Wild Dog Adventure Riding
General => Africa Info & other International Travels => Topic started by: Splash on November 19, 2017, 05:01:06 pm
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Find myself in Brussels. Not at all what I had planned and have nothing to do with politics. Was lucky enough to find an accounting position with IKEA providing temporary capacity while they implement an in-house project.
IKEA has been an exceptional employer and provided endless support, especially almost all that I needed to know about Belgium. They help with all the administrative requirements which are numerous and still on going. My latest process is to get a Drivers License which may take up to two months. Have no car so no rush, at the moment. Have been eyeing cars though.
For the first month I stayed in a fully furnished business flat in Evere which is on the outskirts of Brussels. It is French speaking and has many flat buildings. Was on the 7th floor. It is not far from NATO headquarters.
Had to find my own apartment and started searching from day one. The amazing thing is that the first apartment I viewed was the one I ended up taking. Did see several others but this one had something none of the other could beat, just 1km from the office – an easy bicycle ride or walk. An absolute pleasure to be able to enjoy lunch at home and not to have to sit in traffic. It is in Zaventem, also the location of the airport. Still getting used to overhead planes though.
Had to furnish it. Very helpful to be close to an IKEA store, which has become my second home.
Moving day was especially stressful as I had to buy a bed and also assemble it. Was at the store first thing collecting all the various items I needed and stacking trolleys at the checkout. Had to manhandle four trolleys by the end. They have a taxi service to transport purchases home. They would not carry purchases upstairs and left it all at the building’s entrance. I begged for help to at least carry my mattress upstairs which the driver agreed to, but only for €5. Once all was inside the question was whether I would be sleeping on the floor or in a bed. I carefully followed the instructions not wanting to end up with a bed that looked like a cupboard. My neighbours could not have been too happy as I was building past midnight. At least I could fall asleep in my new bed that night. Continued the next day with a cupboard which luckily did not look like a bed. Also assembled a desk and a chair. The luxury of the necessities of life.
Over the almost now two months I have been an avid homemaker. Moved onto a lounge suite and then a dinning room set. Also had to do something about laundry and bought a washing machine. This was at least installed in my bathroom.
Things become high tech with the installation of Wi-Fi and cable (Flemish and French language). Connected to the world and the acquisition of a TV.
Enjoyed the assembly of furniture and have had fun trying to be an interior decorator. Swedish design has made my life easier and have not been disappointed.
So far, only had one major disaster with a half build cupboard collapsing when I tried to lift it up. Was not careful enough and ended up ripping all the screws out. With a little wood filler and turning it upside-down, it is now built and standing.
So far, happy with life and hope to soon start doing some exploring around Brussels. Still have a 2nd bedroom to look at, not to mention 50 boxes on their way.
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Pictures
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Pictures
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Pictures
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Thanks for sharing and giving us a bit off insight as to living there.
I for one know nothing off the country and appreciate you taking the time to post this.
Keep it coming. :sip:
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Thanks for sharing and giving us a bit off insight as to living there.
I for one know nothing off the country and appreciate you taking the time to post this.
Keep it coming. :sip:
I agree
Yes Thanks
and keep it coming
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keep it coming! I'll live through you vicariously
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My home town
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My home town
Very nice and fortunate.
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My home town
Very nice and fortunate.
If you like history an architecture Brussels is fantastic. Like all of Europe I spose but Brussels has more beer.
Today I went to Stonehenge an salisbury, in Salisbury I went to the cathedral built in 1220. Mesmerised by its beauty an attention to detail. It blew my mind it is so beautiful.
See u posted a pic of the plutonium, went there as a kid, brought back memories. Keep the pics coming. It’s a beautiful place esp in autumn aN spring.
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Congrats - very nice. Will check in on this thread daily - love reading about people living overseas. Please keep us updated. Thank you!
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My home town
Very nice and fortunate.
If you like history an architecture Brussels is fantastic. Like all of Europe I spose but Brussels has more beer.
Today I went to Stonehenge an salisbury, in Salisbury I went to the cathedral built in 1220. Mesmerised by its beauty an attention to detail. It blew my mind it is so beautiful.
See u posted a pic of the plutonium, went there as a kid, brought back memories. Keep the pics coming. It’s a beautiful place esp in autumn aN spring.
My daughter and I went with friends to Stonehenge about 3 years ago, they live in Basingstoke and then on to the New Forest (daughter is/ was horse mad) to see the wild new forest ponies, some magic pubs in the forest as well. :biggrin: :biggrin:
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My home town
Very nice and fortunate.
If you like history an architecture Brussels is fantastic. Like all of Europe I spose but Brussels has more beer.
Today I went to Stonehenge an salisbury, in Salisbury I went to the cathedral built in 1220. Mesmerised by its beauty an attention to detail. It blew my mind it is so beautiful.
See u posted a pic of the Atomium, went there as a kid, brought back memories. Keep the pics coming. It’s a beautiful place esp in autumn aN spring.
Fixed :biggrin:
Agree though, Brussels is a cool town
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Good for you Splash, your persistence paid off. Well done !! :thumleft:
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Good for you Splash, your persistence paid off. Well done !! :thumleft:
Has been a journey and a half. Thanks. :)
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Nice Splash. Zaventem is a great town - just close enough to and far enough away from Brussels city centre.
All the best with settling in.
Christmas market should be coming up soon, which is well worth an evening (or a few) walking the city.
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My home town
Very nice and fortunate.
If you like history an architecture Brussels is fantastic. Like all of Europe I spose but Brussels has more beer.
Today I went to Stonehenge an salisbury, in Salisbury I went to the cathedral built in 1220. Mesmerised by its beauty an attention to detail. It blew my mind it is so beautiful.
See u posted a pic of the plutonium, went there as a kid, brought back memories. Keep the pics coming. It’s a beautiful place esp in autumn aN spring.
My daughter and I went with friends to Stonehenge about 3 years ago, they live in Basingstoke and then on to the New Forest (daughter is/ was horse mad) to see the wild new forest ponies, some magic pubs in the forest as well. :biggrin: :biggrin:
You should come visit. Nice pubs in my neck of the woods an loads of them.
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My home town
Very nice and fortunate.
If you like history an architecture Brussels is fantastic. Like all of Europe I spose but Brussels has more beer.
Today I went to Stonehenge an salisbury, in Salisbury I went to the cathedral built in 1220. Mesmerised by its beauty an attention to detail. It blew my mind it is so beautiful.
See u posted a pic of the Atomium, went there as a kid, brought back memories. Keep the pics coming. It’s a beautiful place esp in autumn aN spring.
Fixed :biggrin:
Agree though, Brussels is a cool town
Haha yes of course.
Went there with my grandad in 76. Damn now I am all melancholy.
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Place doesn't look bad at all! Nice furniture :biggrin:
I really hope you enjoy life in Brussels :thumleft:
I once participated in the making of an IKEA ad at the 2 Military Hospital in Wynberg, Cape Town. Wonder if it ever aired?
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Hey Splash, please keep posting here as you go along. I might have an opportunity to relocate to Brussels in the future and would like to know what life there is really like. The office is in Zaventem (well, Brussels side of the highway where all those office buildings are) but I have only spent a month there, which is not really enough to form opinions.
Cheers.
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Hey Splash, please keep posting here as you go along. I might have an opportunity to relocate to Brussels in the future and would like to know what life there is really like. The office is in Zaventem (well, Brussels side of the highway where all those office buildings are) but I have only spent a month there, which is not really enough to form opinions.
Cheers.
My apartment is in Zaventem.
About the extent of my exploring, the weather does not make for great opportunities to get out unfortunately. Might have to wait to spring. A car would help. Watching a lot of TV.
Will keep you all posted. Don't hold your breath though.
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sub :sip:
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Also IKEA issue ?
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The bag belongs to a "little old lady" that owns the apartment. No really, she exists. Seem to be dealing with her son though!
Have a 9 year lease. Not moving for a while. Have a 3 month rental penalty if I break the lease within the first year. Would also have to give a months written notice. They got two months rental as a guarantee and do not like paying it back - very quick to claim damages.
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Death and taxes, the only two certainties in life. Being an immigrant, tax is complicated. In Belgium, am getting a special very low tax rate. Getting help from KPMG with my tax returns. There is not way I would be able to get it right, not to mention language barriers. As normal, tax is only assessed at the end of a tax year which can be a long time to mess up. For a normal Belgium resident, tax it is a simple one page online submission. Very easy to reach the top 50% tax bracket (€38,830). They do have big allowances for children.
Income tax table for 2017
From EUR To EUR EUR Percent
0 11,070 0 25
11,070 12,720 2,767.50 30
12,720 21,190 3,262.50 40
21,190 38,830 6,650.50 45
38,830 Over 14,588.50 50
Personal allowances EUR
Basic personal allowance 7,270
Personal allowance 1 child 1,550
Personal allowance 2 children 3,980
Personal allowance 3 children 8,920
Personal allowance 4 children 14,420
For every extra child 5,510
Extra allowance per child less than 3 years old (if no deductions for actual child care expenses incurred are claimed) 580
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Hey Splash, please keep posting here as you go along. I might have an opportunity to relocate to Brussels in the future and would like to know what life there is really like. The office is in Zaventem (well, Brussels side of the highway where all those office buildings are) but I have only spent a month there, which is not really enough to form opinions.
Cheers.
My apartment is in Zaventem.
About the extent of my exploring, the weather does not make for great opportunities to get out unfortunately. Might have to wait to spring. A car would help. Watching a lot of TV.
Will keep you all posted. Don't hold your breath though.
Like you, I live in Northern Europe and have lived here for a long time. One thing you need to try and adjust to as quickly as possible is the fact that you will have live with a lot of bad weather. For this you need to change your outlook on weather. It will make life a lot better. A good saying here in tye Netherlands is, You don't have bad weather, you only have bad clothing.
To give you an example, our 1 year old son goes to daycare here. They give you the option for the kids to sleep outside during the day. This happens winter and summer, regardless of the weather. It is a refreshing approach, and our boy loves it.
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Agree with you. Weather is an issue. At the moment have been busy enough inside but need to get myself outdoors. Which is what I am going to do right now. Thanks for the comment. Went shopping. Needed new clothes for our Christmas Dinner.
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:sip: Thanks for sharing your life with us.
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Bought a car yesterday. A Toyota Auris 2012 for €7 502. Will get it next week Thursday once it has been transferred.
Still waiting for a Belgian drivers license - getting desperate. Would I be able to leave it in my garage?
Similar to a Toyota Conquest I perviously owned which was great. Hope this is as successful.
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Nice - a hybrid I see!
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Bought some cupboards etc. Have some entertainment ahead. Ordered online and delivered on Saturday.
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I feel your pain Splash. I also received an IKEA delivery. That pile of yours looks like a "10 beer" job
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I feel your pain Splash. I also received an IKEA delivery. That pile of yours looks like a "10 beer" job
Amazing once it is all together. Am hating the thought of having to ever move the furniture. Have fun. Always surprises me how everything fits perfectly together.
Did you get it delivered or fetched it yourself? Guess you do not have a store around the corner?
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I feel your pain Splash. I also received an IKEA delivery. That pile of yours looks like a "10 beer" job
Amazing once it is all together. Am hating the thought of having to ever move the furniture. Have fun. Always surprises me how everything fits perfectly together.
Did you get it delivered or fetched it yourself? Guess you do not have a store around the corner?
It got delivered from Edmonton to a warehouse, and from there I got a courier to deliver to town where I picked it up. All in shipping was $200. Not bad considering the logistics involved and the 2 day trip it saved me.
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My previous delivery did not work out so well. Somewhere between Ikea and the courier this happened to my kitchen sink
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/6cde223235839c3b7f7bf39af9ffe9fe.jpg)
Tell your new boss I want a new sink...
