Ramblin' Woody Rat

Woody’s gone but he's not forgotten (2 months later)

2010-02-09T01:12:00.003+01:00

Out of the blue and into the black
They give you this, but you pay for that
And once you're gone, you can never come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black
Woody’s gone but he's not forgotten
Once climbed up, you can’t come back to the bottom
It's better to burn out than it is to rust
Woody’s gone but he's not forgotten
Hey hey, my my
Woody’s story will never die
There's more to the picture
Than meets the eye
Hey hey, my my
Please J. ... send him home!!!

I'll be home for Christmas ... if only in my dreams

2009-12-09T18:21:00.014+01:00

To whom it may concern,

Our beloved son Woody should have been back home since 3 months.
We expected him in Vlezenbeek, Belgium at September, 9.
On this day he published his last message on this blog.
Since then we didn’t hear a word, nor received one sign from him.
Has anyone information about our son?
Is he still travellin’? Is he on his way home? Were does he stay?
Of course we are very worried about him.
If anyone can help us … please mail us as soon as possible.

Dear Woody … if you read this. Please send us a message.
We really hope you’ll be home for Christmas.
Love, Mom & dad.

I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

09.09.09

2009-09-09T23:20:00.007+02:00

Time is a jetplane, it moves too fast ...

Today, it's exactly 3 years, 3 months and 3 days ago since I left my home and family on 06.06.06. I then promised to be back home again today on 09.09.09 but ... I ain't home yet.

I am still travellin' in the Far East. This picture was taken on the airplane flyin' somewhere above Mayanmar. Or was it Vietnam, or Cambodia? I don't know where we are headin' to, I must admit I am a little bit confused and disoriented.

Sorry mom & dad ... I hope to be back soon.

3 years, 3 months and ...

2009-09-06T23:48:00.008+02:00

... within 3 days I am expected to be back in Belgium. This seems quite unrealistic now since two days ago I arrived, together with Jason Steward, at this heavenly island, Ko Samet.

Ko Samet is a beautifull island not far from Bangkok city and well known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, colorful tropical coral reefs, crystal clear water, mouth watering Thai cuisine and happening nightlife.

Sorry mom and dad, I know I promised to be back on 09.09.09, but ... 3 years ago I didn't know the world was so big and exciting ... and yes, today I promise ... I will do what I can to come back home as soon as possible.

But in the meanwhile I am enjoyin' sundown here at Ko Samet.

Bangkok, Thailand

2009-08-31T12:04:00.000+02:00

This weekend I arrived in Bangkok, Thailand. What a city! It has approximately 10.000.000 residents. The population of greater Bangkok is estimated to be more than 15.000.000.

As the city expanded on the outskirts, the inner city has nowhere to grow but up. So, the city has a registered 1,000 skyscrapers.

Sittin' here on top of one of them, I am wonderin' about my near future.
As you know I am expected back home in Belgium on September, the 9th (09.09.09). Only 10 days left and there is still so much to see here ...
And who is gonna bring me home? I really don't know ...

On my way to Thailand

2009-08-28T00:04:00.000+02:00

Sorry folks ... I forgot about time at the end of the world. But here I am back again.

I am on my way to Bangkok, Thailand with Robert and Maritta.

It's great travellin' by train through Malaysia and Thailand, but I'll be happy to have my feet back on the ground.

… the end of the world

2009-08-11T02:03:00.000+02:00

Today, I finally reached the end of the world.
Time to go back home?
Well, maybe I wanna stay here. Wanna know why?
Just have a look here or here or here.

Ridin’ a motorbike

2009-08-10T02:00:00.000+02:00

See me ridin’ on a motorbike.
Wanna know were I headin’ to?
Come and see tomorrow …

Another little Chinese shrine

2009-08-08T01:56:00.000+02:00

… just what I need for a safe back home prayer …
as you might know, I am expected back home on September, the 9^th.

Worshippin' Kuan Yin

2009-08-06T01:51:00.000+02:00

The popularity of Kuan Yin as a beautiful white-robed goddess filled with pure devotion and compassion are well known to the people of Penang.
Kuan Yin’s statue is commonly found in homes and Buddhist temples in various incarnations, often cloaked in white robes.

Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) Temple, Penang

2009-08-05T01:46:00.000+02:00

After having visited a mosque and a Hindu Temple, it’s time for another religion of another minority … the Peranaka or Malaysian ethnic Chinese population.
A minority? Well they might be a minority in

Malaysia

, but in Penang the Chinese community is as big as the Malaysian (both about 40% of the population).

I decided to visit the oldest and one of the most popular temples among the Chinese taoist community of Penang … the Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin Temple. Kuan Yin Temple has become a main attraction not only to the thousand of Buddhist devotees but also tourist from all over the world.

The temple is built with characteristic of Chinese architecture and carved with dragon and many mysterious creatures that stands up and acts as the guardian of the temple. Within the temple, in an inner chamber, is a statue of an 18-armed Kuan Yin with each hand either containing a different cosmic symbol or expressing a specific ritual position. In the courtyard are two huge iron stoves where devotees burn paper offerings (gold and silver paper), an octagonal well which was once a public well for the Chinese community as well as a comforting sight to view feeding of flocking pigeons.
It is also here that the followers of Hare Krishnan distribute food free to the homeless, beggars and the hungry irregardless of their race and religion.

In the streets of Georgetown (revisited)

2009-08-04T01:41:00.000+02:00

Today I met this nice, young man in the streets of Georgetown.
His is a Peranakan. Peranakan, also known as the Straits Chinese or Baba-Nyonya are the descendants of the early Chinese immigrants to Penang. They have partially adopted Malay customs and speak a Chinese-Malay creole. The Peranakan community possesses a distinct identity in terms of food, dress, rites, crafts and culture. Most of the Peranakan Chinese are not Muslims, but practice ancestor worship and Chinese religion.

Well … that’s what I am goin’ to do tomorrow, visiting a temple of this community.

The Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu Temple in Georgetown

2009-08-02T01:29:00.000+02:00

The Mahamariamman Temple on Queen Street, also called the Sri Mariamman Temple, is regarded as the oldest Hindu Templein Penang. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Mariamman, who has a following among the Indians of South India. Scholars believe the name Mariamman comes from two words, ‘mari’ meaning power, and ‘amman’ meaning mother. Thus Mariamman is considered a motherly power figure.

On this picture, you see Mariamman behind me.

