Louvain-la-Neuve (LLN)

Another cold morning to wake up to, not frost (thank goodness) but lots of wind the night before. After breakfast we made lunches for ourselves and went for the bus to take us to LLN, on our arrival  saw many students and people walking around with luggage cases and I could even see how bored someone had been as they had made space invaders on their windows out of post-it notes.

We walked through the town towards the Musèe Hergè or Hergè Museum, the writer and artist of the comic book hero TinTin (or Totor in French). Through the museum you see parts of TinTin's home as well as the influences behind the characters. You learn about Hergès childhood and early work and characters; as well as his early works you also get an inside look at the main characters of the Tin Tin stories as well as the main villains. An entire room is full of artifacts that were featured in the 24 adventures that have been published. This same room also reveals how Hergè meticulously researched the backgrounds and histories  of all the countries and cultures that Tin Tin would encounter.
Ofcourse where would TinTin be without his faithful sidekick Snowy or Milou, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus, Thomson and Thompson and Bianca Castafiore. Each Character has a display that tracks their development through the years and has explanations from Hergè himself explaining the little characteristics and quirks that each of them have. 
When you purchase your ticket (€9.50 for an adult €5 for children aged 7-14) you are also entitled to a free chocolate and hot drink if claimed before 12. The museum opens around 10:30 most days and is well worth a look. They do have a gift store and I did get myself a small Milou toy; my only complaint about it would be that they don't allow any photography within the rooms.


The winter Christmas markets also opened today in LLN, hot mulled wine and fresh baked breads and meats available as well as clothing (scarfs, jackets) and other fresh produce is available (jams, conserves and other yummy things). 
Wandering through the markets there were many stalls selling hot mulled wine (and many people who had had a few too many glasses). There were many stalls selling clothing and scarves (for varying prices) lots of jams, conserves, meats and cheese as well as honey and lots and lots of sweets (the sweet stall was amazing, there was so much choice. I resisted the temptation). We had a chocolate waffle from one of the regular shops in LLN so I have had a Belgian waffle in Belgium; it was amazing, and only cost €2). I got my cousin Mia some earrings and myself two pashmina and silk scarves for €20 so I'll be warm next winter. One of the other exchange students is leaving soon for Argentina so we've had lots of people over for a farewell dinner. The Argentinians are loud but all are speaking either Spanish or French so its all going over my head. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Brussels tomorrow and will write of the adventures tomorrow.