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Probably better quality than we get here. So a family member (lady) recently bought a kit unit and guess who was summoned to put it together - ha ha. Now I'm quite handy with tools and reading plans etc but I tell ya - it took a good 4 hours to assemble. I can just imagine an ordinary person with limited knowledge/experience having to do it :patch:
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Probably better quality than we get here. So a family member (lady) recently bought a kit unit and guess who was summoned to put it together - ha ha. Now I'm quite handy with tools and reading plans etc but I tell ya - it took a good 4 hours to assemble. I can just imagine an ordinary person with limited knowledge/experience having to do it :patch:
You are right in that it is very time consuming. The beauty is that it is flat packed so inexpensive to ship. $200 from Edmonton sounds like a bargain. My shipping cost was all in but I understand it would have been €180. IKEA has put a lot of effort into its plans and find them very easy to follow. Almost anyone should be fine.
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Went to Brussels city centre today to enjoy a little Christmas spirit.
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Splash, I salute people like you that have the balls to leave everything and everyone behind and take up a new challenge :thumleft: :thumleft:
I should have done so years ago but was to worried about the "what if ...."
Keep the posts coming ... :sip: :spitcoffee:
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I’ve spent a quite a bit of time in Belgium. What I liked (besides the beer) was the public transport system. You can live in in in a country village like Tremelo and commute to Brussels or Antwerp every day. And if you are bored, Paris, Cologne and Amsterdam are just a short hop away. I was once offered a position at the WCO in Brussels, which I foolishly declined. I wish I could turn back the clock.
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I’ve spent a quite a bit of time in Belgium. What I liked (besides the beer) was the public transport system. You can live in in in a country village like Tremelo and commute to Brussels or Antwerp every day. And if you are bored, Paris, Cologne and Amsterdam are just a short hop away. I was once offered a position at the WCO in Brussels, which I foolishly declined. I wish I could turn back the clock.
You are right about the trains. From Brussels one can catch the Thalys train and get to Parys, Amsterdam or London within an hour or two. The beauty is that it gives airlines and airport security the finger. Much easier to just arrive and get on a train without having to worry about boarding times and security checks. Not to mention criminal airport parking fees or additional airport public transport fees (Brussels airport adds €5).
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Are you going to get a bike? ;D
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Are you going to get a bike? ;D
Terrible question. Have been looking longly at bikes. Will see. Can hear dirt bikes in the forests and do see tracks. One little step at a time for me. Am sure to let you all know.
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Well anyone riding before March is nuts so you have some time ;D
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Was in brussels in 95 when i did my european adventure.
Loved the old town centre.
Loved the beer.
If only europe was a little warmer and lawless like africa, i could live there...
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Will be in Brussels next week for a few days with family to show them where I lived and grew up blah blah.....looking forward to it.
Staying close to the grand place like all good tourists but will show them my Belgium tattoo so they don’t try rip me off. :ricky:
Gonna be interesting to see their expressions when I drive on the left like all civilized nations do......
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Last chance to visit the Aachen Christmas Market. A €30 return train tick and a two hour trip. They definitely know how to celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas to everyone and a happy New Year.
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Went to the beach today - by train a little more than an hour away. Still no white Christmas for me.
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Christmas Morning cycle in the forests.
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Easy walk around a beautiful city - Antwerp. 30 minutes by train from Brussels.
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Nice - thanks for posting - beautiful forest that!
Hope you had a good Christmas.
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Everything looks so "civilised" there. Lekker!
Have you been to Brugge yet? Quite a cool little dorpie. To my knowledge, there's also a pretty good military museum in Brussels that apparently worth visiting.
I was where you are now a couple of Christmas' back....no snow, but bloody cold!!
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Thanks for the beautiful photographs! I am riding through the hot Karoo and these sommer make me feel chilled.
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Arrived in Brussels last night, driving around the city on the wrong side of the road is hellova stressful but that’s a learning curve.
Walked around the grand place and hit the touristy bars for beer as one does. The population of Brussels has changed since I lived here that’s for sure.
Went for a run this morning up to the basilica and around Bruxelles, beautiful city it is. More beautiful than most I reckon.
Now for more beer an hit the tourist traps. Beer prices in the grand place and tourist places are on par with my local in uk so not to bad, makes the eyes water when paying in rands though.
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Arrived in Brussels last night, driving around the city on the wrong side of the road is hellova stressful but that’s a learning curve.
Walked around the grand place and hit the touristy bars for beer as one does. The population of Brussels has changed since I lived here that’s for sure.
Went for a run this morning up to the basilica and around Bruxelles, beautiful city it is. More beautiful than most I reckon.
Now for more beer an hit the tourist traps. Beer prices in the grand place and tourist places are on par with my local in uk so not to bad, makes the eyes water when paying in rands though.
Give me a shout. Am at work though. Someone has to.
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Splash - You should pop down to some of the WWI battlefields. Truly worth it. :deal:
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A note. Do not buy a local computer. My hard drive died on Tuesday, ordered a computer on Wednesday and it arrived Thursday morning - great. Wanted to send it back because the Russias had hacked my keyboard. In Belgium ... they have AZERTY keyboards!!!
Christmas Holidays
In Brussels over Christmas with no plans. In haste, looked up train timetables and asked for advice on where to go. Got several suggestions for my four days for four trips.
Turned out Aarchen’s Christmas Market was ending so that became my first outing on Saturday. Was apprehensive about the distance so made an early start. It was so early, the station still had homeless people hanging around from the night before. Got a return ticket with one stop for €31. Seemed like a bargain to me. Was not the only one on the train with a similar plan. A festive holiday mood was present, no Ì have to go work´ unhappiness. Changed trains in a town called Verviers. Was not hard to find my connection, just followed the crowd.
Aachen is a beautiful historic German town with something to prove for Christmas. The market was fantastic. Loved the food and bought a loaf of dark bread to take home and some gingerbread biscuits.
Sunday seemed like a beach day to me. Made my way back to the train station and for €20 got a return ticket to Ostend. The train was empty. Not really the weather for swimming. Anyway, was not disappointed and the sea provided a perfect setting for a walk along the promenade. Loved watching dogs being taken for walks, little children misbehaving and kite surfers (bigger children). Have to go back in summer.
Christmas day was a slow day with little happening. Had planned to do a cycle ride through the local forest. Was not disappointed and loved the piece. Went through Tervuren and saw some people singing English carols. The town has a large expat community. Back home and I readied myself for free movies from my cable provider. Managed four and called it a good effort.
On my fourth day, needed more excitement and headed for Antwerp. Was in good company as the city was busy. Lots of people from the Netherlands. Obviously worth the drive. Climbed a 10 story building with a panoramic viewing deck only to be stuck by how flat the earth looked, at least in Antwerp.
Back home and happy to have had my four days of holiday for Christmas. Merry Christmas to you all. Hope it was for you all you had wished for.
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Merry Christmas! As someone who hasn't owned a TV for probably 10 years now, your effort seems excellent :imaposer:
Sounds great, thank you for sharing, also beautiful photos ;)
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nicely done Splash!!always great to see hard work paying off :thumleft:
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Seems like you are settling in nicely Splash. Keep the pictures coming. I find Europe fascinating. But I doubt I will ever go there - to many people. It will make me nervous.
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not to mention the suspect syrian "refugees"
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not to mention the suspect syrian "refugees"
In Brussels they have put cement blocks to prevent access,to vehicles to the tourist areas, there are also army patrols so they are vigilant as due to the history they have been the victim of a number of attacks. Of course it won’t stop a person wearing a vest blowing themselves up in the grand place which is full of people when they do the light show off,the fantastic buildings.
I guess it’s a sign of the times. The population of Brussels has changed, I was expecting that what I did not expect was the number of South Americans, Peruvians mainly.
Alas, also many beggars, sometimes whole families living on the streets, almost always of North African descent. Damn sad to see kids living on the streets.
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Splash, in the one seaside picture is that a kite surfer in the background, being Welsh I understand cold water. :peepwall:
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Splash, in the one seaside picture is that a kite surfer in the background, being Welsh I understand cold water. :peepwall:
Looked like great fun. Exceptionally envious. Wind was not a problem!
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not to mention the suspect syrian "refugees"
In Brussels they have put cement blocks to prevent access,to vehicles to the tourist areas, there are also army patrols so they are vigilant as due to the history they have been the victim of a number of attacks. Of course it won’t stop a person wearing a vest blowing themselves up in the grand place which is full of people when they do the light show off,the fantastic buildings.
I guess it’s a sign of the times. The population of Brussels has changed, I was expecting that what I did not expect was the number of South Americans, Peruvians mainly.
Alas, also many beggars, sometimes whole families living on the streets, almost always of North African descent. Damn sad to see kids living on the streets.
Taken visible policing to another level. Not taking any chances. Somehow, might work. Does make the city look like a Hollywood set. Feel sorry for the soldiers having to spend their days in a railway station!
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Being the New Year weekend, Brugge was on the agenda.
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Arlon, a little village. Very nice train ride. In the east of the country.
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Mmmmm those cakes :thumleft:
So much history there hey.
I was looking at those retaining blocks filled with flowering plants and thought how it looks here in SA - would never look like that!
Enjoy!
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Mmmmm those cakes :thumleft:
So much history there hey.
I was looking at those retaining blocks filled with flowering plants and thought how it looks here in SA - would never look like that!
Enjoy!
They have also done the same along the railway line, except in big blocks. Should look better than a concrete wall. Unfortunately, everything is dead at the moment.
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All things have a beginning and so too they must have an ending. Took my last two trips before next year.
First was on Saturday to Brugge. An amazing tourist city with cruise ships of visitors descending on the town. Enjoyed the festive atmosphere walking around the old city centre. A pleasure to be able to enjoy the architecture and the tourists. Do plan to make another trip back, just need to check my timing.
Second on my list was, well, not really sure what I wanted. Decided on Aarlen as it is in the south-west of Belgium, and that was about it. Was a wonderful train ride into the mountains.
The city itself was nothing exceptional. Was still nice to walk up to the cathedral which has a great view of the town. Did not hang around long and was soon back on my way home.
Enough excitement for this year and needed a day to rest.
Happy New Year to you all and may 2018 be just the best ever.
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Happy New Year to you all and may 2018 be just the best ever.
Thanks for the lovely posts and photo's.
Best wishes to you too for 2018! :cheers:
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Went to Bergen today - a pretty city which I would like to visit again.
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Beautiful photo's! That wooden sculpture/art work looks like something from Africa Burn.
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I only recently started following your fred and I like what I see. Some really great pictures you’ve put up.
Keep it up. :thumleft:
Where possible, give information as to the daily hang of things, e.g. how’s the shopping there, restaurants, somewhere to sit for a coffee and snack, service in general, law enforcement, bureaucracy, red tape, the neighbours, people in general, etc. A bit of gossip, you know those juicy bits.
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Splash when you get a chance head south to Amiens in France, the cathedral is something to behold. The pinnacle of Gothic architecture :thumleft: Only 2h40 drive.
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I only recently started following your fred and I like what I see. Some really great pictures you’ve put up.
Keep it up. :thumleft:
Where possible, give information as to the daily hang of things, e.g. how’s the shopping there, restaurants, somewhere to sit for a coffee and snack, service in general, law enforcement, bureaucracy, red tape, the neighbours, people in general, etc. A bit of gossip, you know those juicy bits.
Life is actually very boring and normal. Let me know if you would like to know something specific.
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Tournai in the rain. Some pictures. This train leaves from my home station, so did not have to go to Brussels first.
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I only recently started following your fred and I like what I see. Some really great pictures you’ve put up.
Keep it up. :thumleft:
Where possible, give information as to the daily hang of things, e.g. how’s the shopping there, restaurants, somewhere to sit for a coffee and snack, service in general, law enforcement, bureaucracy, red tape, the neighbours, people in general, etc. A bit of gossip, you know those juicy bits.
Life is actually very boring and normal. Let me know if you would like to know something specific.
Maybe I was too subtle. HOW ARE THE GIRLS THERE?!
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On second thought, not the one pictured above. Good photo, by the way, but too cold for me.
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On second thought, not the one pictured above. Good photo, by the way, but too cold for me.
Good question about ladies, not so much about the weather. A little frustrating as many do not speak English. They are good looking though. A huge multi-cultural mix of people in Brussels.
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Sunday morning cycle to Leuven.
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Sunday morning cycle to Leuven.
