On my final day in Belgium, I did not pack my bags, raid the grocery store for chocolate and pay a last visit to my 96-year-old grandma, like I usually do. I had squeezed all that into the previous day. No, this year, my final day was spent with my mom, going on a daytrip to Luik by train.
Luik might be better known as Liège, since it is located in Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium. The Germans of our country call it Lüttich. Yes, we have three official languages in this tiny country, none of which is English. This can cause some confusion with visitors, who have no idea that these three names actually are the same city.
The multiple rides to get to Liège –Guillemins railway station took 2.5 hours. The building itself, a vaulted glass and steel masterpiece created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (who also designed the new train station near the World Trade Center in New York City) was our first destination to gaze at.
After looking at the station from all possible angles, and ignoring the Salvador Dali exhibition, we set out on foot towards the little park of La Boverie, located on an island in the Meuse river. A brand new footbridge makes access to the park easier and more attractive. We were there to visit the fine arts museum with its exhibition “En plein air” (“Out in the open”). In cooperation with The Louvre in Paris, a plethora of masterworks is currently visible here, over the summer.
It was already past lunch time when we showed our tickets, but luckily, the museum café offered a few healthy options to fill our bellies. Afterwards, we strolled the temporary exhibition for a couple of hours, finishing up with the permanent collection of the museum. “Miss, you are not allowed to take photographs here,” a museum guard whispered, after I had snapped a few of the works. “Really? I thought it was OK without using a flash.” I present my nicest smile and my most immaculate French. “Nope. So next time, be a bit more discreet…” You gotta love the French attitude sometimes. 🙂
It was a beautiful day and soon, my shoes were traded for my flip-flops. My bag became heavier with each piece of clothing I took off. Mom and I decided to walk to the médiacité mall. Not to go shopping, but to check out its modern design. We were being on a cultural tour, and getting tired.
Next, it was time to enter the historic center of Liege and get some impressions of older buildings. Eating a renowned Liège waffle could not be skipped. So very tasty, but so bad for you! After a little bit of a rest, we kept wandering around, until we reached the stairway of Mount Bueren in the heart of old town.
While I would have loved to climb all 400 of the steps to enjoy a view over the city, my feet were shot and my head was hurting from the hot weather and exercise. I stared at them in apprehension and disappointment. We made the right decision to save them for another time. Instead, mom and I found some back alleys that looked intriguing, before making our way to the Liège-Palais train station and, eventually, back “home” for a last night in my childhood room.
Have you ever visited Liege, or other places in Belgium? Do you prefer walks in nature or in historic cities?
June 7, 2016 at 11:15
Liege looks stunning – a really interesting mix of old and modern
June 7, 2016 at 13:59
A nice place for a visit, but less so to live, I think. Unless you speak French. 🙂
June 7, 2016 at 15:01
I don’t… still, sounds great for a visit!
June 7, 2016 at 15:05
It does look a lovely city, and my French is much better than my non-existent Flemish 🙂 I’d like to see more of the old side.
Easy to see the resemblance of the station to the lovely winged structure in New York. Many thanks for sharing, Liesbet. I enjoyed it 🙂
June 7, 2016 at 15:41
You are welcome, Jo. The next walk will most likely be in nature again, especially now that the surroundings are green! I have much more appreciation for the weekends, now that I try to stick to a weekday working schedule! 🙂
June 7, 2016 at 16:18
Well, now I really want to go to Belgium. Thank you for the photos and words. This is a beautiful post. Also, you’re supposed to eat a few things that are horrible for you from time to time, especially waffles.
June 8, 2016 at 10:06
Thanks for the waffle encouragement, Ryan! I really splurged while in Belgium, especially with yummy pastries from the bakery and my favorite diary products like rice pudding, vanilla pudding, and chocolate mousse. The effect is very noticeable on the waist line.
You should visit one day! Many historic towns and castles, and an unending supply of draft/craft beers, waffles and chocolate. Did you know that “French” fries were invented in Belgium? We still have the best of those as well. 🙂
June 8, 2016 at 11:28
Wow, 400 steps! I think I could manage 20, depending on the heat. Looks like a beautiful city – I love historic cities one day, and a peaceful country walk the next. It’s great to be in a city that is set up for walking – most of South Florida is set up for drivers only.
June 9, 2016 at 09:10
Yes, most of the US is a toughie for stretching the legs and exploring the area. I am with you, a combination of culture and nature (not on the same day, though) fits my cup of tea. One day, I will walk those steps and show the view on my blog…
June 8, 2016 at 12:51
I miss traveling in Europe and all of the wonderful historic buildings, the art, the great food etc. I like both walks in nature and in cities. They both have their own appeal.
June 9, 2016 at 09:12
They do both have their own appeal, I agree. Europe is pretty amazing to visit. We want to take our time traveling through in a camper one day. We have barely seen any of it, but figure it is easy to travel there, so we’ll save it for later.
June 14, 2016 at 06:54
hmmm I can’t see the sleeping lady either, Liège –Guillemins looks more like a Manta Ray to me!!
I’m hoping to return to Belgium next year to take my mum to her uncle’s grave, but also want to explore a little bit more of this gorgeous country and will add Liege to the list. Looks wonderful, although maybe not Bueren steps!
June 14, 2016 at 10:38
Have a nice time in Belgium, Becky. You can actually take a bus to the top of the hill (there is a hospital there) and walk down on the steps. I should have followed my mum’s advice about that, but thought I was more energetic than I turned out to be… Next time!