And if you’re tired of walkin’ around …

2009-07-31T01:25:00.001+02:00

… just take a teksi (or a rickshaw).

In the streets of Georgetown

2009-07-30T01:22:00.000+02:00

A walk in the streets of Georgetown is an experience that should not be missed. All you need to do is to give a little patience and perspiration and you'll be rewarded with a multitude of encounters with the history and culture of a vibrant and culturally diverse city. Be sure … you’ll meet lots of nice people there.

Nasi Goreng

2009-07-29T01:18:00.000+02:00

There are a lot of Malay food stalls here in Penang. And as you know, I like to taste everything. And of course I tried the Nasi Goreng too.
In Malay, ‘nasi’ means ‘cooked rice’ and ‘goreng’ means ‘fried’. Nasi Goreng is very popular here, many Malaysians eat Nasi Goreng for breakfast, often using leftovers from the previous day's dinner. The rice used to make Nasi Goreng is cooked ahead of time and left to cool down (so it is not soggy), which is one reason to use rice cooked from the day before.
Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin (or Fried rice with salted fish) is my favourite. It's ready to go (if you want to tapau), hot from the wok, appetizing (salted fish?! Oh yeah) and it has all the vitamins too (hmm..). Most Malaysian eateries from mamak stalls to big 5-stars resorts serve Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin and every place has their own unique taste (Chinese, Malay, Indian), that's why I would say this dish will never go out of style. It will always be my personal favourite!

Fort Cornwallis, Penang

2009-07-27T01:15:00.000+02:00

Today, I visited Fort Cornwallis which is located of the north-eastern coast of Penang.
Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia.
If you think the man you see behind me is Sir Selamat Datang, you’re wrong. ‘Selamat Datang’ is Malaysian and it just means ‘Welcome’. In fact, the man behind me is Sir Francis Light, who was the founder of the British colony of Penang (now

Malaysia

) and its capital Georgetown in 1786.

Jubilee Clock Tower

2009-07-24T01:10:00.000+02:00

To commemorate Queen Victoria’s 1897 Diamand Jubilee, this Jubilee Clock Tower behind me was constructed in George Town, Penang (at the time a British Straits Settlement).

It was built in a Moorish style.

The tower is sixty feet tall, one foot for each year of Victoria's reign.

Durian, The King of Fruits

2009-07-22T01:05:00.001+02:00

It’s durian season here in Penang,

Malaysia

and there are durian stalls selling this thorny fruit every corner you turn. While a lot of people consider the smell of durian as ‘stinky’ and ‘repulsive’ – so much so that they are banned in hotel rooms in Malaysia! – I love this king of fruits. Some of the best durians in

Malaysia

come from the durian orchards in Balik Pulau, Penang, which is on the less-developed side of the island of Penang.

The Flag of Malaysia

2009-07-21T01:00:00.001+02:00

Today, it’s Belgium’s national day. But since I am in

Malaysia

, let’s talk about the flag of

Malaysia

, also known as the Jalur Gemilang (‘Stripes of Glory’). It comprises a field of 14 alternating red and white stripes along the fly and the blue canton bearing a crescent and a 14-point star known as the Bintang Persekutuan or Federal Star. The 14 stripes, of equal width, represent the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government, while the 14 points of the star represent the unity between these entities. The crescent represents Islam, the country's official religion; the blue canton symbolizes the unity of the Malaysian people; the yellow of the star and crescent is the royal colour of the Malay rulers.
Yeah … it’s clear that they seriously thought about all this! Nice flag after all.

Kapitan Keling Mosque, revisited

2009-07-19T01:42:00.002+02:00

Here some more pictures of the 'Kapitan Keling Mosque' I visited last Friday. The name "kapitan keling" is used to denote the headman or leader of the South Indian Muslim community.
And yes, although I am in a mosque now, in fact the term 'keling' is derived from the ancient Hindu kingdom on the Coromandel coast of South India, and the local Hokkien community corrupts the word to derive 'keling-na' for Indians in general, particularly those from South India (The North Indians are pooled together with another term, 'banggali', though they are not necessarily from Bengal).

Yep, the Indian atmosphere is all around here ... and yes, I love it!

Kapitan Keling Mosque, Penang

2009-07-18T00:15:00.000+02:00

Although until now, I mainly sojourned among Hindus here in Penang. But Malaysia sure is a multi-religious society. In fact, Islam is the offical religion. Approximately 60 percent of the population practices Islam, about 20 percent Buddhism, 10 percent is Christian, 6 percent Hindu and 3 percent practices traditional Chinese religions.

Yesterday, I decided to start with the majority. On Friday, the day of public worship in mosques, I visited the beautiful Kapitan Keling Mosque where I was welcomed by a very friendly Muslim woman.

Pancakes, Penang style

2009-07-16T00:12:00.003+02:00

One of the reasons why I love to travel is to try new dishes, and

Malaysia

is a perfect place to do that.
In Georgetown, Penang they serve pancakes stuffed with various sweet and/or savoury fillings. The dough is cooked into a thin, crepe-like skin (but crispy), filled, and folded like a taco. The traditional filling is creamed corn and peanuts, but you can buy it filled with ham, chocolate, bananas, tuna, etc. Yummy yummy ...
It was fascinating to watch the vendor at work.
If you want to see one too, just have a look at Sumi, the pancake man.

Pretty woman, walkin’ down the street …

2009-07-14T00:07:00.001+02:00

Didn’t I say these women wearing those nice saris are quite pretty?
Quite pretty? They are smashing !!!

Saris in Malaysia

2009-07-13T00:09:00.000+02:00

Although I am in

Malaysia

, ‘Little India’ looks quite Indian … The streets are full young pretty women wearing nice saris. It’s a pity men don’t wear them, I would prefer it instead of this red scarf of mine.
It not so easy to wrap a sari. If you want to know how to do it, watch the instructions.

"Little India", George Town, Penang, Malaysia

2009-07-12T00:37:00.006+02:00

Malaysia

is a country that consists of 13 states and 3 federal territories. Penang is one of these states and that is where I am now … more precisely in Georgetown, the capital of Penang.
The inner city of George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sandwiched between Beach Street and Masjid Kapitan Keling (Pitt Street) and between China Street and Chulia Street is grid of small shops and restaurants fondly known as "Little India".
There is a colorful bazaar like atmosphere with the sound of Indian music and smell of spices and curry. You can get DVD of Indian movies and CD of Indian music. There are also many jewelry shops and money changers to choose from.
Mmmm … smells good, I like the exotic atmosphere here …

2 years 2 late ...