I see even the horses are prepared for the cold :biggrin:
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Can you get by with speaking afrikaans?was possible when i was in amsterdam
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Can you get by with speaking afrikaans?was possible when i was in amsterdam
Agreed with Afrikaans in Amsterdam. Except, Brussels is French. And they do NOT speak English. Not even Flemish either. Taking about a divided society!
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Visited Gent. A medieval city which is now a student city.
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Beautiful architecture.
And that MacDonalds must be the prettiest one ever 8) :thumleft:
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Cycle ride to Wemmel Brussels.
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Lovely.
Do houses have gardens? Or is it also a situation where they rent or own a plot of land for gardening on the outskirts of the city, like for instance Vienna?
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Lovely.
Do houses have gardens? Or is it also a situation where they rent or own a plot of land for gardening on the outskirts of the city, like for instance Vienna?
Most houses have a garden. Even if that are attached in a long row sharing walls (semi-detached) and ground floor. In the city, apartments would not have and I have not seen any common gardens. Housing in Brussels is relatively affordable. This has a negative impact on congestion and it is a nightmare getting around the city.
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Are scooters and those three wheeled motorcycles also popular in Belgium ? Saw thousands of them in Paris.
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Are scooters and those three wheeled motorcycles also popular in Belgium ? Saw thousands of them in Paris.
Did a little research into getting a bike license. They do not make it easy. Need to do a theory exam, 9 hours of training, a yard test and a road test. At least I am over 24.
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Are scooters and those three wheeled motorcycles also popular in Belgium ? Saw thousands of them in Paris.
Did a little research into getting a bike license. They do not make it easy. Need to do a theory exam, 9 hours of training, a yard test and a road test. At least I am over 24.
Can't you just convert your international AA lisence to the local one?
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Can't you just convert your international AA lisence to the local one?
Have converted my car license. Not so lucky for a bike or heavy vehicle license though. Just too bad.
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Went looking at bikes. Only looking.
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Alternate Cycle Route to Leuven
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Looks chilly. Nice photo's :thumleft:
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Looks chilly. Nice photo's :thumleft:
Around zero. One has to get out. Was worth it and the sun did shine.
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Looks chilly. Nice photo's :thumleft:
Around zero. One has to get out. Was worth it and the sun did shine.
Couple more months and the sun will shine till 10pm :thumleft:
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Riding north of Zaventem.
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Beautiful castle. Like the white birds on the lake
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Great country :thumleft:
Went there last August for 2 weeks ,had tickets for F1 at Spa
Stayed in Brussels,Ovifat and drove to Monschau one evening for dinner.Lovely little German town
Surely you had a “Kwak” :ricky:
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Motorbeurs Utrecht
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Cycle Ride East of Leuven
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Nice pics Splash. There are also some (older) motorcycles at the Brussels Motor Museum. Amongst others they have a NR750 there which is quite cool. Not sure if you’ve been there?
It is near the military museam (where the have an F16 in good shape and a decent Spitfire). Both are adjacent to that park at the east end of the road with all the EU buildings. I seem to recall “Jubelpark” but may be wrong. It is where their version of the Arc de triomphe is.
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Nice pics Splash. There are also some (older) motorcycles at the Brussels Motor Museum. Amongst others they have a NR750 there which is quite cool. Not sure if you’ve been there?
It is near the military museam (where the have an F16 in good shape and a decent Spitfire). Both are adjacent to that park at the east end of the road with all the EU buildings. I seem to recall “Jubelpark” but may be wrong. It is where their version of the Arc de triomphe is.
Will put it on my list. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Really enjoying the photo's, thanks for posting!
That statue of the lady riding the bull, is that by any chance near a stock exchange?
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Really enjoying the photo's, thanks for posting!
That statue of the lady riding the bull, is that by any chance near a stock exchange?
The statue is near the railway station. I think they just liked it as it is all relatively new. Leuven is a university town.
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Really enjoying the photo's, thanks for posting!
That statue of the lady riding the bull, is that by any chance near a stock exchange?
The statue is near the railway station. I think they just liked it as it is all relatively new. Leuven is a university town.
Louvain, hehe , its my birthplace....my folks were varsity students who had extra curricular activities .... :biggrin:
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Really enjoying the photo's, thanks for posting!
That statue of the lady riding the bull, is that by any chance near a stock exchange?
The statue is near the railway station. I think they just liked it as it is all relatively new. Leuven is a university town.
Louvain, hehe , its my birthplace....my folks were varsity students who had extra curricular activities .... :biggrin:
They had no extra mural activities or TV, thats where you came from
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I was there two weeks ago. Was also disappointed with all the graffiti on many of the "old" buildings. Also saw tons of beggars which i was surprised about. Amazed at how many GS's I saw.
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I was there two weeks ago. Was also disappointed with all the graffiti on many of the "old" buildings. Also saw tons of beggars which i was surprised about. Amazed at how many GS's I saw.
I do not go into Brussels much. Has is bad side too.
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Off Road Toer te Ruinen organisatie MC80
https://www.mc80.nl/evenementen/
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DUTCH MASTERS OF MOTOCROSS IN MARKELO
http://www.dutchmastersofmotocross.com
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Shame, so flat and muddy :lol8:
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Shame, so flat and muddy :lol8:
Haha. Indeed.
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Shame, so flat and muddy :lol8:
Just wanted to say that as well :biggrin:
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Motocross at Valkenswaard
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Motocross Practice at Helecine (Brussels)
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Cool, looks fun :thumleft:
A dutchman told me today that to get a car or motorbike licence in Holland, you need at least 35 lessons and at about R750 each it becomes a very expensive story. But then they teach you everything from accident avoidance to riding over poles and stumps, in the event something falls off a truck. Insurance is also not based on the price of the vehicle, but remains the same even though the value of the vehicle depreciates. However if there's a claim, you only get paid the "value on the day" - literally, what your car is worth on that particular day.
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Shrimp fishing, cancelled due to mist.
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Was that an outing you planned to do?
Are the shrimp the bait, or the catch you were aiming for? I thought that, like lobsters, you'd just drop a pot with bait and pick them up again later.
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Was that an outing you planned to do?
Are the shrimp the bait, or the catch you were aiming for? I thought that, like lobsters, you'd just drop a pot with bait and pick them up again later.
Was something different to go and do. Was a Christmas present from work - got a choice. Had to wait for warmer weather to do this.
Will let you know more when I go again. Have no idea. They have a big net handing from back of the boat.
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Shrimp Fishing at Oostende
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Shrimp Fishing at Oostende
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Shame, so flat and muddy
8:
Just wanted to say that as well 
For sure.
The only off-road riding worth doing, is mx.
We have pretty nice mx tracks though.
My best option for off-road trips is Romania
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Cycle ride around Sint-Truiden.
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Cycle ride around Sint-Truiden.
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Do they throw fish in the sea to catch shrimp?
Looks interesting! Did you enjoy it?
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Do they throw fish in the sea to catch shrimp?
Looks interesting! Did you enjoy it?
They kept the shrimp and threw the rest back in the sea. Great experience. Good weather helped.
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A little milestone - passed my bike license. Took me three tries and a why do you ride so badly discussion. Guess I still need to get used to all the traffic rules. Am very happy though.
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A little milestone - passed my bike license. Took me three tries and a why do you ride so badly discussion. Guess I still need to get used to all the traffic rules. Am very happy though.
:thumleft: so what are you going to get?
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Congratulations! :thumleft:
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A little milestone - passed my bike license. Took me three tries and a why do you ride so badly discussion. Guess I still need to get used to all the traffic rules. Am very happy though.
:thumleft: so what are you going to get?
Typical me. Bought a bike before having a license. Have a 2018, beautiful 500 exc-f, six days, almost all white, KTM.
Not sure exactly what I am going to do with it. Have a 15l tank for some "long" rides. Lots of back roads but they love going through villages which takes time. The max speed in Vlanders is 70km/h on rural roads. Highways are 120km/h.
Cannot wait to go riding. Watch this space, as they say.
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Stroll around Maastricht.
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Stroll around Maastricht.
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I looked at that statue and for some reason thought "D'Artagnan", then read the inscription and true's bob, the name appears there :imaposer:
Beautiful place, beautiful photo's.
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I looked at that statue and for some reason thought "D'Artagnan", then read the inscription and true's bob, the name appears there :imaposer:
Beautiful place, beautiful photo's.
Really liked the statue too. Made me think of Asterix.
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Loop around Hasselt (incl Houthalen)
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Those boots maybe? No ways Asterix would wear a hat that smart ???
Loop around Hasselt (incl Houthalen)
Beautiful photo's again.
Is this a sunken bridge? And why would they do that?
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Those boots maybe? No ways Asterix would wear a hat that smart ???
Loop around Hasselt (incl Houthalen)
Beautiful photo's again.
Is this a sunken bridge? And why would they do that?
Yes. It is a sunken bridge - first for me. Why, have no idea except because they can I guess. A tourist attraction no doubt.
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Labouring around Enkhuizen (NL).
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I have friends who moved to the Netherlands, Maarzicht I think. He is a PhD student at the university there.
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I have friends who moved to the Netherlands, Maarzicht I think. He is a PhD student at the university there.
Beautiful city - very lucky.
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Labouring around Enkhuizen (NL).
I still want to go there.
According to family history, my ancestor fled France (bergerac) through germany onto Enkuizen. They lived in Toren Street. There he met his wife, had children and put them all on a ship when the call came from uncle Jan.
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200km Offroad ride - Reusel (NL)
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200km Offroad ride - Reusel (NL)
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What's the story with the bike on a leash, down by the river?
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What's the story with the bike on a leash, down by the river?
This is what happens with +120 riders. Who knows why. Too fast on too big a bike? Was entertaining to say the least. Not sure how many actually completed the whole track. Various pubs on the way may have played a part.
Was arranged as a navigation route event with a GPS track to follow. Ended up with a group from Belgium led by a good rider. He was on a BMW 800, played music through his headset and motored happily along. All most enjoyable.
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Now that sounds lekker! Finally you're riding again :ricky:
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Sunday morning cycle around Diest.
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Sunday morning cycle around Diest.
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Haringrit in Biervliet gereden.
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Haringrit in Biervliet gereden.
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Catching a ferry while cycling around Antwerp.
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Catching a ferry while cycling around Antwerp.
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Isn't it just such a nice feeling to cycle anywhere you want without giving personal and road safety a second thought. We spend hours cycling through the forests here in Netherlands.
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Isn't it just such a nice feeling to cycle anywhere you want without giving personal and road safety a second thought. We spend hours cycling through the forests here in Netherlands.
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Amazing picnic. They weather did play along for the cycle. Today looks like rain.
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It's really beautiful with all the forests and trees, but the landscape seems very flat. There are probably some hills around?
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WOW! Thanks for posting - a whole other world :3some:
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Just awesome lifestyle!
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There is one hill in a town close to where I live... Elevation probably about 30 meters 🤣
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Headed to Sedan (FR).
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Headed to Sedan (FR).
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Wow that looks amazing!
That photo of the castle is lovely.
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Train ride to Lille (FR).
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Train ride to Lille (FR).
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Thanks for sharing - the photo's are beautiful.
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Bank holiday cycle around northern Leuven.
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Brussels 20km Run.
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Long train ride to Luxembourg
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Long train ride to Luxembourg
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I truly enjoy your pics Splash :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:
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Belgium's coastline in a ride.
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Cycle tour of Flanders
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Cycle tour of Flanders
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Congrats on the 20km medal :thumleft:
The photo's are really beautiful - thanks for posting.
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Rode my bike to watch an Enduro at Chimay
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Rode my bike to watch an Enduro at Chimay
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Rode my bike to watch an Enduro at Chimay
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Nice :thumleft:
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That photo in the forest is beautiful!
Are you planning to participate in Enduros at some stage?
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You have a good eye for the exceptional, the slightly different and you capture it well. I always enjoy looking at your pictures. It portrays more than just a view.
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You have a good eye for the exceptional, the slightly different and you capture it well. I always enjoy looking at your pictures. It portrays more than just a view.
I normally have the same reaction when I download my pictures. :)
Somehow I just stop and take a picture and among them something interesting normally pops up.
