Disney Sandcastles

Since we own an apartment by the sea and we are seen as official residents of Ostend, we always get mail from certain events that are happening around town. The latest one that we got a city pass price for was the Disneyland Paris Sand Magic on the beach (which translated means fancy sandcastles).

Pictured above is Walt Disney with his favourite mouse, Mickey. On the right you can also spot an ever so graceful Pocahontas with hair blowing in the wind, John Smith and Meeko. 

These were two of my favourites, because of the amazing detail, nearly perfect resemblance and of course because one of them is the queen of hearts and is a character from my second favourite Disney movie. My favourite Disney movie is The Aristocats, but they were sadly not represented on the beach.

 After visiting the Disneyland Paris Sand Magic, I went for a (very windy) walk on the pier, which left me smelling like the sea for another few hours. Above and below are a few snaps I took (whilst trying not to be blown away, hooray!)

I do love the sea.

Speak to you soon,

Lize

Begijnhof Diest

The nunnery in Diest is a place always open to the public. A lot of people who practice old crafts came together here to create a very beautiful and tranquil environment. There are no more nuns, but the collection of little houses, all protected by their own patron saint, are inhabited by the elderly.

I find this place really suited for the same kind of music you would listen to driving down route 66. You know, the sort of cowboy songs that talk about the younger days...

"Did you write the book of love

and do you have faith in God above,

if the Bible tells you so?

Now do you believe in rock and roll?

Can music save your mortal soul?

And can you teach me how to dance real slow?"

It was a bit of a gloomy day and wandering around this community of little houses (some of them clearly decorated by older people), I felt kind of nostalgic for a time and place I never even was part of or alive during. Strange how these kind of places can make you feel that way.

Is there a song that makes you feel nostalgic?

Speak to you soon,

Lize

 

Schotland

West Highland Way

Distance: 96 miles // 152 kilometres

Durance: 6 days

Extra: Ben Nevis climb

Height: 4,409 ft // 1, 344m

Speak to you soon,

Lize

Kasteel van Horst: Second Attempt

You may remember I was at the castle already a few weeks ago. 

I couldn't get inside then, but I could get inside now and this is what it looked like.

There was a nice man who was sitting on that chair when we arrived, who told us how to go around the castle. That red door to the left, was not the main entrance, but the way to the kitchen (for me that would be the main entrance, but you know). 

There were nice ceilings.

There were narrow stairs.

Since the building was still being renovated, a lot of the rooms were looking more rough than they normally do. There were quite a few constructions going on, which took away from the magic of the castle. I remember the cellars used to also be open to the public, but those were now closed. Since not every room was accessible, we got some reduction.

These pillows were laying on the floor in the grand hall and they had cute knights and dragons on them. I assume they are being used by kids on their school trips who gather around to listen to their guide telling beautiful stories about the people who used to live there.

Some of the windows had great views on the grounds surrounding the castle. 

If you want to read about those and view some photos, you can have a look at my previous post.

What's a place that has a lot of stories to it where you live?

Speak to you soon,

Lize

Ardennes

In a few weeks time I am leaving for a trip to Scotland with my sister. We will be hiking along the Westland Highway trail and were in some need of practice to prepare for the trip. So, we decided to get in the car, drive an hour north and explore our Belgian hills and mountains: The Ardennes.

This is us with our backpacks and hats (I am the taller one who looks like she's about to fall - I didn't), looking all professional in a big field. I should mention that hiking is severely underrated. Definitely when you go up and up and up a hill and every corner gives you a little hope that soon the road will get flat again, only it very rarely does. And with the sun beaming down on you it sometimes can feel like you're on an actual highway to hell. Maybe I should have worn my AC/DC t-shirt?

Here are some wildflowers along the road that brighten up the hike.

This beautiful dog is a friend that I made when we visited a tiny chocolate museum. I never managed to find out the little fella's name (maybe he wasn't even a fella), but (s?)he loved scaring doves and chasing goats. Around the museum was a honeybee walking path with amazing views all around.

All in all this was a great trip and I had great fun.

It is amazing how a weekend away can feel like a long holiday.

Some of my instagrams from the trip (taken at Durbuy and Han-Sur Lesse).

Speak to you soon,

Lize

Mini Playlist #1

for dancing

I. Alt-J - Hunger of The Pine (Single)

2. Jay-Z Picasso Baby (Magna Carte... Holy Grail)

3. Lana Del Rey - Old Money (Ultraviolence)

4. Jurassic 5 - Concrete Schoolyard (J 5)

Kasteel van Horst

The Castle of Horst has always been one of my favourite childhood memories. When I was only a little girl, we went on a schooltrip here and were amazed by all the different stories attached to the ancient halls. One was of a Lord who got his head cut off and had been roaming the lands around the castle for decades.

A forest walk-trough.

I planned a day-away with my mom to visit Horst when my exams finished. I was so excited to get there and here all the stories again from one of the castle guides, but unfortunately the castle had been going trough some renovations and wasn't yet opened to the public. So, we went on a walk instead. Luckily, no sign of the Headless Lord.

This one looked like it came straight out of Pan's Labyrinth.

Walking trough the forest, my ears got filled with a lot of cuckoo-ing and crowing from the birds that were sitting on high-up branches and flying above our heads. A lot of wild flowers decorated the side of the paths leading up to the castle.

I also spotted a lovely tribute to Mother Mary on a tree outside someone's house.

Despite the fact that we could not visit the castle, we still managed to have a nice afternoon. Even going on a walk 20 minutes away from your home, can make you feel like you're on holiday. I hope to be able to come back soon and get my ears filled with bird chatter and stories.

Speak to you soon,
Lize