2009-07-09T00:37:00.016+02:00

Hello Folks, here I am back again … Sorry, it’s exactly one month ago since I published the last picture on my blog. Sorry mom and dad … but ‘old rats never die young’ so don’t worry too much about me. I am always comin’ back again.
Of course, I’ve been busy all the time ... I travelled from Daytonaback to Tokyo,

Japan

. It was real fun to be back in

Japan.

I love the country and its people. But unfortunately I lost those pictures along the way … maybe we’ll find them later, so I might publish them at some other time.
But in the meanwhile I arrived in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Quite an exotic place to be … although, as you can read on the rickshaw, I arrive here two years too late.

Malaysia

celebrated it’s 50^thanniversary as an independent state in 2007.

Rickshaws ... nice vehicles to travel in. I love them and I admire the rickshaw drivers.

Where is Woody?

2009-06-26T23:41:00.005+02:00

Where is Woody?

We haven't heard from him since he left Daytona ...

Some told us he went to Japan,
others say he was seen in Malaysia,
whilst still other people signaled him in Bangkok, Thailand ...

We are very worried about him !!!

If someone has seen him recently, please mail us (woodyrat@gmail.com).

Woody, if you read this ... please contact us asap.

Mom & Dad

Time to leave Daytona Beach ... on the road again

2009-06-09T23:48:00.006+02:00

I had a lot of rest the last few days here on the beach in the sun.
It makes me nervous!!! It’s time to move on …

So this mornin' when the sun was warm,
I rambled out of Daytona town.
Pulled my cap down over my eyes
And headed out for the western skies.
So long, Daytona.
Howdy, East Orange.

Don’t know where the wind will blow me, but I am on the road again.

No time to lose

2009-06-06T00:21:00.006+02:00

Today, it’s exactly three years ago that I left my home and family to travel through the world.
I have seen many wonderful places and met many nice people … but this week I have been seriously thinking of settling down here in Daytona Beach.
Yeah, I love the place and maybe I was a little tired …

So I went down to Woody & Associates Realty Inc., to see if they had some property for sale. I thought maybe there would be opportunities caused by the bursting of the housing bubble here in the

… but, I was quite disappointed. Houses here in Florida are still expensive for a poor, little rat like me … and to be honest, after one week on the beach I was eager to travel on.
There is so much more to see on this planet, and as you might know … I have to be back home on 09/09/09.
Three more months to go … so there is no time to lose.

Daytona International Speedway, Florida

2009-06-01T18:54:00.010+02:00

What a weekend !!! ... as Robert promised me, we went to Daytona International Speedway, the legendary race track, the home of "The Great American Race", the Dayton 500.
The facility has a seating capacity of almost 168,000 spectators. It hosts races of motor vehicles of various kinds, including go-karts, motorcycles, sports cars, modified pickup trucks, and stock cars. The track features multiple layouts including a 2.5 miles (4.0 km) high speed tri-oval, a 3.56 miles (5.73 km) sports car course, and a 2.95 miles (4.75 km) motorcycle course.

This is America folks ...

Dayton Beach, Florida

2009-05-29T00:23:00.008+02:00

Today I enjoyed Dayton Beach. Dayton Beach is known as having one of the few beaches in the world where the hard packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, with the Daytona International Speedway as one of it’s main attractions. And that is where I am gonna be this weekend ...

... but first things first: let's go to the beach!

Take you ridin' in my car

2009-05-27T00:42:00.010+02:00

Brrrm brm brm brm brm brm brm, brrrm b’ brrrm,
Brrrm brm brm brm brm brm brrrm b’ brrrm,
Brrrm brm brm brm brm brm brrrm b’ brrrm.
Brrrm brm brm brm brm brm brrrm.

Take me riding in the car, car;
Take me riding in the car, car;
Take you riding in the car, car;
I'll take you riding in my car.

Click clack, open up the door, girls;
Click clack, open up the door, boys;
Front door, back door, clickety clack,
Take you riding in my car.

Climb, climb, rattle on the front seat;
Spree I spraddle on the backseat;
Turn my key, step on my starter,
Take you riding in my car.

Engine it goes boom, boom;
Engine it goes boom, boom;
Front seat, backseat, boys and girls,
Take you riding in my car.

Trees and the houses walk along;
Trees and the houses walk along;
Truck and a car and a garbage can,
Take you riding in my car.

Ships and the little boats chug along;
Ships and the little boats chug along;
Boom buhbuh boom boom boom buh boom,
Take you riding in my car.

I'm a gonna send you home again;
I'm a gonna send you home again;
Boom, boom, buhbuh boom, rolling home,
Take you riding in my car.

I'm a gonna let you blow the horn;
I'm a gonna let you blow the horn;

A oorah, a oorah, a oogah, oogah,
I'll take you riding in my car.

Great song of America's greatest songwriter Woody Guthrie ... you can hear him sing the song here.

And do you wanna know where I am drivin' to?

To Dayton beach ... to watch more cars !!!

Clearwater Beach, Florida

2009-05-25T00:15:00.004+02:00

This scarf Joy wrapped around my neck when I left Northern Ireland, was just to deceive me ... I didn't move to some chilly place. Oh no ... last week I arrived together with Robert Reid in sunny Florida! I am back in the USA ...

Here you see me on Clearwater Beach, home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine and plenty of hospitality.

Yep ... I like it here.

So long, Northern Ireland ... I am ready to go

2009-05-12T23:27:00.002+02:00

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
The dawn is breakin', it's early morn
The taxi's waitin', he's blowin' his horn

I'm leaving on a jet plane
I don't know where I go and when I'll be back again …

… but lookin’ at the warm scarf Joy wrapped around my neck, I fear I am not headin’ for some warm, sunny place.

So long

Northern Ireland

! Thank you Nicola, Phil & Joy for your kind hospitality! God bless you.

Back in Bangor ... Rat's the best!

2009-05-06T00:30:00.010+02:00

What a lovely trip to Belfast ... I love the city!

Yesterday we came back home in Bangor.

Time for some relaxing and toying with the cat ... I like to tease her.

Nicola loves her pet very much, but this is what she said to me ...

Folks can have their cats and dogs,
Horses, snakes, and even frogs.
For me you stand out from the rest.
No doubt about it- a RAT'S the best!

I hope I understood her well, she has strong Irish accent ...

Trapped in a dome ...

