Discovering Belgium: Leuven (1st Day)

Shortly after arriving Frankfurt Airport at six in the morning, we were on our way by train to Brussels, Belgium. That was ‘the’ plan. The journey to Brussels was supposed to take approximately five hours. Note ‘supposed.’

Fast forward to five hours later, we were in the beautiful city of Leuven. Why Leuven, not Brussels?

Well you see. Our train broke down half way through. According to the train conductor, there was no electricity. So, the train could not proceed. I was dumbstruck for a bit between the fact that this could happened there and then in Europe for I thought such thing as train breakdown due to short of electricity or whatnot only happened back home and also the fact that, it was my first day of vacation. My first day in Europe for goodness sake. So I began to whine to Oliver. “Why me? Why now? Is it me? or am I just unlucky?” And I can’t remember what Oliver said to comfort or reassure me, but it worked then. So, while we wait for the rescue (they were supposed to send two locomotives to fetch passengers on board to Leuven and from Leuven, we would take a new train to Brussels) we sms-ed our host and now friend, Jef, about the situation because he was supposed to fetch us from Brussels train station. Jef replied and advised us to wait for him when we get off the train in Leuven as he will fetch us from there on. Leuven is like 45 minutes drive from his place, Olen. So, you can’t imagine how grateful we were.


So, in time, we arrived Leuven and we met Jef.

Meet Jef. More about Jef later Leuven, how fortunate that the train broke down and brought us to you. Leuven was such a pleasure to explore. Like many cities in Belgium that have a wealth of historical and medieval architectures, Leuven, itself has its own to claim. The city centre, especially, has buildings that are very well preserved from the 17th and 18th century. Although, not necessarily preserved due to well organized protection because the center of Leuven was almost completely destroyed during First World War and after the war, the city was carefully rebuilt. So, today, the buildings stand strong and admirable, with its many intricate details added to it; like the carving of angels on cathedrals, or famous kings and men as well as horses on castles. It just shows what amazing talents of craftsmanship and artistry together the locals had back then in 17th and 18th century.

The fountain of ‘Fonske’ behind me

In amidst of Leuven city, one would discover a fountain which shows a boy holding a book while pouring what seemed to be ‘beer’ on his head. This fountain is called ‘Fonske’. It is a typical Flemish name (the diminutive of Alfons, Alphonse). In Latin 'fons' means 'fountain'. The fountain is a symbolic of the city. Leuven being a ‘student’ city with its many prestigious institutions and universities and the beer was the way locals spent their time by socializing and of course, drinking beer. If you have heard of Stella Artois, well, it was from Leuven.


It was in Leuven too where we had our first taste of Belgium Waffles and Belgium Fries which both were highly recommended to try at least once when you’re in Belgium. Our verdict; Belgium Waffles; the one we had was toasted to the right degree of crispy-ness on the outside, and just the right degree of softness on the inside and topped with a generous amount of whipped cream. Now, those who knows me well knows that I do not like whipped cream. But this one in particular, went so well with the waffles. The texture of the whipped cream was light and I found myself enjoying my first Belgium Waffles, which I shared with Oliver. Belgium Fries, on the other hand, it was nice. Of course, I was still getting used to the generous amounts of serving whether it’s the fries or the rich mayonnaise poured on top of it. We enjoyed the first few bites. Then, the mayonnaise started to get too rich for our likings and we began maneuvering our finger to pick the ones which were less tainted by mayonnaise.

We were lucky to witness a mini parade which apparently happens only once weekly. So we got to see men and women in fancy outfits marching down the streets and playing their designated instruments.

Come four o’clock, we had to head back to Olen because our host, Jef, had a dance class to attend to at six. Sweet guy, he is.

So, that’s it for Leuven. We wished we had more time to explore Leuven for a bit more. But, oh well, there is always a second time. Not so soon though. Next, we continued our journey to small town, Olen.