Thanks. Am enjoying "the journey".
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That photo in the forest is beautiful!
Are you planning to participate in Enduros at some stage?
Enduro is my love.
Costs are an issue and I should be trying to save some money.
Will see, maybe next year. Doing an enduro on my 500 might not be that much fun.
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Mister EFB - Husqvarna Demo Day including pizza
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Mister EFB - Husqvarna Demo Day including pizza
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Mister EFB - Husqvarna Demo Day including pizza
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So did you ride? Is that you? That looks like hectic fun!! Sell a kidney and get one :thumleft: :imaposer:
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So did you ride? Is that you? That looks like hectic fun!! Sell a kidney and get one :thumleft: :imaposer:
Yes, definitely (not me though). Rode my 500 (very stupid). Got to try out the new FI 300 (lovely) and 250 (out to kill me).
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Not just you. I hear those 250s are out to kill everyone :eek:
Great stuff! My legs too short for these lovelies ::)
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Open Water Swim - Lokeren
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Love those ducks, LOL
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Lekkerrr :thumleft:
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Bikes with headlights at MX De Landsard (Eindhoven).
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Bikes with headlights at MX De Landsard (Eindhoven).
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Cycling around Ieper
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All looks so peaceful, can actually feel it in your pictures
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All looks so peaceful, can actually feel it in your pictures
Is holiday time so many people are away. Really nice.
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All looks so peaceful, can actually feel it in your pictures
Agreed, your pics really bring across the feeling of the place and the people, keep posting! Glad you got a bike there too!
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Hey Splash.
I went to the Spa F1 track a few days ago. Definitely worth going there. A guide tour is only Euro 10. You can just walk in on any day and go up to the bistro restaurant with a view of the starting grid, pit lane and chicane to watch some of the racing of the day. During proper racing events you obviously need tickets. The whole track is also closed for about 3 weeks for F1 prep.
Also a very nice museum in Stavelot,b with a visit.
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Amazing photos from Spa. Now on my list. Thanks for sharing.
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EFB Training Ride - Meulebeke.
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EFB Training Ride - Meulebeke
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EFB Training Ride - Meulebeke
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Observed Trials Championship - Moulin
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Observed Trials Championship - Moulin
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:ricky: :ricky: :ricky:
That looks like great fun
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Castles in Antwerpen
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Castles in Antwerpen
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Looking at this picture, the sport looks more dangerous to the spectators than the participants.
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Looking at this picture, the sport looks more dangerous to the spectators than the participants.
Just too many spectators for my liking. Moved to a less popular test.
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Hi Splash, if I'm not mistaken the Tour de France starts in Brussels next year.
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Hi Splash, if I'm not mistaken the Tour de France starts in Brussels next year.
So I have also heard. Next years entertainment. Should be fantastic to see.
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Just too many spectators for my liking. Moved to a less popular test.
Just as I was getting the impression that you were starting to put excitement into the daily lives of them Belgians, you now want to take it away from them. That is cruel.
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Just too many spectators for my liking. Moved to a less popular test.
Just as I was getting the impression that you were starting to put excitement into the daily lives of them Belgians, you now want to take it away from them. That is cruel.
>:D
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Weekends Cycling - Lommel & Barrage de la platta
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Weekends Cycling - Lommel & Barrage de la platta
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It's great that you're getting out and about, and the weather seems beautiful. The opportunity to travel around so freely on your own and public transport is amazing.
If you don't mind my asking, how are you doing over there? Are you meeting people? Have you started to make friends?
What is the lifestyle like in other regards, such as the kind of food available and prices, do you cook or grab takeaways? Is it easy to eat healthily, and more vegetarian or is meat affordable? Do you have favourite shops you visit?
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Dodentocht
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Dodentocht
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It's great that you're getting out and about, and the weather seems beautiful. The opportunity to travel around so freely on your own and public transport is amazing.
If you don't mind my asking, how are you doing over there? Are you meeting people? Have you started to make friends?
What is the lifestyle like in other regards, such as the kind of food available and prices, do you cook or grab takeaways? Is it easy to eat healthily, and more vegetarian or is meat affordable? Do you have favourite shops you visit?
Am not the most sociable person. Really lots of very nice people around. I just prefer to go exploring on my own. The society has a "cafe" sort of feel. Not my kind of lifestyle. Have not managed to get my swimming going. Need to join a swim club and not got that exactly right yet.
Food is brilliant. I go to a low cost supermarket Colruyt and cook at home. There is a drive-through vegetable store, bread vending machines and health stores. No excuses not to enjoy good food. I have a food debit card with an allowance for lunch every month and I manage to live on that (€8 per day). If you want to eat junk food, lots of that available too. I get an allowance for riding a bicycle (or public transport) to work which is a good incentive not to take a car. Also get an annual gift of "eco-cheques" to buy A+ rated appliances. I bought an electric cooler box for the car.
Not expecting to make any great friends yet, have met lots of very interesting people. Feel at home. This could all change as I only have a two year work contract and they have frozen all permanent posts (thanks to basically Amazon).
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Love that Dodentocht "Sweet Victory" sweetie :laughing4:
You make the most of your opportunities. Hope it works out that you can stay, if you wanted to :thumleft:
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Spa (Belgium)
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Spa (Belgium)
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Koeln (Germany)
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Koeln (Germany)
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Great pictures. Thanks.
Yes, put up some pictures of ordinary street life. As the cliche goes, a picture tells a thousand words.
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Where's that pic of the Mirage III taken? I was always amazed at how small they actually are.
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That Cathedral is amazing. Any idea of how old it is?
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I'm interested in that wall of locks 😁
Any idea why there are so many locks locked on that fence?
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I'm interested in that wall of locks 😁
Any idea why there are so many locks locked on that fence?
https://www.makelovelocks.com/locations/#.W3QBxtR96XY
I've read somewhere of a bridge where they had to take all locks off because the bridge where getting too heavy.
Iemand het ma net gesukkel om slotte te verkoop en toe kom hy met die idee vorendag :deal: ;)
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I'm interested in that wall of locks 😁
Any idea why there are so many locks locked on that fence?
It is "Love Locks." Basically a couple will inscribe their initials or otherwise decorate a padlock, lock it to the fence, and throw the key away to symbolise unbreakable love.
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That Cathedral is amazing. Any idea of how old it is?
Building was started in the 1200's, but it was a stop-start affair, and it took something like 600 years to complete and was the tallest building in the world for a while.
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Where's that pic of the Mirage III taken? I was always amazed at how small they actually are.
Standing at Spa's airport. Definitely worth the trouble to stop and look.
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Paris (France)
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Paris (France)
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I like Paris a lot but never go to the visitor hot spots in summer especially on weekends, freakin madhouse ! Last time we took the train and visited some of the smaller towns, very few tourists. Really enjoyed that.
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That Cathedral is amazing. Any idea of how old it is?
Building was started in the 1200's, but it was a stop-start affair, and it took something like 600 years to complete and was the tallest building in the world for a while.
Unreal hey! So that was started 450 years before ol' JVR landed in CT......puts things into perspective.
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Rotterdam (Netherlands)
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Rotterdam (Netherlands)
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Great pictures. Thanks. :thumleft:
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Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Let me know if you come to Amsterdam area. We live in Naarden, close to Amsterdam and Hilversum (25 min by train)
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Zaandam (Netherlands)
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Zaandam (Netherlands)
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Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Let me know if you come to Amsterdam area. We live in Naarden, close to Amsterdam and Hilversum (25 min by train)
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Will do, sorry, should have. Will make another trip. Thanks anyway. If you in Brussels?
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Love your pics Splash, you certainly get around
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Beautiful! :thumleft:
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I really don't get first world countries. Who built all that crap and who pays for it all? How is their economies stable and sustainable, everyone looks so well off?
It just seems that everything is "there". Not sure how to explain it better. Here there is so much hustle and bustle and everyone is building stuff left right and center.
Anyways, my brain is too small for understanding such things.
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I really don't get first world countries. Who built all that crap and who pays for it all? How is their economies stable and sustainable, everyone looks so well off?
It just seems that everything is "there". Not sure how to explain it better. Here there is so much hustle and bustle and everyone is building stuff left right and center.
Anyways, my brain is too small for understanding such things.
Strong institutions are a good start to promoting development etc. Should not be that complicated. Society is very competitive though.
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Great pictures. Thanks.
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Summited Belgium at 694m
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Open Water Swim - Zwevegem (Belgium)
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Open Water Swim - Zwevegem (Belgium)
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Flip that's a huge dive tank!
Did you also drive a radio controlled car? Must be fun :lol8:
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Lummen (BE) - Tour of Limburg
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Beautiful little sidecar in first pic - stunning colour and pristine condition, looks like.
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Beautiful little sidecar in first pic - stunning colour and pristine condition, looks like.
Especially if it is raining.
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Beautiful little sidecar in first pic - stunning colour and pristine condition, looks like.
Especially if it is raining.
You seem to have travelled some distance. Was that train, bicycle or motorbike?
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Beautiful little sidecar in first pic - stunning colour and pristine condition, looks like.
Especially if it is raining.
You seem to have travelled some distance. Was that train, bicycle or motorbike?
KTM 500 EXC. Great mornings outing.
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Beautiful little sidecar in first pic - stunning colour and pristine condition, looks like.
Especially if it is raining.
You seem to have travelled some distance. Was that train, bicycle or motorbike?
KTM 500 EXC. Great mornings outing.
Green with jealousy! :biggrin: :ricky:
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Sherco Demo Day
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Beta Demo Day
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Beta Trials Demo Day
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As always, lovely pictures. Well taken. :thumleft:
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Ah man that looks like such huge fun!!
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Ah man that looks like such huge fun!!
Spent the weekend riding bikes - just magic.
https://www.facebook.com/BetamotorBelgium/videos/267675557197989/ (https://www.facebook.com/BetamotorBelgium/videos/267675557197989/)
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Ah man that looks like such huge fun!!
Spent the weekend riding bikes - just magic.
I cannot even imagine! So envious right now!! :ricky: :ricky:
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Bring your own KTM, KTM Day (Eindhoven NL)
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Was it as fun as the demo day? That still looks like the greatest outing to date, hope they have those on a regular basis.
Was this a type of enduro course?
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Was it as fun as the demo day? That still looks like the greatest outing to date, hope they have those on a regular basis.
Was this a type of enduro course?
Lots of sand riding and a little bit of forest. Took a while to get comfortable. Fun riding though. Was a 50km track.
https://www.ktm-dag.nl (https://www.ktm-dag.nl)
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KTM Enduro's Demo Day (Honville)
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KTM Enduro's Demo Day (Honville)
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Another event?!! Lucky fish O0 I'm super jealous, only out of the moonboot for a week or so and the physio demands explosive power (being able to hop on injured ankle) before I can ride again >:(
Which I can sort of do, but now my mechanic is holding my bikes hostage to force me to take it slow :xxbah:
Are you starting to make friends in the KTM community? Or don't you come across the same faces at these events?
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Another event?!! Lucky fish O0 I'm super jealous, only out of the moonboot for a week or so and the physio demands explosive power (being able to hop on injured ankle) before I can ride again >:(
Which I can sort of do, but now my mechanic is holding my bikes hostage to force me to take it slow :xxbah:
Are you starting to make friends in the KTM community? Or don't you come across the same faces at these events?
Different parts of the country so different faces. Not sure that I will be racing. Would be a very big commitment. Have winter to think about it. Definitely not buying a race bike. Racing a 500 would be a challenge. Will see.
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Maarten's Enduro Ride
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Maarten's Enduro Ride
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Looks like great fun! Just a group of friends riding enduro? And is it my imagination, or did some big bikes join?
Are those bikes mostly around 500cc?
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Looks like great fun! Just a group of friends riding enduro? And is it my imagination, or did some big bikes join?
Are those bikes mostly around 500cc?
Was an enduro ride. Ride what you want. From a 250 to an 800. They all seemed to manage just fine. Tyres played the most important part. All bikes have to be licensed anyway.
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Trans European Trial - Belgium - Part 1
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Again great pictures. Keep them coming.
