I'm en route to Frankfurt having spent quite an amazing time in Belgium. You've already heard my time with two of my favourite Belgians - Sara and Kristin - and now he going to hear a bit more about one of my favourite cities.
I know I touched on it before, but I'm going to chat a bit more about Leuven. This is a city centre that is just 2km long but holds so much history. Belgium is a bizarre country with different regions and different governments etc that even the Belgians don't understand, but all you need to know is that Leuven is in the Flemish speaking quarter.
If he name Leuven sounds familiar, it's because the place is home to the brewery of one of the country's most famous exports, Stella Artois.
But I won't really remember it for that. In fact, I didn't have a single drop of beer or any type of alcohol while I was in Leuven. It was the perfect break from what had otherwise been a fairly hoppy holiday.
But on Friday night, I could very well have looked intoxicated judging from how spellbound I was one from a woman whose voice had me from the opening tune.
I went to Beleuvenissen, an annual festival spanning three weekends where the city hosts multiple stages of famous Belgian musicians. I had never heard of Axelle Red before Friday night, but now I'm hooked. It's what I like to call road trip music.
Axelle Red played on Friday night, but after four songs I was curious to hear other artists. I walked along to the main square, and there she was.
Paulien Mathues is someone who has had a bit of air time in Belgium, having won The Voice Flanders last year. Her smooth, crimson-sounding voice was at times heartbreakingly melancholic, but boy did it have my attention.
I stayed for the remainder of her set then introduced myself and bought one of her CDs. I was rapt to have taken back a genuine piece of Belgium with me on my travels, and I'll let you know what tunes are the best to listen out for in the coming weeks.
Sorry Hayley Westenra. It's over.
The rest of my time in Belgium was split between the beautiful city of Brugge and Leuven. I wasn't expecting much of Brugge given my lack of knowledge, but it didn't take long for me to see just why so many tourists endeavour to make it there. A medieval township complete with a monastery from the 17th century, Brugge is a town that looks like it has come straight from a different era. The small shops dusted around the main area are littered with touristy trinkets and unnecessary things. Who would've thought a city could have so many types of magnets.
Brugge is a city where you can enjoy being lost. Everything is so naturally beautiful that you will eventually stumble on a monument or building that you never would've noticed had you stayed on the beaten track, but after 3.5 hours of walking I was ready to head back to Leuven.
I reunited with Sara, Kristin and my host Sam and we had dinner before heading back to Sam's house for a Bahai devotional night. Now I myself am a Christian - there were other Christians in attendance too - but man it was so refreshing discussing faith and praying with people from other denominations. I reckon it's incredibly nutritious, and definitely helped me as I look to grow a bit ahead of my return back to New Zealand.
Right, better try and get some sleep on this train. Talk soon dear kiwis and don't be afraid to get in touch with me!
Au revoir,
Matiu
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