2009-05-02T23:45:00.001+02:00

This Saturday we visited Victoria Square.

Victoria Square is a commercial, residential and leisure development in Belfast. It's the biggest property development in Northern Ireland (approx. 75.000 m² or 800,000 ft²). It opened about a year ago on March, the 6th, 2008 (I was in Bamberg, Germany then).

A key element in the development is two covered, multi-level streets linked to a massive glass dome measuring 35 m in diameter. A public square covered entirely by the glass dome serves as the hub of the entire area.

I am not on this square ... I am trapped in the glass dome (and I like it).

Trapped in a ball ...

2009-04-30T02:08:00.000+02:00

... in front of Belfast City Hall.

Belfast, Nortern Ireland

2009-04-29T00:28:00.007+02:00

Yesterday we arrived in Belfast … and today we visited the City Hall and the City Hall Grounds, a wonderful green space in the city.

Here you see me in front of the ‘Bye Laws’ with regard to the of the Belfast City Hall Grounds.

I read them very carefully and under the header ‘Dogs and Other Animals’ is writen in article 10. (b):

“A person shall not bring into the Grounds any animal (other than a dog) the presence of which is likely to give reasonable cause of alarm to other persons.”

What do you think? Do I look like an animal to give reasonable cause of alarm to other persons?

Bangor, Northern Ireland

2009-04-28T23:00:00.000+02:00

Hello folks … here I am back again. Saturday morning I arrived in Bangor, Northern Ireland!
It took me two weeks to travel from Ottawa to Bangor … after all, it’s almost 5000 kilometres (about 3000 miles) and I travelled by boat! At least that’s what I think … because I couldn’t see a thing: I travelled safely and warm in a trunk, stuffed with lots of lovely food.
I slept a lot and I don’t know with whom I crossed the ocean. Most important is that I am in Northern Ireland now with Nicola, Phil and Joy, who opened the trunk last Saturday.
It’s a lovely family I am living with; to be honest it’s somewhat calmer than in a house full of students!

After a lovely quiet weekend, we left Bangor for Belfast … which is only 15 kilometres away. As you can see, we took the train.

We will stay in Belfast for a few days, so stay tuned …

Goodbye Ottawa ... it has been good to know you

2009-04-12T23:40:00.002+02:00

Hey folks ... today I am leavin' Canada.

I don’t know where I am going, but I just know I need to go …
And since I don’t know where I'm goin', any road will take me there.

I am confident that someone will take me somewhere ... that's my destiny.

So, goodbye Ottawa and thanks Noelani and all the residents of the Booth house ... it has been good to know you.

So long Canada !

And happy Easter too !

Inside the Federal Canadian Parliament

2009-04-09T03:08:00.000+02:00

Finaly got a chance to visit the office of Noelani in the Parliament of Canada.

You see me in front of the screen of her computer (with the starting page of the intranet of the Parliament).

Noelani is interning with Senator Andreychuk from Saskatchewan in the Federal Canadian Parliament.

She prepares briefings on various topics, is writing senator statements, does research and goes to various committee meetings and some other events and receptions. Smart girl, Noelani!

Seems to be a busy, but certainly a very interesting job!

The Federal Parliament of Canada, Ottawa

2009-04-08T23:49:00.001+02:00

This is the Parliament of Canada.

The buildings of the Parliament are among the most important examples of the Gothic Revival style anywhere in the world; while the manner and design of the buildings are unquestionably Gothic, they resemble no building constructed during the Middle Ages. The forms are the same, but their arrangement is uniquely modern.

The Centre Block (behind me) contains the Senate and Commons chambers, and is fronted by the Peace Tower on the south façade. The Library of Parliament – which we visited last week – is at the building's rear.

The East and West Blocks each contain ministers' and senators' offices. This is where Noelani is interning with a real senator!
And tomorrow I will visit the office where she is working!

Checkmate!

2009-04-04T23:03:00.003+02:00

e4,e5

qa4,nf6

bf4,bf5

qc2

CHECKMATE!

Library of Parliament / Bibliohèque du Parlement, Ottawa

2009-03-31T23:23:00.006+02:00

This is the Library of Parliament (la Bibliothèque du Parlement). The main branch of the library, sits at the rear of the Centre Block, on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, and is the last untouched part of that larger building's original incarnation, after it burned down in 1916. The library has been augmented and renovated a number of times since its construction in 1876, the last between 2002 and 2006, though the form and decor remain essentially authentic. I was very impressed by well decorated main reading room of the library.

The building today serves as a Canadian icon, and appears on the obverse of the Canadian ten-dollar bill.

One of these days I’ll visit the Parliament where Noelani is interning (for the Laurentian Leadership Centre, remember?) with a real Senator!

Christ & Culture

2009-03-29T01:18:00.008+01:00

Did I tell you that the Trinity Western University - of which the Laurentian Leadership Centre is an extension - is a private, Christian Liberal arts University?
So students here often read books on Christianity. 'Christ and Culture' of H. Richard Niebuhr is one of these books ... so, I thought maybe I should try to read this too. So this Sunday - the Lord's day - after my sunday nap, I started to read ...
This book is certainly not easy reading. H. Richard Niebuhr treats what is arguably the most basic ethical question of the Christian faith: how is Christ relevant to the world in which we live now? In his book Niebuhr describes various understandings of Christ ‘against’, ‘of’, and ‘above’ culture, as well as Christ ‘transforming’ culture, and Christ in ‘paradoxical’ relation to it.

All very confusing for a little rat like me, but the students here like the book.

It's not a house it's a home

2009-03-28T01:04:00.000+01:00

"What kind of house is this, " he said,

"Where I have come to roam?"
"It's not a house," said Judas Priest,
"It's not a house ... it's a home."

Havin' fun in the Booth house while the students are at work ...

Sitting here resting my bones ...

2009-03-27T00:05:00.007+01:00

Another day in the Booth house ...

I like the atmosphere here ...
a little bit mysterious and dark.

Makes me somewhat melancholic ...

Sitting here resting my bones
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's two thousand miles I roamed
Just to make this old Booth house my home

Do you find me on the picture?