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Home of Beethoven - Bonn (DE)
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Home of Beethoven - Bonn (DE)
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That must be the healthiest hot dog ever! And the smallest hot dog roll I've ever seen :imaposer:
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Trans European Trial - Belgium - Part 2
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Bicycle or motorbike?
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Whats tge oke in the water on a leash doing :o
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Bicycle or motorbike?
On my KTM 500 enduro motorbike. Loving every minute.
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Whats tge oke in the water on a leash doing :o
Good question. Did not hang around long enough but he was busy with something in the water. I think that they may have been "rescuing" trash.
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Trans European Trial - Belgium - Part 3
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Great to see you riding so much :thumleft:
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Joris's Birthday Ride
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Joris's Birthday Ride
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Noooooooo hahaha drowned bike for his birthday!! :laughing4: :laughing4:
Did you manage to retrieve it? That looks like an excellent bunch of reprobates to hang out with >:D
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Noooooooo hahaha drowned bike for his birthday!! :laughing4: :laughing4:
Did you manage to retrieve it? That looks like an excellent bunch of reprobates to hang out with >:D
An interesting group. Like their company.
Not sure what condition the bike is in. And, it is not Joris's bike. He had swap bikes. Suspect that it may not be insured either.
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Splash seems apt. :sip:
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I love this pictures. It says so much. The residence in the background speaks of warmth, the dog of the human touch and last, but not least, the bike. It occupies the centre of the picture. Such a complete, encompassing photo.
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Konstantin's Diest ride and friet lunch
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This, although also very good, tells a very different story. There is also warmth, but that of camaraderie. I like it also. It slows life down. Time taken out of the hustle and bustle of life. Time well spend.
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I love this pictures. It says so much. The residence in the background speaks of warmth, the dog of the human touch and last, but not least, the bike. It occupies the centre of the picture. Such a complete, encompassing photo.
I think he has an "interesting" background. Now a hard working executive of a very large listed multinational. Who would know apart from his 12 hectare home.
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The money is there. Lots of it and visible. But it is different. Subtle, not in your face and is it camouflaged with education, background and personal labour. And the picture also captures that.
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My message is correctly posted above, but somehow a picture got attached to it. Not the picture that is under discussion. I tried to modify it in order to remove the picture, but the post tells me nothing is attached to my script (as it was intended). Strange.
EDIT: I got the picture removed.
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The money is there. Lots of it and visible. But it is different. Subtle, not in your face and is it camouflaged with education, background and personal labour. And the picture also captures that.
Exactly. Growing to like Flemish people.
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Scheveningen Beach (NL)
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Scheveningen Beach (NL)
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You sure are “taking it all in”. Seems like you are having a good time over there. I assume you are happy
in your new environment ? Will you settle down there, or will you be moving on?
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You sure are “taking it all in”. Seems like you are having a good time over there. I assume you are happy
in your new environment ? Will you settle down there, or will you be moving on?
Happy. Only have a two year contract on which I am half way. All going well and would like to stay.
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Biking Lier (BE)
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Lovely :)
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Lovely :)
Lucky with the weather. Is getting colder.
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Lovely :)
Lucky with the weather. Is getting colder.
Soon a little less riding, but I'm looking forward to your scenic winter photo's
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Meerhout (BE) Track
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Cool stuff! I love frites and mayo :lol8:
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Borderland Cycle Ride
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Thanks again for some great pictures. I especially like those tree lined roads. :thumleft:
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Zwemmathon 5km
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Hey hey well done! :thumleft:
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Reached the Hoek van Holland
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Drielandenpunt & Dusseldorf (DE)
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Drielandenpunt & Dusseldorf (DE)
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Nice!
That last two steel pieces makes me think off a submersable pumps worm. :peepwall:
Thanks for giving insight into another part off the world.
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Very atmospheric images - beautiful.
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Nice!
That last two steel pieces makes me think off a submersable pumps worm. :peepwall:
Thanks for giving insight into another part off the world.
Very strange idea about art.
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Very atmospheric images - beautiful.
Was spooky.
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Deauville (FR) in winter
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Holiday town? Not a soul about, except that shopper
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How big of a deal is Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other American Holidays in Europe?
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Holiday town? Not a soul about, except that shopper
Lots of repairs going on. Guess holiday makers are now in the mountains enjoying some skiing.
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How big of a deal is Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other American Holidays in Europe?
They seem to be more involved with Easter, Christmas and New Years. Not so big on American holidays. Belgium has twelve public / bank holidays a year.
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How big of a deal is Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other American Holidays in Europe?
They seem to be more involved with Easter, Christmas and New Years. No so big on American holidays. Belgium has twelve public / bank holidays a year.
You are lucky... In SA, it's any excuse for fireworks :xxbah:
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Bicycle ride in Turnhout (BE)
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I notice you have tracks for every day the last week or so. Was that normal out and about, or did you take leave and travel a bit?
I admire your self-discipline in getting out and about so much. Makes me feel guilty for my relative laziness ::)
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I love the order in everything, the cleanliness, and the incredible history in so many of those buildings and areas. :thumleft:
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I notice you have tracks for every day the last week or so. Was that normal out and about, or did you take leave and travel a bit?
I admire your self-discipline in getting out and about so much. Makes me feel guilty for my relative laziness ::)
Took a weeks leave. Good to get away for a little bit.
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I love the order in everything, the cleanliness, and the incredible history in so many of those buildings and areas. :thumleft:
Always nice to be in these places. Do tend to end up in the better part of town - old and historic.
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Rainy day train trip to Roosendaal (NL)
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Not too Christmassy. I like it :biggrin:
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Hasselt (BE) at Christmas time
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Hasselt (BE) at Christmas time
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Deauville (FR) in winter
There is a French movie, Les Valseuses, featuring Miou-Miou, Gérard Depardieu and Patrick Dewaere. It is one of Gérard Depardieu’s first movies he played in. Certain scenes were shot in just such a coastal holiday resort. Almost totally deserted, and it is interesting the comment you made about the holiday makers being in the mountains skiing.
In said movie Gérard and his mate then identify the family of one of the empty holiday houses, which exact family they then later in the movie encounter in the mountains – precisely what you estimated!
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What are these panels for? Keep the wind out? Privacy?
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Rainy day train trip to Roosendaal (NL)
Your pictures capture the sentiment, atmosphere very well :thumleft:
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Hasselt (BE) at Christmas time
ditto :thumleft: :thumleft:
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To misquote Pink Floyd – wish I was there
Great pictures!
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What are these panels for? Keep the wind out? Privacy?
They have beautiful wooden walkways along the beach. Think the panels are there to protect these. Must look awesome in summer.
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Two things are blatant from theses photos...
1. The cleanliness of public spaces - absolutely NO LITTER.
Pride in one's environment is irreplaceable.
2. The durability and excellent workmanship of the buildings.
They build with quality materials and workmanship, mixed with pride in their work.
Make it once, make it well and maintain it regularly - it will last hundreds of years.
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Two things are blatant from theses photos...
1. The cleanliness of public spaces - absolutely NO LITTER.
Pride in one's environment is irreplaceable.
2. The durability and excellent workmanship of the buildings.
They build with quality materials and workmanship, mixed with pride in their work.
Make it once, make it well and maintain it regularly - it will last hundreds of years.
Agreed. Strange mix of Dutch and French with a touch of German. Love the place.
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Mountain biking around Leuven (BE)
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Mountain biking around Leuven (BE)
My birth town. Beautiful area.
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Agreed, very beautiful.
I love trees!! Lovely photo's, thank you.
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Two things are blatant from theses photos...
1. The cleanliness of public spaces - absolutely NO LITTER.
Pride in one's environment is irreplaceable.
2. The durability and excellent workmanship of the buildings.
They build with quality materials and workmanship, mixed with pride in their work.
Make it once, make it well and maintain it regularly - it will last hundreds of years.
Agreed. Strange mix of Dutch and French with a touch of German. Love the place.
Bit like Afrikaners :biggrin:
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If Belgium needed people, I would think that Zuid-Afrikaners would be a good choice for immigrants.
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Mountain biking around Leuven (BE)
My birth town. Beautiful area.
Much nicer than Brussels. Also, the centre of the beer world. Good for a university town.
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If Belgium needed people, I would think that Zuid-Afrikaners would be a good choice for immigrants.
I see lots of muslims in Brussels. Have Polish people in my apartment building. Guess they have their share of immigrants.
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Agreed, very beautiful.
I love trees!! Lovely photo's, thank you.
Was a beautiful day. Very happy I got out and about.
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Ski Lesson at Alpincenter Bottrop (DE)
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Ski Lesson at Alpincenter Bottrop (DE)
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Mountain biking around Leuven (BE)
My birth town. Beautiful area.
Much nicer than Brussels. Also, the centre of the beer world. Good for a university town.
That’s exactly why I was born there, my folks were students. Both Parents from Brussels and studying in Louvain.
Was in Louvain a few months ago as I was working for F1 at Spa. Stayed in a lil town called Oupen which used to be part of Germany. Beautiful place too. On the way back to airport I spent an afternoon in Louvain....I love the architecture of Europe.
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If Belgium needed people, I would think that Zuid-Afrikaners would be a good choice for immigrants.
I see lots of muslims in Brussels. Have Polish people in my apartment building. Guess they have their share of immigrants.
When I was in Brussels last year I was surprised at rhe demographics....much has changed in a short period of time.
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I know Bottrop, the wife's one Granny lived there. :thumleft:
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Please put up some pictures depicting the festive season. People, buildings, decorations, etc. Thanks. :thumleft:
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Giorle (NL) Enduro Ride
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Please put up some pictures depicting the festive season. People, buildings, decorations, etc. Thanks. :thumleft:
Will have a look. The radio plays Christmas songs 24/7. Did not know so many had been made.
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Mountain biking around Leuven (BE)
My birth town. Beautiful area.
Much nicer than Brussels. Also, the centre of the beer world. Good for a university town.
That’s exactly why I was born there, my folks were students. Both Parents from Brussels and studying in Louvain.
Was in Louvain a few months ago as I was working for F1 at Spa. Stayed in a lil town called Oupen which used to be part of Germany. Beautiful place too. On the way back to airport I spent an afternoon in Louvain....I love the architecture of Europe.
Cannot agree more. Beautiful.
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Please put up some pictures depicting the festive season. People, buildings, decorations, etc. Thanks. :thumleft:
Will have a look. The radio plays Christmas songs 24/7. Did not know so many had been made.
Those songs irritate me endlessly. Your pictures will bring some relief. ;D
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Giorle (NL) Enduro Ride
@wolf skaap you should hook up with Splash for some riding
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Please put up some pictures depicting the festive season. People, buildings, decorations, etc. Thanks. :thumleft:
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Vitamin Knokke (BE)
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Please put up some pictures depicting the festive season. People, buildings, decorations, etc. Thanks. :thumleft:
My brother just put up an exact same picture on our family Whataspp group.
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Please put up some pictures depicting the festive season. People, buildings, decorations, etc. Thanks. :thumleft:
My brother just put up an exact same picture on our family Whataspp group.
Snap! :)
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Ronde van Leuven (BE)
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Merry Christmas ;D
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European single track is rather ordentlik.
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Merry Christmas ;D
Merry Christmas :)
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European single track is rather ordentlik.
A little muddy at the moment.
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European single track is rather ordentlik.
The cobbled surface also acts as a built-in speed limiter.
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European single track is rather ordentlik.
The cobbled surface also acts as a built-in speed limiter.
Not nice on a mountain bike. Unbelievably slippery when wet.
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Boulogne-Sur-Mer (FR) Nausicaa Trip
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Boulogne-Sur-Mer (FR) Nausicaa Trip
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De Panne (BE) walk on the beach
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Again some great photos! Thanks. And my xmas pictures!
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Again some great photos! Thanks. And my xmas pictures!
You are welcome.
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Lunch train ride to Couvin (BE)
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Gone to Gouvy (BE)
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Trans Euro Trail - Netherlands - Part 1
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NAAAAIIICE!! :thumleft:
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End of the line - Virton (BE)
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Thanks!
