2.5 the ups and downs of Liege

Today was our first full day and Liege. It had lots of ups and downs, literally. We woke up late and had a lazy breakfast before heading out to a famous landmark in Liege, "Montagne de Buerren". Built in 1881 to honour 600 soldiers who had died in battle.  It has 374 steps and was built to allow soldiers access to the town from the hilltop citadel.  The citadel was originally built in the 11th century by the Romans. "What have the Romans ever done?"  Well aqueducts and citadels!!!

The kids launched into the challenge with trademark enthusiasm. "Really, you want us to walk up that?"  "Why?" And my favourite "what have stairs ever done?" 

Once at the top you can see the sense of achievement on Kate's face!!😤😤

We walked around the top of the hill and back down a lovely little cobbled track before hitting some shops. We got a tent for when we see the tour, a fake water polo ball to throw at each other, some pull back cars for ed, and nearly bought a genuine Liege Kangaroo. 

We had then earned our first waffles for the day. Fromboise (raspberry) sugar and some other fruit product. Yum!,

We went home, had lunch before Mark headed out on an up and down ride, (see seperate entry) Sal thought it would be fun, like hitting you hand with a hammer is fun, to learn how to crochet with some cheap crochet kits we picked up shopping. The good news is that everyone survived the experience alive, but with a few tears. 

To recover the crochet combatants went shopping and headed to the chocolate shop.  Holly had found it on the internet before we left home so it was nice  to find it was really good when we got here. Darcis chocolatier. More yum. 

It was then sit and relax time before heading out to tea.  The kids really wanted to do some more walking (not) so we went looking for dinner and walking some more.  The place Sally had really wanted to go to only served light meals, but plenty of beer brewed on site. Mark was happy to stay because of this but we opted for a real restaurant.  We found the mussels that Kate and Dad had really wanted and the liege meatballs for Sal.  All super yum.  Followed by another walk, and more waffles to share.  Hey it's Belgium! So lots of walking, 18,371 steps and plenty of Belgian treats.