Villers Abbey -

This weekend, we were blessed with fantastic weather on Saturday.  It was predicted most of the week that the weather would be nice for the weekend, but I really don't trust the meteorologist around here.  Nothing personal, but probably 80% of the time the forecast is way off, so  I usually don't bother checking.  My typical M.O. these days is assume cold and rain, then when the weather is actually nice it is such a splendid surprise.  Seriously, I'm not a cynic...just being realistic!

This time, the weather guys had it right so we made plans to go to Villers Abbey in the commune of Villers-la-Ville, Belgium.  This little gem is located about 40 minutes south of Brussels.  The abbey was founded in the 12th Century and remained a functioning abbey until 1796 when it was abandonded during the French Revolution. 

The kids thoroughly enjoyed this trip.  It was the perfect distance away, plenty of open space to run around and you could climb on everything!  What more could they ask for?

It was refreshing to be at a historic site where the kids were allowed to run and explore without employees running them off.  I guess they determine if the abbey has lasted for 850 years, then these little guys climbing around a bit can't do too much damage!

Here is Drew giving his best Buzz Lightyear impersonation - arms raised, prentending he is about to take off flying.

For this visit, we rented two audio guide machines and the kids LOVED it!  The guides were only 2 euro each and it was so worth it.  The experience was definitely enriched and it helped keep the children's interest.  Little tid-bits we learned included- 1) the monks only ate once a day in winter and twice a day other times of the year, 2) they had 4 of their own prison cells on site, which were mentioned by Victor Hugo in Les Miserables and 3) they brewed three types of beer - of which they reserved the strongest for themselves only!!

In the photo above, we were on the second floor of a hostel of sorts just outside the gatehouse entry to the abbey courtyard.  Monks would allow men to stay here for a brief time in a dormatory type setting.  It was funny to think we were walking around on grass and dirt where people used to sleep hundreds of years ago.

Here are a few of our favorite shots from the day:

The interior of the main church building.  The circular windows were placed specifically to create patterns on the floor that would change with the seasons.

The picture below shows the entrance to the main cathedral on the left.

And finally, the trio.  They are becoming expert travelers and it was such a joy to see them exploring and enjoying learning about a different aspect of European life.

We would highly recommend Villers Abbey and can't wait to go back when it is warmer this Spring!