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Frieze! :biggrin:
Sorry for bad (and probably wrong) pun, still in holiday mood. Lovely photo's, thank you!
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KustTram - De Panne to Knokke (BE)
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Frieze! :biggrin:
Sorry for bad (and probably wrong) pun, still in holiday mood. Lovely photo's, thank you!
Not so bad, in a heated train. :)
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Very evocative pictures. :thumleft: Well taken.
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Rainy day drive to Koblenz (DE)
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Rainy day drive to Koblenz (DE)
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Please give more information as to this picture:
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Also this one. A museum? The thirty year war?
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And this one. These two people must certainly tell a story.
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Your photos of the Rhine, and the confluence with the Moselle are magnificent.
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Also enjoying the atmospheric photo's. Would love to take a barge journey up the Rhine some time.
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Two star Michelin heaven - Bon Bon (Brussels)
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Please give more information as to this picture:
Exactly what I need - pots of money.
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That looks like an interesting meal :biggrin:
Thanks for the updates
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Please give more information as to this picture:
Exactly what I need - pots of money.
:thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:
Where I look at the pictures of the food, I see $$$$ (besides :drif: food).
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Royal Museum of Central Africa
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Is that last building the museum?! Impressive! And beautiful.
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I take it (assume) that that is Leopold II’s palace and his Congo legacy. Impressive indeed, that is the structure I mean.
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Is that last building the museum?! Impressive! And beautiful.
Congo paid for the museum. Maybe not the best legacy for Belgium. Just been renovated.
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King Leopold's Soliloquy: A Defense of His Congo Rule
By Mark Twain
https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~furrg/i2l/kls.html
The above is a thought provoking read (not very long)
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King Leopold's Soliloquy: A Defense of His Congo Rule
By Mark Twain
https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~furrg/i2l/kls.html
The above is a thought provoking read (not very long)
Quite long :lamer:
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King Leopold's Soliloquy: A Defense of His Congo Rule
By Mark Twain
https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~furrg/i2l/kls.html
The above is a thought provoking read (not very long)
Quite long :lamer:
I once did a course in speed reading. I read War and Peace in two hours.
It’s about Russia.
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King Leopold's Soliloquy: A Defense of His Congo Rule
By Mark Twain
https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~furrg/i2l/kls.html
The above is a thought provoking read (not very long)
I spent quite a lot of time on the Congo some years ago. About two years in all. And I was stationed in many parts of the Congo. The practice of chopping off hands / arms still persists. But now between factions, the belief being that if you have no hands you cannot make your mark on a ballot. No generation alive has seen peace, civil war and tribal factions have killed countless millions. I found it a stunningly beautiful, yet incredibly sad country.
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The museum was packed full. Congo still has a lasting impact on Belgian's.
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Fort de Loncin (Leige) - taken with a Big Bertha in August 1914
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Incredible the craters made by the shells. Yet so green. Difficult to imagine the utter destruction caused by those shells.
Welcome back. Missed your contributions.
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Incredible the craters made by the shells. Yet so green. Difficult to imagine the utter destruction caused by those shells.
Welcome back. Missed your contributions.
The Germans hit the fort's underground magazine, taking 250 solders lives whom are still buried under the crater.
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I like the fences with the timber droppers every 15cm that you see above the ramparts.
Costly, but pretty.
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Really enjoy these photo's. Beautiful and haunting.
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TET - Leuven (BE) Loop
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Is that you on that green mean machine?
The last picture looks like great fun. I envy you.
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Is that you on that green mean machine?
The last picture looks like great fun. I envy you.
Will stick to my orange (with lots of red and blue) KTM. A friend on a 250 having lots of fun.
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You also having fun. :thumleft: The pictures make another point touched on earlier, i.e. the carnage of WWI. From these pictures I glean a better understanding as to the mud situation / problem in WWI. A lot of what I’ve read is explained in these pictures.
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Oomssport Speed-skating clinic (NL)
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Oomssport Speed-skating clinic (NL)
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WTF is oomssport? By looking at the pictures you posted I can get the idea that it may involve young hot chicks with ooms sitting in the arena viewing them?
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Beaumont (BE) Spring ride
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That bit of forest track looks beautiful
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First bicycle ride of spring - Lac de la Plate Taille (BE)
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Beautiful day, and lovely photograph
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Dag van de motorrijder
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Nice!! Did you buy some discount clothing? :laughing4:
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I envy you being able to cycle in such lovely country side. :thumleft:
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Nice!! Did you buy some discount clothing? :laughing4:
No budget for clothing :(
Did buy a new chain and sprockets (€180). The front sprocket is starting to look like a windy day at the coast. Done nearly 200hrs.
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I envy you being able to cycle in such lovely country side. :thumleft:
The weather helps too.
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I envy you being able to cycle in such lovely country side. :thumleft:
The weather helps too.
You don't have that many sun shiny days, as in the pictures? More rain / wet days?
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I envy you being able to cycle in such lovely country side. :thumleft:
The weather helps too.
You don't have that many sun shiny days, as in the pictures? More rain / wet days?
It all depends when the sunny days fall. If on a weekend, just fantastic. Otherwise, not so nice.
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Moto-adapt ride (Ninove BE)
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Moto-adapt ride (Ninove BE)
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Moto-adapt ride (Ninove BE)
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Thanks for those pictures. Again well taken and saying a lot more than just depicting a scene.
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And this guy (apologies if he is related), he reminds me of the eighties band Dead or Alive (good band by the way) - but he does look a bit out of time and place.
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Just the kind of guy you want your daughter to bring home to visit from university ? ::)
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Just the kind of guy you want your daughter to bring home to visit from university ? ::)
Typical Belgium - a little behind the times :)
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That whole trip looks like it was huge fun! That muddy fall - happens to everyone :laughing4:
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Easter Festival in Kampenhout (BE)
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Easter Festival in Kampenhout (BE)
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Colourful! Seems to be more people in the parade than watching, but that is probably just the angle of the photo's.
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Colourful! Seems to be more people in the parade than watching, but that is probably just the angle of the photo's.
Not a lot of people. Was really for the village by the village.
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Easter ride around Diest (BE)
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Easter Egg Hunt at Royal Greenhouses - Brussels (BE)
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Easter Egg Hunt at Royal Greenhouses - Brussels (BE)
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Easter Egg Hunt at Royal Greenhouses - Brussels (BE)
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... WOOOW... it is beautiful!! :eek:
Thanks for the amazing photo's, I can almost feel the humidity.
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My 500's service record for around a years riding. All still good and nothing to complain about.
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You ride more in the limited time available to you than many people with much more good weather at their disposal... me being one of them :o
That said, I tried out my Yammy TTR230 on rougher terrain in the Northern Cape this past weekend and it was fun :ricky:
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You ride more in the limited time available to you than many people with much more good weather at their disposal... me being one of them :o
That said, I tried out my Yammy TTR230 on rougher terrain in the Northern Cape this past weekend and it was fun :ricky:
One never knows what the weather will change to. If the sun is shining, the bike is out, mostly. Lots to explore too.
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La Walloniac (Liège BE)
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La Walloniac (Liège BE)
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Beautiful - thanks. I wouldn't want to ride those muddy-looking tracks but they are very scenic
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Is that snow or hail or wool?
Beautiful countryside. Must be a pleasure to ride there. To quote Byron: There is a pleasure in the pathless woods
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Is that snow or hail or wool?
Beautiful countryside. Must be a pleasure to ride there. To quote Byron: There is a pleasure in the pathless woods
That is snow, in May. What is going on. Would summer just hurry up.
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Beautiful - thanks. I wouldn't want to ride those muddy-looking tracks but they are very scenic
Mud is not that bad to ride in. Like it better than deep sand. Does make a mess of everything. Wonder what my fork seals are looking like!
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Beautiful - thanks. I wouldn't want to ride those muddy-looking tracks but they are very scenic
Mud is not that bad to ride in. Like it better than deep sand. Does make a mess of everything. Wonder what my fork seals are looking like!
Deep mud is the worst. On both, one has no control, but mud is slippery on top of that! I've seen bikes speeding along in mud, and suddenly the back wheel steps out for no discernible reason.
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MCLB Oostrozebeke (BE)
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Yours? Beautiful. :thumleft:
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Yours? Beautiful. :thumleft:
Unfortunately, no. Just went for a ride. Very enjoyable. Not really for me though.
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National Belgium Enduro - Rocroi (FR)
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National Belgium Enduro - Rocroi (FR)
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Respect!
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Very well taken :thumleft: :thumleft:
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Which one of those mud riders is you?
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Which one of those mud riders is you?
The one deeper in trouble!
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Which one of those mud riders is you?
The one deeper in trouble!
:imaposer: :imaposer: :thumleft:
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Which one of those mud riders is you?
The one deeper in trouble!
:laughing4: Well done :ricky:
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Mountainbike ride - Everberg (BE)
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Besides the beauty that you have capture, I so wish I could smell those scenes.
Is it quiet where you had taken those pictures, meaning tranquillity and lack of noises as in high ways and hustle and bustle of nearby towns / cities?
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I could move there just for the forests - so serene and beautiful!!
Thanks for the lovely pics
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that pic of the row of trees stunning
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Besides the beauty that you have capture, I so wish I could smell those scenes.
Is it quiet where you had taken those pictures, meaning tranquillity and lack of noises as in high ways and hustle and bustle of nearby towns / cities?
The forests are normally dead quiet except for the sound of birds. Do find lots of people walking as well. Nature is appreciated and cherished. Was a national holiday so all the shops / business were closed. The best thing to do on a day like that.
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Mountainbike ride - Everberg (BE)
I can hear the stillness and the leaves rustle.
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Blankenberge (BE) beach walk
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Blankenberge (BE) beach walk
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A very relaxed life guard. Phone in hand, no life jacket, shades on – I suppose drownings are very uncommon. Or the beach goers are very well behaved.
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A beautiful wooden ship up there. That is something I miss very much here in SA, the presence of some grand old (and sometimes not so old) graceful multi-masted sailing ships. Thanks for that one. Please put up some more.
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A very relaxed life guard. Phone in hand, no life jacket, shades on – I suppose drownings are very uncommon. Or the beach goers are very well behaved.
One also cruised passed on the ocean. Very cool.
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Hobby Class - St Hubert (BE) Enduro
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Hobby Class - St Hubert (BE) Enduro
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From the first picture you posted, I get the impression that there are many, many participants. Hundreds? I am ignorant here, but I am “surprised” at how many bikes there are. It appears that these events are BIG in Belgium.
Very well taken pictures.
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From the first picture you posted, I get the impression that there are many, many participants. Hundreds? I am ignorant here, but I am “surprised” at how many bikes there are. It appears that these events are BIG in Belgium.
Very well taken pictures.
This is only enduro. Lots of motocross as well. This was a joint event with the Netherlands. Lots of organisation.
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All-Road Mollenrit (Millegem BE)
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Valenciennes and Cambrai (FR)
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Valenciennes and Cambrai (FR)
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Valenciennes and Cambrai (FR)
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That's a cute bijoux castle :thumleft:
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Do I detect a sliver of voyeurism? Or is it simply a well captured opportune moment?
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“Travellers” from Romania per chance?
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That's a cute bijoux castle :thumleft:
No man, it is Bronn's castle.
(..... what is a bijoux castle?)
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“Travellers” from Romania per chance?
;D
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Do I detect a sliver of voyeurism? Or is it simply a well captured opportune moment?
Waiting for the fall :peepwall:
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Waiting for the fall :peepwall:
:imaposer: Always the time honoured question between ethics and that perfect money shot.
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Splash, it looks like you are always on vacation. If you’re not riding bikes, you travel. :thumleft:
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Splash, it looks like you are always on vacation. If you’re not riding bikes, you travel. :thumleft:
Social media - what can I say. Anyone want to trade? Everything though! Am happy summer has arrived.
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That's a cute bijoux castle :thumleft:
No man, it is Bronn's castle.
(..... what is a bijoux castle?)
bijou (ˈbiːʒuː)
n, pl -joux (-ʒuːz)
1. something small and delicately worked, such as a trinket
2. (modifier) often ironic small but elegant and tasteful: a bijou residence.