John Rudolphus Booth (1827-1925)

2009-03-26T23:47:00.000+01:00

The Booth House where I live now was built in 1906 by the Canadian lumber and railway baron John R. Booth. Booth's vision and boldness were qualities that made him a success. He established his own lumber company and won the contract to supply wood for the Parliament buildings at the new Canadian capital in Ottawa (we will visit the Parliament later …) By 1892, he was the largest lumber producer in the world and he built Canada's largest sawmill in Ottawa. In 1879 he established the Canada Atlantic Railway to carry his logs from Central Ontario to Ottawa, and his lumber from Ottawa to the States. In 1890, he completed the Canada Atlantic Railway connecting Ottawa to the United States. Booth also operated grain elevators and steamships on the Great Lakes, a cement company and a pulp and paper mill. J. R. Booth continued to run his business empire well into his nineties. He died in 1925 at the age of 98.

Small rat in front of a great man ...

The famous Booth House

2009-03-24T23:48:00.000+01:00

In the Laurentian Leadership Centre only 20 students are accepted each semester. While participating in the program, all students reside in an historic mansion on Metcalfe Street, the famous Booth House, which is listed as a national historic site.

It’s my privilege to live with them for a few weeks … and I must admit I feel very comfortable and at home here in this small community of smart boys and girls and this magnificent mansion.

Where is Woody?

2009-03-21T22:58:00.003+01:00

You'll always find me in kitchens at parties ... (here with Anna and Chris)

Laurentian Leadership Centre

2009-03-19T23:49:00.002+01:00

Noelani is a student at the Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC), which I visited today.
LLC is a program of Trinity Western University (TWU) in British Columbia, located at the satellite campus of TWU in Ottawa.
As part of the program students take four university classes and an internship with a company, an NGO or as Noelani with a politician.
She promised we’ll visit her office next week …

Ottawa Public Library / Bibliothèque Publique d' Ottawa

2009-03-18T08:55:00.013+01:00

Today Josh and Blair took me to Ottawa Public Library.

Since I am (rather) new here in

Canada

, I decided to have a chat with the Newcomer Information Officer (NIO). She gave me all kinds of information on schools & education, housing, learning French, careers & employment, immigration etc.

It made me dream of settling down here. I love this country and its people. Ah, but of course I can’t stay here … after all I am a traveller and I have to move on.

But no hurry … there is so much more to see in Ottawa.

Skating on the Rideau Canal

2009-03-16T23:09:00.001+01:00

Next week winter changes into spring … but in Ottawa it is still freezing!
In winter, a section of the Rideau Canal passing through central Ottawa becomes officially the world's largest skating rink. At either end of the canal, skates are available to rent, and every mile or so there are concession stands on the ice, where you can stop and warm up with hot chocolate or a Beaver Tail (a delicious pastry made of fried dough).
So this weekend I took my chance and for the very first time in my life I went skating. Although a little nervous, I managed not to embarrass myself. I never fell down. All I can say is that it was amazing. Everyone from tiny two-year-olds skating circles around me, to novices like myself, to kids playing hockey, to couples skating hand-in-hand. All were out in force.
The key, obviously, is to dress appropriately. Once I had bought my snow pants and proper socks, as advised by the natives, I never felt the sub-zero cold again (well, not much).
What a differences with the Hawaiian beaches a few weeks ago …

Woke up this mornin'

2009-03-11T16:50:00.011+01:00

The last two days I slept for almost 40 hours …
But this morning I woke up, took a shower, brushed my teeth and went out to Tim Hortons (on Laurier Avenue) to have a wonderful cup of coffee (toujours frais!) and an excellent donut.
Et maintenant, je suis prêt à découvrir Ottawa … Ottawa here I come !!!

Coffee coffee coffee
It's a wonderful delight!
Coffee coffee coffee
Leaves a restless night behind ...

I am alive and well ... in Ottawa, Canada

2009-03-09T23:06:00.008+01:00

Sorry … I am very sorry folks. Mom & dad, sorry for being away so long.
I was in Hawaii all the time. I was so busy, I completely forgot about my blog or sending some news.
And yes there must be pictures of me in Hawaii, I guess plenty of them … but I don’t think you want to see them. And I sure don’t want them on the blog!
To be honest … I have been a naughty boy in Hawaii. Being partying day and night, lots of booze and lovely Hawaiian girls. Sorry mom! I promise, it will not happen again.

I left Hawaii last Saturday when Noelani, a native of Hawaii who’s working in Ottawa, took me to Canada. Thanks, Noelani … you saved my life.
I am in Canada for the third time now, but I never was in it’s capital Ottawa.

Crossing the Pacific, while flying from Honolulu to Ottawa, I realized that finally I went around the world: I have crossed every line of longitude now!
Since I have to be back home on September the 9th (09.09.09), today I still have exactly 6 months to travel. And there is so much more I want to see, so many countries I am dreamin’ of … but first I need some sleep.
On the picture you see me, next to Noelani’s bed, still recovering from my loose life in Hawaii … (you see the beautiful Hawaiian girls on the picture? Euh ... no, mom … it will never happen again. I am a big boy now, promised!).

Where is Woody ???

2009-02-23T21:37:00.004+01:00

Today it’s exactly one month ago since we heard from Woody. He seemed very happy to have been arrived at Hawaii, but since then not a word from him.

We are very worried!!!

What has happened to our beloved son?
Did he go out swimming in the ocean? Or did he go diving or surfing or did he do other dangerous things? Who has seen him recently? Is he still in Hawaii?

We hope Woody is alive and well and is staying with someone who takes care for him … if you are that person, or if you have information on where Woody is staying or has been seen recently… please contact us (woodyrat@gmail.com).

As soon as possible please, we are very worried!

Mom & Dad

Hello Hawaii ...

2009-01-23T23:51:00.005+01:00

Tokyo - Honolulu ... What a trip!

I crossed the international date line, from West to East, so I travelled back in time!
I left Tokyo on Saturday evening at 7:25 p.m. and arrived - after a 7-hours direct flight - on Saturday morning at 7:22 a.m. in Honolulu (Hawaii).

I also crossed the equator, from South to North, so I travelled from summer back to winter. Winter ??? ... it was 26° Celsius yesterday! I must admit, it was quite confusing.

Honolulu - Barak Obama was born here! - is on Oahu, the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands. On this picture you see me on Hanauma beach, a popular snorkling sight on the island here.

It's a dream come true ... relaxin' on a beautiful beach on a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Life is great!

Goodbye Japan ...

2009-01-22T20:32:00.005+01:00

Today, I went back to Ginza shopping district in Tokyo. I spent hours in the Wako Department store (left on the picture), famous for its jewellery, handbags, watches and other luxury goods. All too expensive for a po'boy like me ... and to be honest, I don't care much about luxury.

