Castles and Chateaus

Two days ago we decided to do some more exploring nearby so we set off in search of castles. The stereotype that there is a castle or chateau on every corner is really almost true! It is hard to not see a castle or a chateau during a drive. The first castle we visited was Beersel, which is one of Belgium's greatest medievel castles. It was built around 1300 and rebuilt a few times after wars, fires and take overs. It is about 5-10 minutes from our house but since we got lost, it took us about 30 minutes. Good lord!















While waiting for the castle to open (everything is close between 12noon-2pm), we slipped into a little restaurant nearby for a drink. We've somewhat gotten some basic food and drink ordering French under our belts but we realized when we walked in that we'd crossed into the Flanders part of Belgium and our French was of no help. More on this fun topic soon!
Walking through this old building we were both transported back in time trying to imagine life in this castle during the cold, wet Belgium winters. Yikes! The circular stairways in the towers were extremely steep.



















The next castle we went to was the castle of Gaasbeek, which is about 15 minutes from our house. This castle is one of the biggest around Brussels and was originally built in around 1300 also. It too was rebuilt multiple times. This castle has been dressed up and is quite the tourist destination. There are large gardens that stretch for miles around it and the inside of the castle has been decorated lavishly. The furnishings are 19th century (mostly). The tour guide we had spoke French, Flemmish, German and English and switch seamlessly through all four languages during the tour. It was humbling and inspiring, all at the same time.


















When we first moved here we drove south to Namur (see previous posting). During that trip we visited a Chateau that is below. It was also surrounded by beautiful gardens. Ginger came with us on this trip. Can you see her?



















Then yesterday, we went to check out joining a gym and...yes, it is in a castle. It is quite remarkable actually, but I do think they try to leverage that to charge more money. "Yes, where else can you work out in a castle?" And they are right, indeed!