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Chimay (BE) Enduro - Hobby Class
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Chimay (BE) Enduro - Hobby Class
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From your pictures I get the idea that these sports / adventures are big business over there. They are well attended and organised. To be honest, I did not think that there would be that many people participating (I did not think them to be that dare devilish) - seems like quite a misconception I had there.
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Your bike?
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From your pictures I get the idea that these sports / adventures are big business over there. They are well attended and organised. To be honest, I did not think that there would be that many people participating (I did not think them to be that dare devilish) - seems like quite a misconception I had there.
Unfortunately that also adds to the cost. Nothing is cheap. My Hobby class entry is €35 without any timing. This area is know for its enduro's. Around Lommel will be more motocross. They did confiscate 10 bikes around Antwerp's harbour nature area the other day.
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Your bike?
Slipper rocks and my gear lever did not hit it off well and the relationship fell apart!
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Your bike?
Slipper rocks and my gear lever did not hit it off well and the relationship fell apart!
Eish!
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Your bike?
Slipper rocks and my gear lever did not hit it off well and the relationship fell apart!
So.... you enjoyed it? :ricky:
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You can see that now how you want ;)
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Lierneux Enduro (BE) - Hobby class
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Lierneux Enduro (BE) - Hobby class
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Lierneux Enduro (BE) - Hobby class
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Lierneux Enduro (BE) - Hobby class
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Thanks again for some great action pictures and lovely scenery.
Do they give out trophies at these events? Do you have? Please show us.
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Now that looks like a blast!!
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Now that looks like a blast!!
Ready to buy a race bike. Was fantastic.
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Thanks again for some great action pictures and lovely scenery.
Do they give out trophies at these events? Do you have? Please show us.
Cruising around on my 500. Not sure I want to race the Alpha. Will more than likely make me look like a Zero. No, no trophies. Sorry.
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Summer time - Open water swimming - Lokeren (BE)
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Seems like a smallish turnout of mostly women, or is that just what caught your attention? :P
Did you participate?
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Seems like a smallish turnout of mostly women, or is that just what caught your attention? :P
Did you participate?
Did enter the swim - see attached proof :) - How it ended is another story.
OPEN WATER SWEM 2019
LOKEREN (BEL), 6/07/2019, OW
ZEILMEER
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Persoonlijke inschrijvingen:
----------------------------
4 5000 vrije slag NT
Opmerkingen:
------------
Hallo,
Je bent inschreven om deel te nemen aan de open water wedstrijd te Lokeren (Heilige Geest Molenstraat).
Meer info vind je op:
http://www.zwemfed.be/sites/default/files/totale_OW_brochure_2019_v2.pdf blad 14
Wees op tijd en haal je badmuts af bij Daniëlla
Je wordt ook verondersteld 15 min voor de start aanwezig te zijn!
Denk ook aan de komende wedstrijden en schrijf op tijd in.
Meer info; 0475
Veel succes,
Werner
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:laughing4:
Well done anyhow, must have still been chilly despite being summer :thumleft:
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Some good, talented Flemish women there. And they can swim!
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:laughing4:
Well done anyhow, must have still been chilly despite being summer :thumleft:
Not too bad - 22 Celsius.
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Some good, talented Flemish women there. And they can swim!
;D
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:laughing4:
Well done anyhow, must have still been chilly despite being summer :thumleft:
Not too bad - 22 Celsius.
The water?
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22 deg...that's like Durban's sea water. 8)
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22 deg...that's like Durban's sea water. 8)
Come to Florida, here the sea temp hits 28 - 30 deg :eek7: :biggrin:
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22 deg...that's like Durban's sea water. 8)
Come to Florida, here the sea temp hits 28 - 30 deg :eek7: :biggrin:
Goeie fok!!!!!!!! But....you have no surf there :patch:
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22 deg...that's like Durban's sea water. 8)
Come to Florida, here the sea temp hits 28 - 30 deg :eek7: :biggrin:
Goeie fok!!!!!!!! But....you have no surf there :patch:
true :deal:
except when a hurricane rolls through :ricky: :imaposer: :peepwall:
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Let the racing begin.
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Did you enter?
And do you know if the small print in French is the same as the English version?
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Did you enter?
And do you know if the small print in French is the same as the English version?
Signed up and praying for mercy.
Whatever the French say goes i.e. whatever the English say is of absolute no importance, always.
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Stairway to heaven
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Reminds me of Fiddler on the Roof's If I were a rich man:
There would be one long staircase just going up,
And one even longer coming down,
And one more leading nowhere, just for show.
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Walking around Zaventem (BE)
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Walking around Zaventem (BE)
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Beautiful pictures, once again. :thumleft:
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Looks as if blind drivers also exist in Belgium. And judging by what looks like rust marks on the tarmac, also town councils that are slow to maintain.
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Looks as if blind drivers also exist in Belgium. And judging by what looks like rust marks on the tarmac, also town councils that are slow to maintain.
Belgium's are apparently the worst drivers per accident statistics in the EU. No car of any age does not have some damage, including mine. It just happens. :)
They do not normally have stop signs at uncontrolled intersections. No need to stop, except if someone is approaching from the right.
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Looks as if blind drivers also exist in Belgium. And judging by what looks like rust marks on the tarmac, also town councils that are slow to maintain.
Belgium's are apparently the worst drivers per accident statistics in the EU. No car of any age does not have some damage, including mine. It just happens. :)
They do not normally have stop signs at uncontrolled intersections. No need to stop, except if someone is approaching from the right.
::)
Is remembering to slow down and check for traffic from the right maybe the problem? :imaposer:
Interesting photographs, enjoy looking at them. Also impressed with your diligent site-seeing and travels; I really need to up my home-tourist game.
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Fun day out in Brussels with Yvette and Steven
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Fun day out in Brussels with Yvette and Steven
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Can one get into this structure? Is it accessible on the inside? I have always wondered.
Are some of those pictures above taken inside it? Or from atop?
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Can one get into this structure? Is it accessible on the inside? I have always wondered.
Are some of those pictures above taken inside it? Or from atop?
They have a lift in the middle which goes up to the middle ball. Escalators service the lower balls. Very impressive structure. Very well attended to - lots of tourists.
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Zeebrugge (BE) Ocean Swim
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Zeebrugge (BE) Ocean Swim
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Not too many swimming. A bit cold perhaps?
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Not too many swimming. A bit cold perhaps?
I did not mind - warm enough for me. :)
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Personally I prefer swimming in cold water. I find it healthier and far more invigorating. People are also far less likely to urinate or copulate in cold water seas.
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Personally I prefer swimming in cold water. I find it healthier and far more invigorating. People are also far less likely to urinate or copulate in cold water seas.
Cold to a point - Cape Town is very cold.
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Guess what I got. :)
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Skommel trommel in Afrikaans!
Nice!
I chuck a matress in the back of mine and off we go!
Enjoy!
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A mobile sound studio!!! Wow! :thumleft:
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Romain's tour of Stavelot (BE)
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Romain's tour of Stavelot (BE)
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Francorchamps Total 24 Hour
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Francorchamps Total 24 Hour
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Francorchamps Total 24 Hour
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Great stuff! I envy you. The pictures tell so much.
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Great stuff! I envy you. The pictures tell so much.
A brilliant weekend. Thanks to a good friend, Romain.
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A brilliant weekend. Thanks to a good friend, Romain.
You are very fortunate. And you make the best of it. Looks like GREAT fun and enjoyment. What a privilege. :thumleft: :thumleft:
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Guess what I got. :)
Hey, wheels for your wheels! Congratulations! :thumleft:
Also enjoyed the photographs, thanks :biggrin:
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All very interesting, thanks for sharing! I want to say make the best of your being there but it is very evident that you are! :thumleft:
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All very interesting, thanks for sharing! I want to say make the best of your being there but it is very evident that you are! :thumleft:
Yes. Feeling it today.
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All-road around Waterloo (BE)
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All-road around Waterloo (BE)
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Been following your thread since the beginning- really dig the photo's. I've enjoyed my couple of visits to Belgium - not a bad place at all.
You were over there on a contract if I remember? Have you managed to stay permanently now?
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Been following your thread since the beginning- really dig the photo's. I've enjoyed my couple of visits to Belgium - not a bad place at all.
You were over there on a contract if I remember? Have you managed to stay permanently now?
You are correct. My two years would have come to an end at the end of August. Luckily, have signed an offer for a permanent position. The result being able to buy a panel van etc. All good. Loving Belgium and the people. My french still needs lots of work.
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Waterloo! There I have been. Beautiful pictures.
I am very happy to hear of your permanent position. :thumleft: :thumleft:
All the best and keep the pictures coming.
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I bought this there, as a child somewhere in the previous century. Still have it, but much faded as can be seen.
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Been following your thread since the beginning- really dig the photo's. I've enjoyed my couple of visits to Belgium - not a bad place at all.
You were over there on a contract if I remember? Have you managed to stay permanently now?
You are correct. My two years would have come to an end at the end of August. Luckily, have signed an offer for a permanent position. The result being able to buy a panel van etc. All good. Loving Belgium and the people. My french still needs lots of work.
Well done!
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I bought this there, as a child somewhere in the previous century. Still have it, but much faded as can be seen.
Has been completely renovated. Very impressive. A big hit with British tourists.
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I bought this there, as a child somewhere in the previous century. Still have it, but much faded as can be seen.
Did you climb all the steps to the top?
I have a very similar lil flag thingy somewhere in my stuff. Bought last time I was at Waterloo in 1981. Must find it.
Splash, congrats on yr permanence. Next step citizenship ( if not already)
Been thinking of moving back to Belgium to rh e Ardennes region, wife vetos it. Well, til my lad finishes school in 2026.
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I bought this there, as a child somewhere in the previous century. Still have it, but much faded as can be seen.
Did you climb all the steps to the top?
I have a very similar lil flag thingy somewhere in my stuff. Bought last time I was at Waterloo in 1981. Must find it.
Yes. I still had lots of energy back then. Hadn’t discovered nicotine and alcohol yet. I trust you will find your banner. :thumleft:
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I bought this there, as a child somewhere in the previous century. Still have it, but much faded as can be seen.
Has been completely renovated. Very impressive. A big hit with British tourists.
And Swedish musicians.
Then I must make a plan to visit again.
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I bought this there, as a child somewhere in the previous century. Still have it, but much faded as can be seen.
Did you climb all the steps to the top?
I have a very similar lil flag thingy somewhere in my stuff. Bought last time I was at Waterloo in 1981. Must find it.
Splash, congrats on yr permanence. Next step citizenship ( if not already)
Been thinking of moving back to Belgium to rh e Ardennes region, wife vetos it. Well, til my lad finishes school in 2026.
Only been two years. Would one call it the honeymoon period? Still, am very happy and enjoying my new life.
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Only been two years. Would one call it the honeymoon period? Still, am very happy and enjoying my new life.
You've certainly settled in nicely :thumleft:
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Awesome news on getting the permanent position! :thumleft:
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Only been two years. Would one call it the honeymoon period? Still, am very happy and enjoying my new life.
Heyyyyy congratulations!! It's very evident that you are happy there, and seems you've made some great friends. Definitely a good decision to stay.
Keep on enjoying, and keep on posting lovely photographs :deal:
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Only been two years. Would one call it the honeymoon period? Still, am very happy and enjoying my new life.
Heyyyyy congratulations!! It's very evident that you are happy there, and seems you've made some great friends. Definitely a good decision to stay.
Keep on enjoying, and keep on posting lovely photographs :deal:
Thank you. Hope my body can keep up.
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Only been two years. Would one call it the honeymoon period? Still, am very happy and enjoying my new life.
Heyyyyy congratulations!! It's very evident that you are happy there, and seems you've made some great friends. Definitely a good decision to stay.
Keep on enjoying, and keep on posting lovely photographs :deal:
Thanks you. Hope my body can keep up.
