Day Out in Dinant

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First solo adventure. I was up and we were dressed and packed and ready to go by 9am this morning. Not bad. Took the bus to the train station, where I got a cup of coffee for the road, and bought a 10 ride train pass for 69 euro. It is so much cheaper to travel on the weekends, but I know we will make use of the pass. Caught the 9:33 train to Ottignies, where we would have to change for a train to Dinant, our goal for the day. Oddly the Belgian train web site suggested traveling into Brussels and then out again on the Dinant line. I didn’t think that made sense so I made my own plans via Ottignies; I don’t know if it was too much shorter, but it worked out well on both ends of the trip. The girls and I started reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on the first leg of our travels. I don’t even remember reading this as a child, though I must have at some point. Their reactions varied from uncertainty, to fear, to excitement depending upon which point we were at in the book.

The train ride from Namur down to Dinant followed the Meuse River. It was very beautiful scenery as all along the river were large hills, most of which were dotted with remnants of fortifications and stone walls. We arrived in the little town of Dinant at 11:45 and proceeded across the river towards the citadel. We could see it on our approach into town and it was very impressive. At its feet was the imposing gothic Eglise Notre Dame. Historically Dinant was a major center for copper work, but that gradually gave way to mining and textile industries after the 15th century. The girls voted to ride the funicular to the top, and who was I to argue with three little girls when I could only offer to help out one maybe two on the 500 step climb. With fingers over my eyes we ascended (though really it was nothing compared to the funicular in Grenoble). We found a beautiful sunny spot to have lunch surrounded by stone walls and cannons. I have noticed that as of late I have a lot of photos of the kids riding on cannons, guess there must have been some fighting in these parts at some point 

After lunch and exploring we found, surprise, a playground! Check one more off our list. It was quite nice actually, and there was a little cafeteria so I was able to have a coffee while the girls played on the climbing structure and collected chestnuts (we only collected about 300 the previous day on the street by the university in Leuven). Emma was particularly excited about the zip line which kept her busy for at least an hour. After play time we rode back down the hill and walked along the river front to, surprise, another playground! Girls played for a while and then it became obvious that Eliza needed a nap; it was a good time to call it a day. We walked back on a different route and found a patisserie mentioned in the guidebook that has been in business since the 1860s. They are particularly known for their couque de Dinant, biscuits made in large wooden moulds of assorted shapes. The window display was great but the biscuits were harder than rocks; perhaps we need to enjoy it soaked in tea.

More reading to the big girls while Eliza napped on my back on the way home. Overall it was a tame adventure but still got us out and doing something different. I am working up to a bigger adventure during one of the many time that Jonathan is out of town over the next six weeks. Got home a little before six, made some pizza, bathed the girls and now all is quiet. Next, clean the house before the next (short) wave of house guests pull in tomorrow night.

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Photos

My Eurotrash Girl
Allison Sweeney where are you for this reference...Emma lost her fourth tooth this past week and didn't even need to be asked to pose for this precious shot. Something about the book and the day made everyone in good spirits.

The town
Here is the town on the River Meuse, with the citadel in the upper left corner looming above.

Citadel
A view of the citadel from near the playground at the top. You can also view the funicular rising up the hill.

Couque dinant
Most of Flanders is known for their Speculoos (a gingerbread sort of cookie/cracker) but this part of the country is known for these couque which are made from honey. We have been letting this one fester for a few days and it is finally soft enough to nibble bites from.

Cannon Shot
Despite being pacifists, of a sort, we have found that we have an obscene amount of pictures of our children playing on weapons...hmmmm?

Comments

[The Hulmes Family]

Simply Amazing!
We have been keeping up with all your stories and adventures. You guys are having so much fun! We miss you! David is waiting to see Abigail back in school again! He asks about her very often! Take care!