My whole life is luxury ... travellin' and meeting nice people all around the world.

But travellin' is movin' ... so, I have to move on. This is my very last day in Tokyo.

Tomorrow, I am leavin' the town, the country and the continent.

Goodbye Japan ... I liked it here!

So long Ted, Michiko, Nobuki, Hikari, Yoshiya, Michael and all the other nice people I met here ... it has been good to know you. Thanks for everything!

Enjoying Chocolate Beer (on top of the world)

2009-01-16T22:13:00.001+01:00

From the topfloor panoramic observation deck of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building I had a nice view on Yoyogi Park, one of the biggest parks in Tokyo and site of the 1964 Olympic Games.

While enjoying the nice panorama, I relished a delicious Chocolate Beer (Thx for the tip, Pst.).

45th floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

2009-01-15T12:39:00.000+01:00

Hey ... I am high in the sky here on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Behind (or below) me ... a nice view on Shinjuku.

Another view from the 45th floor ... if you look back towards right, there is the Tokyo Tower, a very famous landmark in Tokyo ... looks like a small red Eifel tower.

Tokyo Metropolitan Governement Building

2009-01-14T12:12:00.000+01:00

From 1991 until 2006, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku (behind me) held the title of the tallest building in Tokyo. The building is 243 meters high. It surrendered its title upon the completion of the Midtown Tower.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎), also referred to as Tokyo City Hall, houses the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government which comprises not only the 23 wards, but also the cities, towns and villages that make up Tokyo as a whole.

The two top-floor panoramic observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are free of charge to the public … could be a nice idea for tomorrow.

Shinjuku, Tokyo

2009-01-13T12:05:00.000+01:00

This is Shinjuku, one of the 23 wards in Tokyo and it has the busiest train station the world! Shinjuku Station, serving as the main connecting hub for rail traffic between central Tokyo and it's Western suburbs, is used by an average of 3,64 million passengers per day !!! What a crowd!

東京

2009-01-12T12:20:00.000+01:00

Since Saturday, Michael and I are wanderin’ about in Tokyo … What a thrilling city!

Tokyo (東京) is Japan's capital and the country's largest city. In fact, it is more than a city …Tokyo is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, but is called a metropolis (to) rather than a prefecture (ken). The metropolis of Tokyo consists of 23 city wards (ku), 26 cities, 5 towns and 8 villages.
The 23 city wards (ku) are the center of Tokyo and make up about one third of the metropolis' area, while housing roughly eight of Tokyo's approximately twelve million residents.
The prefecture is the centre of the Greater Tokyo Area, the world’s most populous metropolitan area with 35 million people (more than three times the Belgian population!).

Behind me, a nice view on this tremendous city with in the back Mount Fuji (富士山), one of Japans three 'holy mountains'. If you look closely you can see Mt. Fuji is all white and covered in snow.

Back in ... Tokyo

2009-01-11T00:23:00.007+01:00

Since a few days I am the guest of Michael Snider who lives in Tokorozawa, just outside of Tokyo. Michael promised to introduce me to Tokyo!
So … yesterday, on Saturday we went to the Ginza (銀座) district of Tokyo, literally "Silver Mint", which is considered the high fashion centre of the city and contains many upscale shops and restaurants.
Can you imagine how exited I was among all this luxury?
But (un)fortunately … most of this is beyond my purse.

I’m just a po’ boy a long way from home (and that’s the way I like it!)

Happy New Year from Kobe, Japan

2009-01-05T21:10:00.005+01:00

Hey folks ... sorry for having disappeared for a while, but that's how it goes when you're travellin'. It's not always easy to keep contact while you're busy. And busy I was for the last few days. As I said before, I meet a lot of interesting young people here. One of them is Yoshiya Santo who took me to Kobe last week.

Kobe is a prominent port city in Japan with a population of about 1,5 miljoen people. The city is also known of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, or Kobe earthquake of 1995 which killed almost 5.000 people in Kobe and caused a lot of damage.

On this picture you see me in Shin-Kobe Station.

But ... I almost forgot to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

May your wishes all come true in 2009 ... and may you stay for ever young.

Meeting 畑中達彦

2008-12-29T00:11:00.005+01:00

Yesterday it was Sunday, so I went with Ted and his family to the Calvary Chapel.

I met a lot of lovely people there ...

One of them is Tatsuhiko Hatanaka (畑中達彦), 18 years old and a devoted Christian, with whom you see me on this picture togheter with Nobuti.

Peace brothers ... that's what the world needs today!

ハッピー・クリスマス！

2008-12-25T01:16:00.004+01:00

That's me ... peacefully lying close to 光 ('the light') ...

I can't imagine a better image for Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone ... ハッピー・クリスマス

Peace on earth ... all the best to you and your families !

信希 & 光

2008-12-23T23:45:00.004+01:00

Today I was at home with Nobuki and Hikari. Two marvelous children. Nobuki is 5 years old and Hikari is 4 months old.
Ted learned me to spell there names in Japanese. I hope I spell it right ...

This is Nobuki in Japanese: 信希 and this is how you spell Hikari: 光

Big in Japan

2008-12-22T00:47:00.005+01:00

Yesterday, on Sunday, I went with Ted and his family to the Calvary Chapel West Tokyo. This church is part of the movement of Calvary Chapel Fellowship churches which began on the West Coast of the United States. Ted and his family are devoted disciples of the church. They believe the worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, church services are designed with great emphasis upon teaching the Word of God that He might instruct them ...

Of course Nobuki and Hikari are a little young for this ... and, honestly this little rat too.
Luckily, during the services on Sunday there is child care and Sunday School classes.
I joined them there ... and what a good time I had among all these little japanese children ...

Yeah ... I was big in Japan!

Tokyo, Japan

2008-12-20T11:58:00.002+01:00

Today, I finally arrived in Tokyo. When Ted and I arrived at the airport, his wife Michiko and his two children Nobuki ("faith and hope") and Hikari ("light") were waitin' for us.
What a nice and warm family ... and what a city!
I think I'm gonna like it here.

Australian War Museum, Camberra

2008-12-18T00:32:00.000+01:00

Before we leave for Japan, Ted wanted to visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Good choice Ted! You probably didn't know I recently visited Flanders Fields where Australian soldiers fought and died ... and yes, in Camberra we saw those poppies remembering Flanders Fields (see the red spots on this picture)!

It's a small small world ... and quite paradoxically, war brings people together.