:laughing4:
Shouldn't be a problem - as long as you keep up the running and the swimming and the riding :ricky:
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Yamaha Training Centre - Helecine (BE)
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Yamaha Training Centre - MX Helecine (BE)
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Yamaha Training Centre - MX Helecine (BE)
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Flanders Speedo Open Water Cup
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Yamaha Training Centre - MX Helecine (BE)
I'll just go round and round, with no intention of finishing.
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Is that you in the blue Allstars outfit, jumping all over the place? Body seems to be holding up well enough :ricky: :lol8:
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2nd Dodentocht - Bornem (BE)
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2nd Dodentocht - Bornem (BE)
:hello2: :headbang:
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2nd Dodentocht - Bornem (BE)
Dodentocht? Like a death march/run?
Congratulations! People look amazingly chill - is that before or after?
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2nd Dodentocht - Bornem (BE)
Dodentocht? Like a death march/run?
Congratulations! People look amazingly chill - is that before or after?
Definitely before. After was just a need for my bed.
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How much time do you need to finish a death run, and how many are organised a year, considering this is your 2nd one?
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How much time do you need to finish a death run, and how many are organised a year, considering this is your 2nd one?
The maximum time is 24 hours but they extended it a little bit this year. They had 13 000 competitors. Not sure about other events and do not really need to do more. Once a years is crazy enough. In the Netherlands they have a 200km event, the Vierdaagse.
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Belgium ghost town - Doel
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Belgium ghost town - Doel
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Belgium ghost town - Doel
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Verdronke Land van Saeftinghe (NL)
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Verdronke Land van Saeftinghe (NL)
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Belgium ghost town - Doel
Very interesting spooky. Any background? It looks well maintained. What happened?
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Now that looks spooky!
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Belgium ghost town - Doel
Very interesting spooky. Any background? It looks well maintained. What happened?
Next door to a very old nuclear power plant. People just left.
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How much time do you need to finish a death run, and how many are organised a year, considering this is your 2nd one?
The maximum time is 24 hours but they extended it a little bit this year. They had 13 000 competitors. Not sure about other events and do not really need to do more. Once a years is crazy enough. In the Netherlands they have a 200km event, the Vierdaagse.
Yes, the 4daagse is a massive one here in NL. Dedication to finish that...
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
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Belgium ghost town - Doel
Smoking the cemetery... DIY exorcism?
Amazingly neat and no broken windows - in SA it would all be rubble by now :'(
The town is turning into an outdoor art space.
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Belgium ghost town - Doel
Smoking the cemetery... DIY exorcism?
Amazingly neat and no broken windows - in SA it would all be rubble by now :'(
The town is turning into an outdoor art space.
We all pay a tax to our religion of choice and these funds are used to keep these facilities in good order. May actually be worth it.
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Open Water Swim "De Ster" St. Niklaas (BE)
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Pajottenland all-road (Baardegem BE)
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Pajottenland all-road (Baardegem BE)
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Great fun and enjoyment.
Respect.
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... suffering some serious height-envy... :-[
That gate and cow pic is funny :biggrin:
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Koninklijke Brugse Zwemkring Open Water (Brugge BE)
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Koninklijke Brugse Zwemkring Open Water (Brugge BE)
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Ouffet (BE) Enduro - Walking special tests
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Ouffet (BE) Enduro - Walking special tests
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The water events you referred to earlier made me think of this – this is somewhere in France (maybe even close to Belgium). Combining biking and water. You have similar there in Belgium?
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The water events you referred to earlier made me think of this – this is somewhere in France (maybe even close to Belgium). Combining biking and water. You have similar there in Belgium?
No not exactly. But, in the Netherlands they have a beach race that I have watched. Very impressive. Will see what I do next year. Looks like fun but not good for the bike.
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One of those "special walks" photo's looks like a stand-off between the bikers and the walkers. When was the ride? Looks like serious business, although beautiful through the woods.
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One of those "special walks" photo's looks like a stand-off between the bikers and the walkers. When was the ride? Looks like serious business, although beautiful through the woods.
Those were officials. Busy timing the test. Overall they gave us 80 minutes to complete a loop. Was great for me as I had enough time to eat and drink something after each lap. Five laps becomes a long day. Race from 10:12 to latest 16:52.
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Brugse Zwemdoortocht (BE)
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Dinant Moto Club - Evrehailles (BE)
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I love these two!
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Dinant Moto Club - Evrehailles (BE)
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Dinant Moto Club - Evrehailles (BE)
Great action pictures, but just too busy for my current state of mind.
EDIT: the first set. The second set is far more rustic :thumleft:. That I like.
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I love these two!
Thanks. :)
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Very beautiful and serene. Good eye :thumleft:
The racing looks like fun :)
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Very beautiful and serene. Good eye :thumleft:
The racing looks like fun :)
Have a very committed enduro community - pity my French is seriously lacking.
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Very beautiful and serene. Good eye :thumleft:
The racing looks like fun :)
Have a very committed enduro community - pity my French is seriously lacking.
Ne parlez-vous pas français? And you've been there 2+ years :o
I'm surprised it's not a prerequisite for living there. Next update in french please :deal:
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What's that river water like to swim in? Clean?
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Very beautiful and serene. Good eye :thumleft:
The racing looks like fun :)
Have a very committed enduro community - pity my French is seriously lacking.
I'm surprised it's not a prerequisite for living there.
hah hah.....try telling that to the Flemish,,,,,
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What's that river water like to swim in? Clean?
Very good. Not spring water. It is tested and is way within safety limits - definitely no smell or strange taste. If things do go wrong they will cancel the race.
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That's good to hear that they care for the rivers!
Temperature?
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That's good to hear that they care for the rivers!
Temperature?
Around 19C - not too bad.
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Balmy!
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Must admit, I've never really enjoyed fresh water swimming. If you're used to the sea, the lack of buoyancy of the fresh stuff comes as quite a surprise!
But, good to see that it seems to have a good participation / following over there.
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Enduro Erize-La-Petite (FR)
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Enduro Erize-La-Petite (FR)
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Looks like it was / could be fun!
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Sherco Demo Day.
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Relaxed Sunday ride from Bekkevoort (BE).
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Now that is life! Trees, bikes, beers and good company. C'est la vie :thumleft:
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Now that is life! Trees, bikes, beers and good company. C'est la vie :thumleft:
Agreed :biggrin:
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Track walk - Walcourt Enduro (BE)
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Track walk - Walcourt Enduro (BE)
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What is the idea with the crosses being put up?
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What is the idea with the crosses being put up?
Washing lines.
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What is the idea with the crosses being put up?
Washing lines.
:)
For time recording from transponders on our bikes - saves having to dig cables in the ground or just riding over them.
http://www.time-sportauto.be (http://www.time-sportauto.be)
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What is the idea with the crosses being put up?
Washing lines.
:imaposer:
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Race Day - Walcourt Enduro (BE)
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Bilderberg Kasteel - Vaalsbroek (NL)
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Bilderberg Kasteel - Vaalsbroek (NL)
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I can live with that. Great picture by the way.
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Is that a braai, Belgian style?
And that is what is to be braaied?
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Is that a braai, Belgian style?
And that is what is to be braaied?
Insane team building that I passed on.
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Is that a braai, Belgian style?
And that is what is to be braaied?
Insane team building that I passed on.
Thou art wise beyond the years.
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Geeco Ride (Opwijk BE)
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Geeco Ride (Opwijk BE)
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Sjoooo this one looks a bit hectic! Huge fun then :biggrin:
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Indeed. It looks like a serious (SAS style) obstacle course.
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I like the number plate on the back of the rucksack. The law is the law I suppose.
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Wet KTM Day (Eindhoven NL)
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Cute!! How old is that 125?
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Cute!! How old is that 125?
Sorry, beyond my knowledge. Looked "old".
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Hoe lekker eet daai man friet of patat met.... :drif:
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Cute!! How old is that 125?
Sorry, beyond my knowledge. Looked "old".
Yes, vintage styling but wow, MINT condition by the looks of it!
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Sub
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Beta MY20 Testdag
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Beta MY20 Testdag
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Cool pitchas :thumleft: :thumleft:
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Agreed, that second photo of the bike ramping the rocks is fantastic!
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Oosterhout (NL) Walk
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The map I understand. It puts me in the picture. :thumleft:
The soup looks delicious and is very well captured. :thumleft:
The walk in the forest - couldn’t be better. The tree fungi create a semi fairy tale atmosphere. :thumleft:
But wtf the golf?! Golf is a perfect way to screw up a lovely walk in the park. :patch:
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Haha for me the soup is the wtf one. What soup is that, and why capture it :laughing4:
Love the fungi on the tree, something I would also have captured to later wtf? about.
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Haha for me the soup is the wtf one. What soup is that, and why capture it :laughing4:
Love the fungi on the tree, something I would also have captured to later wtf? about.
As long as the soup and fungi are not related I am happy. Beautiful golf course, or so I think.
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Mattighofen (AU) - KTM Factory
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Golf course is indeed emerald splendour :thumleft:
That sunset in the last photo though :drif:
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Mountain biked Holesberg (AT)
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Beautiful pictures, especially the first one. :thumleft:
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Beautiful pictures, especially the first one. :thumleft:
Was surprised too.
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Beautiful pictures, especially the first one. :thumleft:
Ditto, although I prefer last one. :thumleft:
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Salzburg (AT) - In the sun
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KTM Motohall (Mattighofen AT)
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Salzburg (AT) - In the sun
:drif: :drif: :drif:
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Now that IS a KTM I won't mind having!
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Smiled at the Spar shop on the ground floor of Mozart's birthplace. Didn't know they were international.
Why do they have those models posed on the KTM bikes? Is it similar to Tussaud's, where a famous rider is modelled with is bike?
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Smiled at the Spar shop on the ground floor of Mozart's birthplace. Didn't know they were international.
Why do they have those models posed on the KTM bikes? Is it similar to Tussaud's, where a famous rider is modelled with is bike?
They have a story about each rider, rather than just a winning bike.
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Hangar-7 (Salzburg AT)
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Cable car ride (Kitzbuhel AT)
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In all honesty I did not know (would not have thought so either) that Austria had an air force. I know they had a navy. Till fairly recently and it used to be a quite powerful navy (when ships were still made of wood).
Quiz:
Why is the Austrian flag RED, WHITE, RED?
So that they know which side comes top.
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Beautiful pictures!
Would that be a selfie? In KTM orange.
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Really beautiful there. I have a friend who emigrated to Austria and lives in Vienna. I went to visit once. Lovely country.
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Really beautiful there. I have a friend who emigrated to Austria and lives in Vienna. I went to visit once. Lovely country.
Agreed.
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Congratulations Kenneth - Opening IJsbaan de Piste (Kortrijk BE)
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Now would that be a cold or a warm beer? And looking at all the beer mats, would that be the how manieth? (also not ignoring the smiles on the faces)
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Definitely cold beer. No other way.
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Getzen Rodeo - Drebach DE
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Did you ride, or only spectate?
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Did you ride, or only spectate?
Spectating :)
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Getzen Rodeo (Dreback DE)
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Getzen Rodeo (Dreback DE)
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Good action shots :thumleft:
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Sommer so tussen deur die bome. With bottle-necks. That is mos a recipe for disaster. With so many bikes involved. Nobody checking beforehand? Some overriding rules or regulations? Or common sense? Bikes cutting in. Any form of vetting of participants before? Anybody vetted the course?
Parts remind me of Mad Max. Something I would have loved as a sixteen year old. Who’s having more fun? The participants or the spectators? For whom is the risk greater? (hey, I lost my bike, anybody seen it). Is this your bike, can you identify it? Fortunately no trees were damaged during the race.
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Sommer so tussen deur die bome. With bottle-necks. That is mos a recipe for disaster. With so many bikes involved. Nobody checking beforehand? Some overriding rules or regulations? Or common sense? Bikes cutting in. Any form of vetting of participants before? Anybody vetted the course?
Parts remind me of Mad Max. Something I would have loved as a sixteen year old. Who’s having more fun? The participants or the spectators? For whom is the risk greater? (hey, I lost my bike, anybody seen it). Is this your bike, can you identify it? Fortunately no trees were damaged during the race.
I think this is exactly the way the competitors what it. Otherwise, they would be doing nothing much, except maybe trashing stuff.