Tongeren Antique Market For Mother's Day...Sweet!

When Russ asked me what I wanted to do for Mother's Day this year, it was a very easy decision. I've been wanting to go to Tongeren... forever! I've been there once before, but it was just after I moved here, and not only was I still jet lagged, it was raining. I didn't get to truly savor the Tongeren experience. Yes, Tongeren is a beautiful old city full of historical significance. (In fact, she's the oldest city in all of Belgium - 1915 BC). That's not why I was so excited to get back there, though. Tongeren is also home to an amazing Antique/Thrift Market. Each Sunday, from 6 am to 1pm, vendors set up stalls all over the streets in the centrum and sell antiques. It's better than chocolate. Well, almost better. Let's just say it's a pretty close tie! We left the kiddies at home and took off on our adventure. Just walking around the city is a wonderful experience. This little outdoor cafe was beautiful. You can sit outside, enjoy the sun and watch the ducks and swans float by. Very relaxing. We're not here to relax, though. We're here...to SHOP!Vendors line the streets, displaying their magical wares. Whatever you're looking for, you can find it in Tongeren. They have every antique imaginable, from furniture...to books...to games...to dishes...to locks...to tools.... You name it, and someone here will have it for you. There are also some hidden surprises here. Follow along with the other shoppers, and they will eventually lead you to two parking garages. They are on the same street as each other, so once you find one, the other is close by. Why do you want to see a parking garage? Because on Sundays, they are FILLED with antique vendors. It tends to rain a lot in Belgium, so they have the choice real estate at the Market. The weather was so gorgeous today, though, I had a hard time staying inside. We took a break from shopping and wandered over to say HI to Ambiorix. He helped to defend Belgium against Julius Caesar. He's quite the hero in these parts. Caesar even mentioned Ambiorix in his Commentary de Bello Gallco, Caesar's account of the Gallic Wars. I don't think he mentioned those 6 pack abs, though. Ambiorix is facing the Basilica of Our Lady. This building is on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Roman ruins have been found on the site of the cathedral, and people claim that the first chapel was built here in the early 4th century. The current building was first constructed in 1240, but she's had a little work done since then, due to damage from battles, storms and fire. We decided to relax at an outdoor cafe to enjoy a delicious cup of cappuccino, when out of no where...we heard music! A few minutes later, this marching band appeared and played us a lively tune as they strolled by. Once around the corner, they disappeared again, and the streets were quiet. I told you Tongeren was a magical place. Refreshed, we started off once again on our antique adventure. Those are the old city walls on the right. This is one of the old gates in the city walls. It's in great condition. If you find this gate, take a look to your left and you'll find...Antique Alley. It's a fascinating little alley way filled with antique shops, and their goods are literally spilling over into the walk way. Be sure to head down there and explore. After a fantastic morning exploring Tongeren, we headed back home, ate lunch, and took off to have some fun at a local carnival. Brandon really wanted to check it out. They had some great rides!

This one came with a great view, as well.

Brandon's favorite thing about these street carnivals is the shooting booths. They have pellet guns, and you get to shoot targets like balloons and plastic pieces to earn prizes. In the states, they would never just hand a kid a pellet gun in a crowded area, but they are much more relaxed over here. He did great and came home with a couple of fun prizes.

Everyone was coming out, enjoying the beautiful weather and checking out the games. The local towns put these carnivals on all summer long. Today was a fantastic Mother's Day! I couldn't have asked for anything more. I hope yours was just as great!