Think about it while I travel to ... Japan.

Meeting Ted ...

2008-12-17T00:12:00.000+01:00

This is my lucky dag !!! Today I met Ted who is attending a conference in Sydney.

Ted will take me ... to Japan!

This is a dream comes true ...

Darling Harbour, Sydney

2008-12-16T00:04:00.000+01:00

This photograph of the Sydney skyline was taken from Darling Harbour, an entertainment and shopping mecca close to the heart of the city.

Meeting an Australian Darter

2008-12-15T00:05:00.000+01:00

This morning I met an Australian Darter in Sydney Harbour.

Since the plumage of Darters is somewhat permeable, they spread their wings to dry after diving and that's exactly what he did when I met him.

I had a nice conversation with this mate! (he learned me some Australian slang).

The Coathanger, Sydney

2008-12-14T12:05:00.000+01:00

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district and the North Shore.

The bridge is locally nicknamed The Coathanger.

With a main span length of 503 meter (1,650 ft), the bridge was designed and built to be the largest spanning-arch bridge in the world. A few months before the bridge was opened in 1932 however, in New York the Bayonne Bridge, with a main span lenght of 504 meter (1,654 ft) was openend. So, Sydney Harbour Bridge never was the largest spanning-arch bridge. Today, it's only the fourth-longest spanning-arch bridge in the world.

The length of the main span is the most common way to rank arch bridges. If one bridge has a longer span than another it does not necessary mean that the bridge is longer from shore to shore or from anchorage to anchorage.

According to the Guiness World Records , Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's widest long-span bridge and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 metres (429.6 ft) from top to water level.

Biggest, tallest, greatest ... I really don't care. It sure is impressive

Sydney Opera House revisited

2008-12-13T09:53:00.002+01:00

behind me ... the most famous Sydney Opera House Contrary to the implication of the name, it houses a multi-venue performing arts centre, rather than a single Opera theatre. As well as hosting many touring productions in a variety of performance genres, the Sydney Opera House is a major presenting venue for Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, The Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony.
This marvelous building was made a UNESCO World Heritalge Site on 28 June 2007.
It certainly is one of the world's most distinctive 20th century buildings.

The architect of the Opera House, the Danish architect Jørn Zorn died two weeks ago on November, the 29th.
Tragically, he never saw his masterpiece himself. He left Australia after a conflict with the new minister of pulic works in 1966 and never came back to Sydney.

This must be Sydney !!!

2008-12-11T09:27:00.001+01:00

Hey ... I know this place. Almost one year ago I stood on this very same place 'down under' in Sydney.

It took me almost 30 hours to travel from Brussels, over London and Singapore, to Sydney.

Since we had to wait for four hours in London, I feared a while to be stucked in London again ... (I love the city very much, but I've been there before too !!!).

So I am in Sydney again ... very briefly. I see it as a stepping stone to Asia. I hope to meet someone here to bring me to Asia, the continent I only visited very briefly ... actually in June 2007, I was one day in Hong Kong.

On the picture you see me in front of Sydney's skyline ... lovely city and it is summer here!

Leuven Town Hall

2008-12-09T00:08:00.000+01:00

On my last day in Belgium I visited the Town Hall in Leuven. The harmonious dimensions and rich decoration of the walls make the of the town hall a shrine of medieval splendor. The first stone was laid in 1439, the designer was the architect Sulpitius Van der Vorst. He died shortly afterwards and architect Keldermans continued his work. When Keldermans died in 1445 a third architect, Mathijs de Layens, continued the construction from 1447 until 1468. It was Mathijs de Layens who gave the flamboyant Gothic look to the building. He is therefore also considered the creator of the town hall.

Well ... this was my last day in my home country, Belgium. I came to Leuven to meet Joeri, who will take me to ... another continent. Come and see soon ... on this very same blog.

Goodbye Belgium ... I hope to be back next year on 09.09.09

The Old Market Square, Leuven

2008-12-08T00:07:00.000+01:00

Today I was on the Old Market Square in Leuven, aka 'the greatest bar of Western Europe'.

Very remarkable, since the nice building behind me is one of the main buildings of Leuven Universtiy.

The Oude Markt is more an experience than a destination, especially after a few drinks ...

Leuven train station

2008-12-07T00:05:00.000+01:00

Today I arrived in Leuven, Flanders main university town.
Leuven is a real "student city", as during the academic year most citizens in its centre are students.

Gravensteen, Ghent

2008-12-05T00:07:00.000+01:00

This castle, the Gravensteen, was built in 1180 by count Philip of Alsace and was modelled after the crusaders castles the count encountered while he participated in the second crusade. Before its construction, there stood a wooden castle on the same location, presumably built in the ninth century. The castle served as the seat of the Counts of Flanders until they abandoned it in the 14th century. The castle was then used as a courthouse, a prison and eventually decayed. Houses were built against the walls and even on the courtyard and the stones of the walls were used to erect other buildings. At one time it even served as a factory. At the end of the 19th century, the castle was scheduled to be demolished.

Nowadays, the Gravensteen is a place of rest in the city of Ghent. If feels like you are in the countryside, centuries ago ...

This was my last day in Ghent. Tomorrow I am leaving for Leuven, my last stay in Belgium ...

Bond Moyson, Friday Market, Ghent

2008-12-04T00:05:00.000+01:00

Another building in a completely different style on the Friday Market: the house of the socialist trade union, built around the beginning of the 20th century in Art Nouveau style. History is everywhere here on this market place ...

Little Tower on the Friday Market, Ghent

2008-12-03T00:05:00.000+01:00

The Friday Market offers the visitor a beautiful panorama of old medieval houses. The most remarkable building is the Toreken (Little Tower) behind me, a building from the 15th century. From the little tower most of the new trade regulations were read aloud to everyone present on the square.

Jacob Van Artevelde on the Friday Market, Ghent

2008-12-02T00:01:00.000+01:00

The Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market) is the center of political life in medieval Ghent. It was in this square that the Flemish counts had to swear their observance of the freedoms accorded to the citizens of Ghent. The guilds also fought each other here and in 1477 two advisers and envoys of the stadholder (governess) Maria of Burgundy were executed.

