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Monday, August 7

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As usual Anneke had set the table the night before. After breakfast, we left for Bokrijk, an open-air museum of historical buildings from across Flanders which presents the history of rural life in the region about 1900. A recreated Hesbaye Village.

This was near the city of Genk, in the province of Limburg.

One of the first things we saw was this old Opel pickup truck.

Our first stop was an old farm.

The lady of the house was coming outside with some potato skins she had cooked for the pigs.

She proceeded to wash some clothing on an old scrub board. She told us why the soap she was using was the best.

The younger lady entered the scene and argued with her about the best soap. The older woman said, “I am older and richer – so I am right.” About that time the older woman’s husband walked up to them saying that he was insulted because someone in the neighborhood accused him of poaching.

He said, “I am the richest farmer in the village, why would I poach a cow,”

Inside the barn.

Inside the house the older woman was in the kitchen preparing lunch.

Telling us about her day.

These beds make me thankful for our modern-day beds.

The bedroom washbowl.

As we moved on, we met the farmer who was working in their garden. He asked if any of us wanted to help him. We said, “No, we are on vacation.” He didn’t think that was a good excuse.

A stack of hay.

The schoolmaster was telling us that it was time for school by ringing his bell. The policeman and priest were standing nearby.

These desks weren’t made for adults.

August 7, 1900.

Welcoming us to school.

Using his slate to teach a lesson in memorization.

Apparently, Cerwin missed a question, so he received a dunce hat – a pair of donkey ears so the other children could make fun of him.

Then he held up a long red tongue. He said that is for the student who talked too much. I raised my hand and said, “That would be me.” Consequently, I received the red tongue so the students could make fun of me.

I forget what Rebekka did, but she had to kneel and put her knees in a pair of wooden shoes and hold rocks above her head. She said it was rather painful.

When school was over, he showed us the tiny house (which was attached to the schoolhouse) where he and his wife lived. He was in 1900 mode, meaning you couldn’t talk about anything in today’s world.

Washbowls and their bed.

A village woman talking to the parish priest.

Inside the chapel.

Outside there were cross gravestones.

A village house.

Our next stop was the inn where we got lunch.

We went inside where he offered us soup and bread. Zucchini or tomato soup. I captured him in a surprise moment. He was quite genial and friendly.

Guests could choose an inside or outside table.

We chose outside. I chose zucchini soup. It was quite delicious.

Delicious European breads are usually served with soup.

We enjoyed watching a few goats while we ate.

A tile and grass roof.

Grass rooves are still used today. Notice the grass growing on the roof and next to the chimney.

There were many thriving gardens in the village.

A shepherd and his Border Collie watched over the sheep.

The sheep were quite tame and friendly.

The four of us in front of the windmill.

I wanted a picture of us with a windmill in the background.

Wildflowers

Another farm.

This farm had a lot of Batam (Bantie) chickens and roosters.

The lady of this house (the young woman we met at the first farm) was making lunch for the village policeman and a village woman. I expect she had a position in the village, but we didn’t learn what it was.

Her bedroom included a small table.

A barn.

Interior of a farmhouse.

A field of wildflowers.

Queen Anne’s Lace is always a favorite of mine. I remember when my mom introduced me to it when I was a girl.

I was quite interested in seeing a real windmill which were used to grind grains.

Inside.

From there we walked to a ’60s village that was at the far end of the historical buildings. Rebekka was interested in this.

Flemish work horses. Both of these are male.

Things from the 1960s.

This brought memories. My first typewriter looked like this. However, mine was beige.

A ’60s kitchen

A car from the ’60s.

Heading back to the older part of the village.

A great view of the windmill.

Interesting fungi along the path.

I love fences.

Another view of the windmill.

We had spent the week doing a lot of walking – many times on cobblestone – so we decided to see the rest of the village on a horse-drawn carriage. It is more difficult to walk on cobblestone than on a flat walkway.

The horse got some carrots before we left.

Our drivers.

Anneke and Hans enjoying the scenery.

This pig had the run of the orchard.

After the half-hour carriage ride, we stopped for coffee and a snack.

We made a good choice in this apple dessert.

Next to the restaurant, there was a large craft building when anyone could register to learn a craft. Painting, bread-baking, pottery, etc.

Pottery

Painted bags drying on a wash line.

This is what it looked like when standing under a grass roof. It is quite thick. Something like 12″.

Visiting a typical middle-class home.

The kitchen.

My favorite part was the garden.

Purple tomatoes.

The shepherd was in the process of moving the sheep, with the capable assistance of his Border Collie.

Our last stop was to look back at the village with the windmill in the background.

It was about 6:30 pm when we got home. Hans and Rebekka went to a neighborhood restaurant for a supper of fries, chicken and sausage.

The neighborhood ducks came for a visit.

Our trip today took us almost due west.

I can’t believe this would be our last time to sleep in Belgium.