attention to Slugs’ or Snails activity in the Brussels Park

   The Rue de la Loi (French), Wetstraat (Dutch) or Law Street (English) is a principal road running through central and eastern Brussels which is notable for government buildings of Belgium and the European Union. Indeed I passed many high modern buildings, reflecting the morning sun in their glass windows. The traffic was very busy and nearly everyone looked busy while wearing business suits or dresses.

   On the left side I came to the Berlaymont, an office building that houses the headquarters of the European Commission, which is the executive of the European Union (EU). The structure in located at the 'European Quarter' at the Schuman roundabout. This remarkable building is utilized in the European Commission's official emblem. 

Berlaymont, the Headquarters of the European Commission

Drawing of the Berlaymont, the Headquarters of the European Commission

http://freedomlightbulb.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-brussels-brigade-dont-follow-their.html

   On the left side I came to the Berlaymont, an office building that houses the headquarters of the European Commission, which is the executive of the European Union (EU). The structure in located at the 'European Quarter' at the Schuman roundabout. This remarkable building is utilized in the European Commission's official emblem.  

   For me, the European Union is a pinnacle of the human achievement in the younger history. We must remember that in the last centuries Europe was in constant fights within and outside their borders. Most notable are two World Wars which started in Europe and started conflicts all over the world. Looking back for me it is a miracle that former foes come together in peace and create first a common market in which they share and later even followed a parliament to govern the fragile product of the 'new' Europe. Of course there have been, are and will be many different opinions, dissatisfaction and arguments between the members but for me the EU is new construct in the making, not a final fact. There are and will be changes in the future addressing the laws, management and institutions but it is already proofs that the EU can withstand threats form the outside (e.g. trade war with Donald Trump) and the inside (Brexit or the exit of Great Britain from the EU).

   The Schuman roundabout ends the Rue de la Loi which goes underground before the Berlaymont. I turned around and took a picture of the modern buildings I just passed. The blue sky gave the scene a special vibe which would carry me forward during the whole trip.

Looking back at the Rue de la Loi

   The Schuman roundabout is named after the Luxembourg-born French statesman Schumann who was an independent political thinker and activist. The twice Prime Minister of France was instrumental in building post-war European and trans-Atlantic institutions. He was one of the founders of the European Union, the Council of Europe and NATO. 

   "The European spirit signifies being conscious of belonging to a cultural family and to have a willingness to serve that community in the spirit of total mutuality, without any hidden motives of hegemony or the selfish exploitation of others. The 19th century saw federal ideas being opposed and, with the rise of a national spirit, nationalities asserting themselves. Our century, that has witnessed the catastrophes resulting in the unending clashes of nationalities and nationalism, must attempt and succeed in reconciling nations in a supranational association. This would safeguard the diversities and aspirations of each nation while coordinating them in the same manner as regions are coordinated within the unity of the nation."

Robert Schuman, speaking in Strasbourg, 16 Many 1949

I will leave on this note and encourage the readers to think about these wise words in a time of violent, selfish (America first!) and corrupt governments....

(to be continued @

https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/08/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in_31.html)

Disclaimer: I traveled Belgium by myself, I am not sponsored by anyone. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome! If not convenient to subscribe on Blogger.com, I've started my own homepage @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/travel

Fighting the Cobbles - My trip to Belgium in 2018, Part 8 - In Brussels (1)

This blog continues the previous Part 7,

https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/07/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in_30.html

Sunday, June 24, 2018

   I slowly crossed the outskirts of Brussels and walked steadily towards the center of the  metropolis. I've already mentioned that I had plenty of time so I've decided not to use any public transportation but rather use my own feet. I've made this decision to learn more about the country and the city, tried to figure out if I like it and if a positive experience let me stay longer or leave to another country within the European Union.

Walking thru the Streets of Belgium: Me, My Luggage and My Camera...

   I've met a lot of non-Europeans who traveled several countries within the EU (European Union). For me as a German I could go wherever I wanted with my passport even for some countries I had to change my Euros into local currencies (British Pounds, Swiss Francs etc.). So walking on the roads and experience the environment in Belgium or rather Brussels helped me in my decision to stay in this country for my whole holidays of 3 weeks!

Everyday Open Air Antique Market right in front of my Hotel

   The language barrier was not a real problem because even people could not speak English they tried at least. I've asked one younger person why the Belgians do not speak English he answered "because we do not have the chance to use it". They learn English in school but very seldom speak it...

   Dutch is the official and most spoken language (60%) of the Flemish Community and the Flemish Region (merged to Flanders). The main Dutch dialects are Brabantian, West Flemish, East Flemish and Limburgish.

   French is with 40% speakers the second most spoken language. It is the dominant language in Wallonia as well as in the Brussels-Capital Region.

   There are only around 0.4% people speaking German, I did not even run into one during my whole trip.

Typical Fruit and Vegetable Shop also selling Tobacco and Cigarettes in Brussels

   What I appreciated during the trip is the road system and the manners of the Belgian drivers. A zebra crossing or crosswalk is working very well. Even before coming near the thick lines on the road, cars & trucks were already breaking and patiently waiting while I was crossing the road. Living in chaotic Taipei this is unthinkable. Many people here in Taiwan 'blame' the disobeying of rules on the many citizens but I believe traffic is about respect for others, a lack of education & responsibility and a general 'disobeying' or selfish way of life. While in the Far East the 'stronger' wins in Belgium it looks that the weaker are protect...I enjoyed crossing the roads in Belgium very much which, for me, translates into 'maturity of its citizens'.

   What do I mean by that? 

'Maturity' according to the Cambridge Dictionary is:

- the quality of behaving mentally and emotionally like an adult

- a very advanced or developed form or state

Do you understand that a car can be a weapon? Do you understand that you have responsibilities etc.

   The other thing I really appreciated is the willingness to maintain the public safety. In Brussels I've encountered heavily armed soldiers and policeman walking the streets and the train stations. I never felt threatened or insecure, even drunkards and beggars tried to keep it quiet and to themselves. Some people complained that Belgium police first ‘act’ then ‘ask’ but for me this sounds very reasonable in times when even democratic elected presidents rather divide than unite, sew the ignorant seed of hate rather than to understand and try to learn.

   In Belgium there is a constant maintenance of roads and public buildings like train stations which might be cleaned, repaired and even renewed. This shows that the government is willing to improve and not let the country fall apart.

   During my holidays I could go wherever I wanted in Europe. But my experiences during these first six hours on Belgian roads from the airport to my hotel helped me decide to stay the next three weeks in this 'small but beautiful country’, as a sales lady described her own Belgium in a small drugstore in the Belgian city of Tervuren on my way to Namur.

Water Fountain near Tervuren on my way to Namur

(to be continued @

https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/08/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in_3.html)

Disclaimer: I traveled Belgium by myself, I am not sponsored by anyone. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome! If not convenient to subscribe on Blogger.com, I've started my own homepage @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/travel