It was on this Friday Market that king Edward II of England was proclaimed king of France in 1340 by the guilds under the command of Jacob Van Artevelde whose statue now occupies a central spot on the market. This proclamation was an attempt of Ghent to preserve the close trade relations with England, because for the wool production they depended heavily on the import of the raw material from across the channel. It gave the citizens of Ghent a reason to rebel against the king of France, from whom the fiefdom of Flanders actually depended. This revolution was led by Jacob Van Artevelde, who then became a 'national' hero of Gent. However, not for long : he was murdered a few years later by the same citizens whose interests he had tried to protect.

Klokke Roeland, Ghent

2008-12-01T01:00:00.001+01:00

This huge bell - called Roeland - hung in the Belfort bell tower until it was badly damaged in 1914.

The original Roeland bell was cast in 1315 and installed ten years later in the tower. It has often called the population of Ghent to arms; in 1659 it was melted down and from the metal Peter Hemony cast a carillon of 37 bells. At the same time three large bells, the Triomfanten were made. What you see on this picture is the largest of the Triomfanten, again being called Roeland.

Today, this bell is one of the main symbols of the city of Ghent.

Two of the three towers of Ghent

2008-11-30T01:00:00.003+01:00

The central tower of the Saint Nicholas' Church (which we saw yesterday) defines with the belfry of Ghent and the Saint Bavo Cathedral, the famous medieval skyline of the city center. They call them the three towers of Ghent.

Saint Bavo Cathdral is noted for the Ghent Altarpiece, known as: "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. This work is considered Van Eyck's masterpiece and one of the most important works of the early Northern Renaissance.

Saint Nicholas' Church, Ghent

2008-11-29T01:00:00.005+01:00

The Saint Nicholas' Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk) is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Ghent. Begun in the early 1200s as a replacement for an earlier Romanesque church, construction continued through the rest of the century. Built in the old trade center of Ghent next to the bustling Korenmarkt (Corn Market), St. Nicholas' Church was popular with the guilds whose members carried out their business nearby. The guilds had their own chapels which were added to the sides of the church in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Old Post Office, Ghent

2008-11-28T01:00:00.003+01:00

This is the Old Post Office we saw from the Graslei yesterday ... now I am on the Koornmarkt (Corn Market) ... the hart of Ghent

Graslei, Ghent

2008-11-27T01:00:00.000+01:00

From Antwerp I took the train to Ghent ...
I love Ghent, I have been here before, about 14 months ago! I am back on the Graslei now where this picture was taken ...

The Graslei is one of the most scenic places in Ghent's old city centre. The tower right behind me is from the former postal office.

Town Hall, Antwerp

2008-11-26T00:11:00.000+01:00

The most remarkable building of the 'Grote Markt' (town square) of Antwerp is the Town Hall. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the Low Countries.

It's in this building that the mayor of Anwerp has his office and it's used for official receptions.

Unfortunatly when I was there he didn't have the time for an offical reception ...

Peter Paul Rubens

2008-11-25T00:03:00.001+01:00

The Cathedral of Our Lady contains a number of significant works by the 17th century Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, who has his statue here on the Groenplaats in front of the Cathedral.
Rubens (1577-1640) was a proponent of an exuberant Baroque style that emphasized movement, color, and sensuality.
In the cathedral I was most impressed by his Descent of the Cross.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkathedraal, Antwerp

2008-11-24T00:07:00.001+01:00

Yesterday ... we saw the second largest building of Antwerp. A few blocks further we have the largest one: the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkathedraal (the Cathedral of Our Lady).

The building of the cathedral was started in 1351 and, although the first stage of construction was ended in 1521, it has never been completed. Its one finished spire is 123 meters high and in fact it's the highest church tower in the Benelux.

The architects of this Gothic cathedral were Jan and Pieter Appelmans.

The first skyscraper on the European continent ...

2008-11-23T00:05:00.000+01:00

The Boerentoren (English: Farmers' tower) is the second tallest building of Antwerp. It measures 97 meters and was the first skyscraper of the European continent, remaining the highest until the 1950s. The construction was completed in 1931. The building is in Art-deco style and was designed by Jan Van Hoenacker.

The official name of the tower is now the KBC tower as the current main tenant is the KBC, a large bank in Flanders.

Leysstraat, Antwerp

2008-11-22T00:06:00.000+01:00

In front of an extraordinary cornerhouse in the Leysstraat ...

Antwerp Zoo

2008-11-21T12:01:00.000+01:00

Originally just outside the city walls, now an oasis of peace in the heart of Antwerp, next to the Central Station you can find one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world.

Antwerp zoo is still strong after 165 years! More than 5.000 animals are in here ... I entered the gate and was one of them today.

The Railway Cathedral, Antwerp

2008-11-20T00:08:00.005+01:00

Yesterday I took the train from Spa to Antwerp. So I am back in Flanders now ...

Here you see me in front of Central Station in Antwerp - the Railway Cathedral - that welcomes visitors who arrive by train in Antwerp.

It's a very impressive building ... it was built between 1895 and 2005. The entrance hall looks like a Taj Mahal built out of love for the industrial blessings of a new era.

Fagne de Malchamps, Spa

2008-11-18T23:15:00.016+01:00

Jacques Brel famously described his native Belgium as 'le plat pays qui est le mien' (the flat country which is mine). Clearly he didn't spend enough time in the Ardennes.

The Ardennes are a popular spot for walkin.

... so that's what I did today. I went out walking in 'la Fagne de Malchamps' just outside Spa. The landscape of this high moorland is quite spectacular and exceptional. Although it was a foggy day ... it reminds me of Africa.

Gamblin' Woody Rat

2008-11-17T23:28:00.006+01:00

Tonight I went out gamblin' in the Casino of Spa.
This casino was built in 1763 and is the oldest in the world!
Well in fact ... I lost a lot of money tonight, but I got a lot of wisdom instead.
Made me thinkin' of Woody Guthrie who sang:

Life is a great big Gamblin' Wheel; It's roll on
If you hope to beat the Game
Better see you praisin' in God's name
Wheel of Life will spin and spin and spin again and roll on ....

Spa is a spa town

2008-11-16T01:13:00.006+01:00

The term spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy, spa towns or spa resorts offering such treatment, or the medication or equipment for such treatment. And you know why this is called spa? It's all because of this little Belgian town Spa.

Though other sources of healing hot mineral springs have become famous throughout the world, it is the town of Spa which has become eponymous with any place having a natural water source that is believed to possess special health-giving properties, as a spa. The Belgian town Spa has been frequented as a watering-place since as early as the 14th century.

Spa is also a famous brand of mineral water ...

On the picture you see me in front of one of the bath houses in Spa.