Belgium

      Have arrived in Antwerp along the Leie River. Got a nice room at Hotel Cammerporte Antwerp for few days. Have rented a car to tour the city and near by cities. Tour Guide is with me and gave me a history lesson. City occupied by Romans, Franks and Spain. And one time by the Netherlands till 1830.

      Antwerp is a port city’s the Diamond City 85% worlds rough diamonds in the rough and 50% cut diamonds. Visited Onge Lieve Vrouwck Cathedral of our Lady. Started in 1352. Rebuilt after a fire. The Artist Ruben did paintings of Raising of the Cross 1610, The Descent from the Cross (1612), and the Ascension of the Virgin (1616).

      Time to eat. Had Great seafood Salad, cheese soup, and meat loaf (good), dessert was white chocolate cake. Had a Borem Beer. Other towns Traveled through Hasselt, Brussgge, Kortryk, Mons, Ostend on the North Sea.

      Had lunch of fresh mussels, oysters and white fish. Tried a Petrik which was not bad. Sat outside and fell asleep. In Kortyjrk stayed at Hotel Troopeirl. Has several breweries near by. Well off again.

      Crossed the Schelde River to Brussels Been eating allot of Belgium sweets here in Brussels. I’m staying at the Hotel Arlequin Grand. Palace Verz. very nice. This in heart of the city. Have everything I need here. Had a nice supper of veal chops in beer and Mushrooms. Spinach Salad, Almond short cake. Restaurant is in an enclosed area very peaceful. Had a Bevik Beer with the locals, very friendly.

      Breakfast was eggs, bacon, oatmeal, juice and coffee. The Mayor of Brussels is a Muslim. Have visited the old market place, Kings House, Royal Palace, The Royal Residence and Cinquante. A nice park where I had a nice corn beef sandwich, some Belgium candy and a Borem Beer. Have traveled to Hasselt over Meuser River through Ardennes to Bastogne near the German Border. Will spend night here.

      Hotel du Commerce is an 18th century Hotel near the wide water river. This is a beautiful Hotel. Has everything. Had roasted Squab, Spinach, mashed potatoes, fried parsley, Dessert was Pumpkin Pudding. Beer was ice cold a Piraat Beer.

      Naturally city has been rebuilt. Bastogne is a famous city from WW2. Took a stroll through the city. People very friendly. Sat outside with some locals. Been chilly but am dressed warm. Had a Super Vodka drink (wow). Allot of the areas cooking is French. They speak French and Flemish. Had for supper Fillet of Cod Flemish style, Buttermilk Soup with apples Fresh fruit salad and milk.

      Today headed and arrived in Mons, as I was walking, slipped and broke left leg. Doctors nearby treated me, so have to go home. Will in time go to France.